Onix Tubing Installation Manual

Watts Radiant: Onix Installation Manual page 47
the Onix onto the first barb of the sup-
ply manifold, making sure the tubing
covers the entire fitting. If the Onix is
difficult to push onto the barb, lubri-
cate the end of the Onix with some
water.
Do not use soap, oil, WD-40
®
, or
other petroleum or silicone based
lubricants as they may damage the
interior of the Onix tubing.
Soap or
lubricants may make the connects and
splices leak, even at low pressures.
Do not over-tighten the Onix
TorqueTite clamp. Tighten
TorqueTite clamps using an in.-lb.
torque wrench. More information on
how to make the TorqueTite or
SelfTite connection can be found in
the Appendix.
Insulation Details
Foil-faced insulation is primarily used
when an air gap can be maintained
between the tubing and the insulating
member. In the case of a thin slab
application, the tubing is completely
encapsulated in the lightweight con-
crete, eliminating any need for an air
gap. At this point, the main goal is to
prevent heat migration downward. If
the system is insulated in the joist
cavity, a standard paper faced insula-
tion can be used. Make sure to install
the insulation tight against the subfloor
to minimize any convective losses that
may be generated. The actual R-value
of the insulation should be the same as
what was illustrated for a Staple Up
application. The insulation should be a
minimum of 3-1/2", or R-13, fiber-
glass batt when the radiant floor is
installed over a heated space, such as a
basement. 5-1/2", or R-19, batt (or
thicker, depending on the climate)
should be used when the area below
the radiant floor is unheated or
exposed to the elements.
For a thin slab application over an
existing concrete slab, one inch
extruded polystyrene insulation board
is recommended to isolate the new
pour from the existing. If a one-inch
board is unavailable or if space does
not allow for a 1" board, a thinner
board can be used. It is not recom-
mended to go below a 1/2" insulation
board.
Thin Slab with Sleepers
Sleepers are sometimes installed with-
in a thin slab application to allow for
points of attachment for future floor
coverings. The most common applica-
tion is with a hardwood floor.
Caution: The thin-slab surface
must contact the upper wood floor
or subfloor. Thin slab can shrink
during curing, creating an air gap.
Manifold
Onix Barb
Onix Clamp
Onix
Manifold
Pressure Test Kit
Onix tubing stapled down to the subfloor with
paper faced batt insulation located below in the
joist cavity. Since no foil facing is used, the insu-
lation has to be installed against the subfloor.
Board insulation is used to isolate the thin slab
from the subfloor below. ScrewClips are used to
secure the Onix to the foam insulation board.
Additional insulation may be added below, in the
joist cavity, for an increased R-Value.
Onix tubing stapled down to the subfloor with
paper faced batt insulation located below in the
joist cavity. Since no foil facing is used, the insu-
lation has to be installed against the subfloor. A
lightweight concrete filler is used between the
sleepers for added sound quality and increased
thermal mass.
Thin Slabs