Ecowarm High Performance Radiant Panel
Our flagship product is Ecowarm OSB radiant floor panels. The floor panel is a critical component of an efficient radiant floor system, particularly if you are generating hot water with an alternative energy source like geothermal, solar thermal, or the new air-to-water heat pump technology that is currently migrating to the US from Europe. Each of those systems deliver water at temperatures too low to be of much use to some radiant systems.
Ecowarm provides the conductivity needed to extract the most benefit from these low temperature appliances. In fact, Ecowarm’s normal water temperatures to deliver the right amount of heat to a modern, well-insulated home is right in the “sweet spot” of their output.
Ecowarm’s conductivity also provides the even heating across the surface of the floor that makes the hardwood people happy. Low temperatures and even heat spread are crucial to preserving the beauty and functionality of hardwood flooring.
Some of Ecowarm’s highlights include:
Planet Friendly
- Low water temperature operation. Ecowarm’s highly conductive aluminum top makes condensing boilers, geothermal units, solar thermal tubes and panels, and other alternative energy systems work more efficiently.
- Made in Portland, Oregon, so it may qualify for the LEED “distance from project to manufacturer” credit for projects in the Northwest.
- Made from renewable resources. Made with Weyerhaeuser Edge Gold™ OSB from sustainably managed forests with recycled-content aluminum.
- Low VOC water-based adhesives. Aluminum top is fastened with water-based adhesives.
- Less material usage than some alternatives. Applies only to interior spaces, unlike Warmboard™ that extends to the outside edge of your platform. Uses less than half the aluminum of Warmboard™ without compromising thermal performance. Also, no need for extra joist or rim sill material typical of slab-based systems.
Cost Friendly
- Costs less to install than other radiant panels. Much less than subfloor panels. Compared to other overlay panels, Ecowarm’s larger boards cover more area, while wider tube spacing (12″ o.c.) and bigger tubing (1/2″ ID) reduces the number of loops and manifold connections.
- Costs less than high mass systems. Eliminates need for special engineering, upsizing of floor joists, double sill plates, and other mitigations that add labor and material to a slab-based project.
- Reduces installation time. Each board quickly covers 8 square feet of floor space. It uses standard ½” PEX tubing, which means wider spacing, longer runs and fewer manifold connections.
Construction Friendly
- No extra structural engineering required. Slab-based systems require significant planning for extra weight and floor height. Not Ecowarm!
- Easy panel installation. Light and easy to handle, with only two pieces – turns and straights.
- Easy tubing installation. Stepping tubing into Ecowarm’s modular channel is fast.
- Installed late in construction cycle. No worries about damaged tubing or dented grooves from being exposed to the entire construction cycle.
- Standard installation of finished floors. Solid OSB substrate allows easy nailing of your hardwood or carpet tack-strips, and a flat surface for your tile backer board. No special “sleeper” strips or overlays that are typical with slab systems.