AboutMorgan M. Audetat Expertise Radiant floor heating. Snow Melting. Boilers. Indirect water heaters. Tankless water heaters. Current owner BadgerBoilerService.com Minneapolis based mechanical contractor specializing in Mod/Con based, integrated heating systems. System design, consulting and technical training world-wide.
Currently designing hot water based heating and snowmelting systems for spaces ranging from 50 to 50m square feet. Consulting fees start at $500.00US
Experience 30 years. Organizations: Charter Board Member - Radiant Panel Association, former manufacturer of the first American-made, wall-hung, sealed combustion condensing boilers, son and apprentice of mechanical & plumbing contractor.
Continuing Education: Uponor/Wirsbo advanced design school 2007, Power Limited License (low voltage controls) 40 CE credits 2005, B&G Little Red School House 1993, Tekmar Controls residential and commercial 1993, Division Manager and Advanced Hydronic Seminar Host for the first Hydronic Radiant Floor Distributor in the USA 1990, Hydronic Heating Association Workshop participant with Richard c. Bourne, PE spring 1988, Master Plumbing/Hydronic/Solar Course Red Rocks Community College 1987.
Education: B.S. University WI 1981, 26 yrs. continuing education.
Licensed CO, MN & WI. Home Inspection license WI exp.
Awards and Honors: Radiant Panel Association System Showcase Award 2008
My momma's favorite son.
Past/Present Clients: References upon request.
Expert: Morgan M. Audetat Date: 4/20/2008 Subject: Ticking radiant floors
Question Were you able to solve your problem? I just moved into a newly built house and have the same problem. Every time I turn on the heating, I hear the crackling sound all throughout the floor. First I thought it was raining outside.
I was hoping that the problem was related to expansion of the hardwood floors and that over time it would go away. However, it sounds like the fix requires pulling up the hardwood floors! Hopefully there is an easier fix.
Thanks for posting your original question and for the expert's answer. There isn't too much on the internet about this.
Answer In the early days of Modern Radiant Floors we were told to staple tube up tight to the floor to better transfer heat by conduction. The truth is most of the heat is transfer by radiation and convection both of which are normally completely silent.
If you want to improve the transfer of heat than extruded "heavy" aluminum panel may be screwed to the bottom of the sub-floor and tube pressed in. This system is efficient AND quiet.
In my own case - installed 15 years ago as an experiment- where tube met floor, the movement produced a audible and distinct tick. I pulled the staples down at the middle producing space between tube and floor making my staples into "hangers".
