Expert: Dave Johnson - 1/6/2008

Question
We have recently built a new home (stick built).  We put radiant heating in the concrete floor, but it is not "hooked" up yet.  We used floor trusses under the upstairs.  Our contractor did not insulate the basement ceiling.  Does code not require this.  We do plan on finishing the basement.

Answer
Hi Liz,
Any radiant heat needs to be insulated below. Otherwise there won't be sufficient heat in your floors.
Ideally, we like to use a foil faced ridgid insulation 2" from the tubing...
If your 2nd floor has radiant heat , you should insulate under there as well.
Mail me if you need more...Dave