Radiant Heating Insulation

Floor Insulation Applications

Radiant Floor Heating is not a new concept. Centuries ago the Romans forced hot air under the floors of their housing structures. Also architect Frank Lloyd Wright ran hot water pipes throughout the floors of his many structures back in the 1930s. In fact, this application is so common in Europe over 50% of all newly constructed buildings are equipped with a radiant floor heating application.

Radiant heating provides whole floor comfort, quiet operation, eliminates drafts and dust problems from forced air and is invisible (no registers or radiators.)

Arctic Shield brand insulation is a great enhancement to any radiant floor heating application. It will keep your feet and floor space comfortable. Arctic Shield is tough yet pliable, easy to install, is an excellent vapour barrier and increases efficiency in heating.

Arctic Shield Used in Snow Melting

Use Arctic Shield to insulate your next snow melt system. Snow melt systems provide for improved safety for patrons walking in ice and snow. These systems require less maintenance - no salting or shovelling. Pavement will last longer without the use of harsh chemicals to melt the snow and ice. Snow melt systems are used in several applications; driveways, walkways, hospital emergency room entrances, handicap access ramps, parking lots, loading docks, etc. No more snow removal!

Application Methods:

  • Under or Between Wood Joists
  • In Concrete Floors
  • Over Wood or Existing Floor
  • In a Sub-Floor

Under or Between Wood Joists

Method 1: USING Standard Edge Material

  1. Unroll and staple Arctic Shield under floor joists.

  2. Seal the joints and outer edges with tape.

    This application achieves an R 16.8

Method 2: USING Staple Tab Material

  1. Using Arctic Shield, install the insulation between the floor joists. Allow 4" - 6" below the heating coils or as recommended by manufacturer instruction.

  2. Staple into joists as shown in illustration.

  3. Seal ends using tape.

In a Concrete Floor

  1. Unroll Arctic Shield Double Bubble White/Foil over the sand or gravel, metalized film side facing the ground (white poly side up.)

  2. Butt the seams.

  3. Seal the seams with 2" wide poly tape. All tape should be applied using a flat edge taping tool to assure good adhesion.

  4. Install radiant heating and then pour the concrete as usual.

Builder’s Note: Adding 1" of sand over the Arctic Shield Double Bubble White/Foil will facilitate water drainage and shorten the actual curing time.

Over Wood Floor

  1. Unroll Arctic Shield Double Bubble White/Foil over wood floor with material to be flush with walls. Install with white side facing up.

  2. Butt the seams.

  3. Seal the seams with 2" wide poly tape. All tape should be applied using a flat edge taping tool to assure good adhesion.

  4. Install radiant heating then pour concrete over the white poly as usual.

In a Sub-Floor

  1. Unroll Arctic Shield Double Bubble White/Foil over existing wood floor with metalized film side facing up (white poly side down.) Cut material to be flush with walls.

  2. Butt the seams.

  3. Seal the seams with 2" wide foil tape. All tape should be applied using a flat edge taping tool to assure good adhesion.

  4. Install sleepers.

  5. Install floor.

Download our installation guide here