Discover the Benefits of Radiant Heat
There are examples of radiant heat all around us: the sun heating a roof, a bonfire, or a radiator heating up a room, (hence the term radiant heat.) When the sun shines down on the roof it warms the roof without coming into actual physical contact with the roof. When the radiator is turned on, it warms the entire room. But for the homebuilder or home owner, the term radiant heat is shorthand for a radiant heating system. A series of pipes connected to a water heater and a pump which delivers hot water, and therefore heat to all parts of a structure.
Although relatively new to American builders and consumers, nearly 70% of all heating systems installed today in Europe are radiant heating type systems.
Radiant Heat's history
Radiant heat technology has existed since Roman times. Romans invented the Hypocaust system, which is a form of central heating. Hypocaust means "heat from below", and it comes from the Greek words hypo and kaiein. Hypo means below or underneath and Kaiein means to burn or light a fire. Sergius Orata is thought to be the inventor of the Hypocaust system which was originally designed for bathhouses and private houses.
Radiant heat's introduction in the U.S. and Europe
The history of modern heating techniques began in the 1950's and 60's. Unfortunately, the first American installations were plagued with problems. Early installations used copper, which would react with the cement in the floors and corrode. Then the copper expanded and contracted in the cement. The cement cracked and copper broke within the cracks.
The switch to PEX piping
In the 80's American designers began to copy European radiant heat
methods and began using PEX piping instead of copper piping. PEX stands
for Cross Linked Polyethylene. Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is a
high-temperature, flexible plastic (polymer) pipe. The cross-linking
raises the thermal stability of the material under load. Thus, the
resistance to environmental stress cracking, creep, and slow crack
growth were greatly improved over copper or standard polyethylene.
The advantages of PEX systems
Even builders and plumbers accustomed to working with traditional piping
materials are finding it easy to transition to PEX piping. Some
additional training may be needed for installers to learn the layout,
pipe support spacing, and connection methods with the new system.
Specialized tools widely available to cut the tubing, install
connections, and check the tightness of crimped connections. Designers
can layout PEX in a traditional tree and branch arrangement. Most are
extremely satisfied with the results, as it doesn't corrode or develop
pinhole leaks, is chlorine resistant, scale resistant and has fewer
fittings, connections and elbows. PEX doesn't react or deteriorate like
copper. These new systems can last over 200 years.
As fuel costs continue to increase, and population centers expand into
regions with more extreme winters, the growth of radiant heating systems
is expected to grow as well. Experts expect that within a few years, no
one will need to ask 'What is Radiant Heat,' - homes and
businesses using this efficient heating method will be as common as
those now using forced hot air or traditional radiators to fend off
winter's chill. 
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