Garages often go unnoticed and are frequently utilized excessively within our residences, with many of us needing to appreciate their value fully. For those who enjoy DIY projects, the garage might surpass other rooms in terms of usage. Engaging in tasks within a garage during the winter months can be highly uncomfortable, particularly in colder regions. In this article, we will explore a well-regarded attribute for garages that provide comfort, practicality, and a favourable return on investment: Garage radiant floor heating.

How Do Garage Radiant Floor Heating Systems Work?

Garage radiant floor heating systems come in various types, with the electric and hydronic options being the most widely favoured.

The electric garage radiant floor heating system embeds heated wires beneath the floor surface, specifically within the concrete. This warmth then emanates upward, heating the concrete and its immediate vicinity.

On the other hand, the hydronic garage radiant heating system employs specialized PEX tubing to circulate warm water throughout the concrete pad. This method ensures even distribution of heat across the pad, and as heat naturally rises, it also contributes to warming the entire garage space.

A heated garage floor can heat the entire garage. The effectiveness of this heating mechanism is influenced not only by factors such as insulation and air sealing but also by the size of the heating system itself. In colder climates, a more substantial heating system may be necessary for extended heating periods; nonetheless, the warmth emitted from the floor will also contribute to elevating the ambient air temperature.

Radiant floor heating systems can be installed beneath virtually any floor covering. For today’s discussion, we will focus on establishing such a system beneath a new concrete pad within a garage.

How Long Does It Take To Heat a Garage With Underfloor Heating?

This outcome is contingent upon several variables, including insulation and airtightness. To illustrate, consider a scenario where a garage radiant floor heating system, specifically a hydronic setup, is situated within a two-car garage featuring 9′ ceilings. In this context, the system can elevate the surrounding temperature by approximately five degrees within an hour or two.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that garage radiant floor heating systems function distinctively from those integrated into the home’s HVAC system. Consequently, these garage radiant floor heating systems may need more effort to achieve comparable results, necessitating the establishment of reasonable expectations. Fortunately, the upside is that our expectations for garage comfort typically differ from indoor comfort requirements. In most cases, the primary objective is to prevent the ambient temperature from dropping below freezing to safeguard items such as photographs and paint.

Considering concrete exhibits superior temperature retention properties compared to wood, opting for underfloor heating becomes an excellent decision for a garage radiant floor heating solution.

Are Garage In-floor Heating Systems Safe?

Garage radiant floor heating is completely safe for use, even in spaces where flammable materials are present. The heating element is securely enclosed beneath the concrete surface, ensuring it never reaches temperatures that could pose a risk. Regarding potential fire concerns, employing radiant floor heating presents no more significant hazard than operating any standard electrical appliance.

Pros and Cons of Garage Radiant Floor Heating Systems

Pros of Garage Underfloor Heating: 

1. Radiant floor heating is particularly effective when heating individual areas, such as a garage.
2. Opting for a radiant heat system beneath a concrete pad offers impressive efficiency and exceptional longevity. While various types of flooring can provide some level of protection against accidental damage, none can match the durability of concrete.
3. The expense associated with radiant floor heating has significantly decreased over time, making the installation of radiant heat in larger spaces, like garages, much more budget-friendly.

Cons of Garage Radiant In-Floor Heating Systems

1. Operating garage radiant floor heating, particularly electric variants, can lead to high operational costs. While hydronic systems generally offer more economical operation, the initial installation investment can be substantial.
2. Most instances will necessitate the addition of new concrete, contributing to the overall project expenses.
3. Drafts and inadequate insulation can compromise the effectiveness of garage radiant floor heating, potentially requiring additional costs to rectify these concerns.

Garage Heated Floors Installation Process

Generally, when considering underfloor heating for garage floors, the preferred choice leans towards hydronic systems rather than electric ones. This preference arises from the tendency of electric systems to incur escalating costs with larger dimensions, whereas hydronic systems exhibit the opposite trend. Since concrete pads can encompass substantial areas, hydronic systems are predominantly favoured for effectively heating garage floors.

A hydronic underfloor heating system entails a more significant number of components compared to an equivalent electric system. Due to the dual utilization of electricity and water in a hydronic setup, the installation will involve both plumbing and electrical tasks. For our discussion, let’s assume that the new concrete pad is prepared for pouring.

Tools You Need For Garage Heated Floors Installation 

1. PEX expander tool
2. Drill
3. Electrical tools, like a wire stripper and crimper, screwdriver, and multimeter
4. PEX tubing cutter
5. Concrete tools, including a mixing paddle, drill, and trowel
6. Utility knife
7. Tape and adhesive
8. Wood and masonry chisel

Step 1: Initial Layout

Begin by measuring the entire floor area of your garage where you intend to install the system. This measurement will determine the square footage required for purchasing the necessary materials.

It’s worth noting that hydronic systems typically aren’t available in pre-assembled kit form, underscoring the importance of a comprehensive grasp of both the design and the installation process. As an illustration, if you plan to incorporate a storage cabinet or a workbench resembling a vanity on your newly heated floor, you should avoid routing tubing to that specific area.

Be mindful of the potential challenge heat accumulation poses beneath cabinetry and other obstructions. To mitigate this, it’s recommended to maintain a minimum clearance of 4 inches from such areas. Specific guidelines from your material’s manufacturer should be consulted for further clarity.

Pro Tip: Even seasoned professionals often engage with their system’s manufacturer during material calculations. These manufacturers offer access to design experts specialized in minimizing costly errors.

Step 2: Installation of Insulation, Vapor Barrier, and Tubing Guides

The installation process for hydronic systems can grow intricate, yet modern manufacturers have made strides in streamlining this process by amalgamating components and reducing overall complexity.

For instance, implementing a vapour barrier between the ground and the concrete is fundamental for hydroponic systems. While this is standard practice for any concrete pad, recent innovations have introduced specialized 2′ x 4′ panels tailored specifically for hydroponic setups. These panels have insulation on one side, feature an integrated vapour barrier, and offer a mechanical interface for integrating tubing.

Although a 6mm roll plastic may serve as a viable vapour barrier alternative, the prevalent approach now employs these purpose-built panels. Their utilization obviates the need to separately install vapour barriers, insulation, and tubing guides, resulting in time and cost savings.

To initiate the panel installation, commence at the garage corner, where connections to electricity and water are designated. Place a complete panel on the floor and connect an adjoining board oriented in any direction.

These panels employ an interlocking mechanism akin to toy bricks, mitigating the necessity for supplementary reinforcement.

Upon reaching the opposing wall, divide the subsequent panel in half and proceed to the next row. This methodology prevents two panels from sharing a seam and contributes to forestalling potential future concrete cracking. Continue this process until the entirety of the area is enveloped by the interconnected panels.

Step 3: Tubing Installation

An appealing facet of PEX tubing’s popularity is its availability in lengthy rolls, effectively reducing the prevalence of joints commonly found in conventional plumbing pipes. The utilization of PEX substantially mitigates the traditional vulnerability to leaks at joints in plumbing systems due to its enhanced reliability and durability.

Commencing from the designated corner, unwind the PEX tubing to achieve a reasonably straight alignment, initiating its course alongside the panels. These panels typically incorporate guides spaced at intervals of 3″ to 4″, facilitating the creation of loops in the tubing, with loop sizes of up to 12″. This strategic allowance affords heightened control over the overall heat generated by the system.

Proceed to loop the tubing from one extremity of the garage to the other, progressing until the conclusion of the PEX tubing roll. In most scenarios, you can conveniently connect another roll to the existing tubing using specialized connectors designed for PEX tubing, facilitated by a PEX expander tool.

As the end of the concrete pad approaches, a prudent approach is to guide the tubing into a short conduit segment that protrudes from the concrete. This precautionary measure safeguards the tubing from potential damage at the pad exit point.

Pro Tip: For instances where heating only a specific section of the garage floor is required, controllable zones can be created through a manifold. This sophisticated arrangement permits selective heating of designated portions of the garage floor while leaving others unaffected.

Step 4: Establishing the Connections

Once you’ve successfully laid out the tubing and completed the electrical routing, the next step involves interconnecting the components of the system. Employing a PEX expander tool, establish connections between the tubing and the manifold and subsequently between the manifold, boiler, and pump.

When dealing with the electrical connections, it’s important to note that the system’s demands can be met using 110v or 220v service, depending on the specifications.

What’s the Installation Time for Radiant Floor Heating?

In general, most hydronic floor heating systems in a garage can be installed over a single weekend. Nevertheless, the specific duration will fluctuate based on factors like the chosen system and the dimensions of the concrete pad.

Optimal Temperature for Heated Garage Floors

As previously mentioned, the objective for a heated garage floor isn’t typically to achieve a hot state. Consequently, numerous proprietors set the thermostat to a temperature just a few degrees above freezing. With adequate insulation encompassing the garage and its door, it’s feasible to generate a comfortably warm environment within the garage, even on colder days.

Heated Garage Floors and Garage Radiant Floors Cost

The expense of installing a garage floor heating system naturally varies according to the region, but anticipate a range of $8.00 to $20.00 per square foot. Hydronic systems within a garage exhibit efficiency and typically don’t run around the clock, resulting in a daily operating cost that remains relatively modest.

On average, implementing radiant garage floor heating is a cost-efficient choice. Hydronic systems employ warm water circulation to heat the floor, rendering them economically viable to operate. However, it’s worth noting that the initial installation expenses are notably higher. Typically, installing hydronic radiant heating in garages coincides with pouring a new concrete pad, though retrofitting over existing concrete is achievable by adding a new layer.

What’s the Lifespan of Heated Floors in a Garage?

In the context of hydronic floor heating, the pump and boiler, integral components of the system, possess a finite lifespan that typically ranges between 15 to 20 years. Conversely, the tubing tends to endure for approximately 20 to 30 years. This longevity effectively doubles that of a comparable forced-air system, such as a heat pump. Many proprietors maintain the system operational continuously, relying on the thermostat to ensure consistent comfort within the garage.

Is Garage Floor Heating Right for Me?

Suppose you reside in a colder climate and have a penchant for DIY projects. Incorporating a radiant floor heating system in your garage will likely provide enduring satisfaction. The feature’s popularity has grown so much that a heated garage floor is now anticipated in many upscale homes. Depending on your location, the investment in a heated garage floor can yield substantial returns while ensuring year-round comfort in your garage.