I'm getting ready to install the foundation and slab for my new shop, approx 50 ft by 60 ft. I was planning on putting PEX for radiant heat in the slab, but I'm having second thoughts for two reasons and I'd appreciate comments from those with experience. I'm located in the Washington DC area, so it gets below freezing for about two months over the winter.
First, I plan to install A/C as well - summer in DC is a swamp. Since I have to run ducts and an air handler anyway, would it be better to just use forced-air heat, possibly with a large outdoor wood-burning furnace?
Second, every radiant floor design guide I read cautions about furniture blocking the heat from the slab. Since my shop will have a number of cars parked in it, in addition to equipment in a machine shop and several pallet racks for storage, will the heat from the slab be blocked anyway?
Of course, I'm also worried about puncturing the tubing when installing things like a lift...
Thanks for your inputs.
First, I plan to install A/C as well - summer in DC is a swamp. Since I have to run ducts and an air handler anyway, would it be better to just use forced-air heat, possibly with a large outdoor wood-burning furnace?
Second, every radiant floor design guide I read cautions about furniture blocking the heat from the slab. Since my shop will have a number of cars parked in it, in addition to equipment in a machine shop and several pallet racks for storage, will the heat from the slab be blocked anyway?
Of course, I'm also worried about puncturing the tubing when installing things like a lift...
Thanks for your inputs.