August 11 2008

Radiant Heating: GCS Modular Radiant Flooring Panels

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GCS Radiant Flooring is a modular, hydronic radiant floor system which is designed for easy installation, simplified maintenance and energy efficiency. Like most energy efficient radiant floor systems, GCS panels heat space using a network of plastic tubes circulating preheated water (or a glycol/water solution). Think of this system as a grid of pre-milled slots designed to hold the hot water tubes in place under the finished floor. What makes these panels unique is their manageable size, easy installation and energy efficiency.

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GCS Radiant Inc. claims that installation can be done by as few as one person, with a recommendation of two. Each panel is a sandwich of concrete and a plastic substrate molded to receive the hydronic tubing. Units are small enough to be easily handled by installers and are fastened by only four screws. If there are any problems with the hydronic tubes the affected panels can easily be removed (unscrewed) to make repairs. This is not the case with hydronic systems poured into slabs, as the slabs must be cut to reach the tubing.

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Panels are also designed to spread heat evenly within the substrate. The concrete mix in each unit is able to absorb and spread the heat effectively and creates more thermal lag in the space, leading to more even heating and reducing the number of cold areas on the floor where tubing does not occur. The accompanying images show thermal characteristics of the radiant floor units.

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It is encouraging to see material manufacturers submit their products for this type of testing and evaluation. It appears as though GCS Radiant Inc. has allowed data about heat movement in concrete surfaces to affect the design of their units. The result is a modular radiant floor system with the benefits of both and accessible and a poured concrete slab radiant system.

For more information visit GCS Radiant Inc.

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7 Comments

August 12th, 2008 at 1:41 PM

Radiant Floor Heat

This is a good article that shows how the floor panels work. People are slowly starting to rediscover radiant heat.

January 20th, 2009 at 3:15 AM

Mary Wynne

I have personally purchased and installed GCS panels. The product is extremely inconsistent. The display model shown is nothing like the actual product that was delivered. The trays were unevenly filled, and not square to install. The product was puported to be able to install tile over the trays, but in reality, the trays are so unevenly filled, they prohibit the use of tile over them and limit the coverings that can be used. GCS does not back up the product. They refuse to replace he pieces. They acknowledge the defective workmanship and refuse to rectify the situation. They do not deliver on time and they do not complete a pre-paid order. In my entire experience of working with a manufacturer, I have not mey anyone as unscrupulous as the owner of this company. Although an excellent idea, I suggest you look furthur and save yourself headache and disappointment with this product.

January 26th, 2009 at 3:39 AM

jonasrisen

Thanks for the comment. I'll make sure to research this company a little more before I spec them on a project. I agree though that the idea is good...

January 27th, 2009 at 4:01 AM

Sandy

I'm sorry to hear about your experience, especially as I have a few palettes waiting for installation. I have to say I did find them to be responsive, but that was in making the sale...so we'll see. For installation, did you place a reflective barrier under the product? Originally, I was thinking of putting up bubble/foil under the sub-floor between the joists, but then thought it would be bar more effective lay down a foil house-wrap directly on top of the subfloor. Any thoughts? did you screw down directly to the sub floor? Did you only use tile? I'm planning on floating engineered floor. Thanks.

January 30th, 2009 at 3:52 AM

Greenline » What is a Chilled Beam?

[...] beams function similarly, and are often associated with, radiant ceilings and floors. A fundamental functional difference, however, is that chilled beams use convection, in lieu of [...]

April 26th, 2009 at 8:21 PM

Gary

I have talked to four home owners and two Architects that have installed or had installed GCS Radiant and have had no problems. In fact report ease of installation and comfort.When asked about this report from mary we were told she not only wanted free product to showcase with her home but the checks to pay for the first shipment was no good and bounced.We have now installed GCS and also give a good report.

April 29th, 2009 at 6:08 PM

Nick Pellegrino

I would like to say that I stand behind this product 110% that is why I am the Canadian Rep. for this company. The Owner has been supportive of me from the start and helping me to get GCS known here is Canada. This is why we must follow manufactures instructions and get the training needed so that the product is installed correctly.

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