For What It’s Worth

Radiant floor heat may be easier to install than you thought. Instead of using pipes and heating elements embedded in concrete, with FlexWatt you simply staple polyester sheets to the underside of the floor deck and insulate over them. FlexWatt heating circuits are made of carbon ink that is printed on polyester sheets. The system is not intended as a primary source of heat but it may provide an inexpensive amenity in bathrooms or other places where extra warmth is appreciated. Sheets are available for 12-, 16-, and 24-inch joist spacings. Price on a 1,000-watt kit, consisting of a 100-foot roll of 12-inch-wide printed plastic, 100 electrical connectors and insulators, 200 feet of 12- gauge wire, and special crimpers