FAQ

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Warmboard Panels

Does the PEX tubing ever get damaged during construction?

PEX tubing is remarkably tough once installed in Warmboard's modular channels and it tolerates the normal wear and tear of a construction site well. However, sharp objects like loose screws and nails can puncture the tubing, which is why we recommend keeping the job site free from excess debris. As an added precaution, some professionals use temporary masonite panels or thin plywood to cover high traffic areas during construction. Experienced Warmboard installers rarely incur tubing damage. If tubing damage does occur, it can be fixed in about 10 minutes time. More information on this topic can be found in our installation manual.

Do Warmboard panels interfere with WiFi signals?

Depending on the home, Warmboard's aluminum may interfere with wireless connectivity. However, we do want to note that we rarely, if ever, hear complaints about this. Current WiFi routers using 802.11n protocols (or later) seem to have resolved this issue. If this does occur, we recommend purchasing a WiFi Repeater (generally $30-$100) to boost the signal.

What type of insulation should I use underneath Warmboard?

We recommend standard fiberglass batt insulation of minimum value R-19. One important distinction is that foil backed insulation is NOT required when using Warmboard.

How do the Warmboard-S and Warmboard-R panels differ?

Warmboard-S is a structural radiant panel that is 1 1/8" thick, made of Douglas Fir 7 ply plywood, and is sold in full-faced tongue and groove 4' x 8' sheets. Warmboard-R is a radiant panel that is 13/16" thick, made of aspen and pine-oriented strand board (OSB) and is sold in square edged 2'x 4' panels. Warmboard-S is typically used in new construction, while Warmboard-R is most commonly used in remodels. Both products offer the same superior performance.

What type of lead times should I expect when working with Warmboard?

Lead times can vary, but we can accommodate projects even on very short timelines. Contact your Regional or Project Manager to get a better understanding and set expectations and goals for design and shipping.

Can you pour concrete over Warmboard?

Yes, you can pour concrete over Warmboard panels but we generally advise against it. A workaround that provides the same look is to use large tile, available in sizes up to 48x48". Done well, the seams between the tile can be barely visible. and the thinner application will ensure much faster response times than with a concrete pour over our panels.

Learn more about it in this video.

Warmboard Comfort System

What is WCS?

WCS is our Warmboard Comfort System, our modern approach to radiant floor heating systems. It is a complete solution that includes everything needed to heat a home with hydronic radiant heat. WCS is designed to be easy to install and use, and it can be installed by a general contractor or plumber.

Learn more about WCS here.

What is Warmsource?

Warmsource is the heart of the Warmboard Comfort System. The top portion of this wall-mounted unit is a UFT (Universal Fire Tube) boiler manufactured by HTP Products. The bottom portion contains a Grundfos Alpha pump, automatic air-eliminator, pre-plumbed expansion tank and the Smart Reset Controller (SRC). There are two versions of the Warmsource, one capable of heating a 2,500 square foot property (80K BTUs), the other capable of 4,500 square feet (140K BTUs).

What happens if the power goes out?

Like all appliances, the system requires electricity to operate. We recommend purchasing a generator for those living in high risk areas for power outages. Should the power go out, all user settings will be saved and restored once power returns to the home.

Who can service WCS should issues occur?

If any issues arise with WCS, your first step should be to call your Project Manager or the Warmboard Technical Services hotline (1.844.482.7922). While most issues will be able to be solved remotely by our staff, any issues with the boiler itself can be serviced by a extensive network of authorized installers.

What is the warranty on this system?

The warranty for all Warmboard products can be found here.

What does my plumber/electrician need to supply?

While the vast majority of the components are included with the Warmboard Comfort System, there are a few items which must be sourced elsewhere. These include:

  • PVC intake and exhaust (for boiler)
  • 1-¼" copper piping (for boiler)
  • 3/4" or 1" supply and return manifold distribution lines (copper or pex)
  • Condensation discharge line, gas line, T&P discharge line, backflow preventer discharge line
  • J-Boxes and GFI outlets (as specified in our drawings)
Why do you recommend Warmsource not be placed near a living space?

Like any appliance or boiler, Warmsource makes some noise. For this reason, we recommend Warmsource be placed in a mechanical room or garage, and not hung on a wall with a shared living space. While Warmsource is relatively quiet, installing on a shared wall could lead to an unhappy homeowner.

What are the minimum clearances for Warmsource?

We recommend a minimum clearance of 3 inches on each side, 12 inches below, and 18 inches above Warmsource. See page 7 of our Installation Guide for more information

Who installs the various components of the WCS?

Every job is different, and every crew distributes work in their own way. However, here is a fairly common breakdown of labor.

  • Framing Crew: Panels
  • Plumbers: Tubing, manifolds, copper, venting (per HTP manual), condensate and gas lines, and Warmsource
  • Electrician: J-Boxes, 110V AC per device, Manifold Controller(s), thermostats
How does WCS save money?

How is this less expensive than other systems?

The Warmboard Comfort system was designed to be beautifully engineered while cost-effective and easy to install. Material costs are lower, time on the job site is decreased, and labor costs are lowered dramatically. Contact your Regional or Project Manager to get a better understanding of the cost-saving benefits to your specific project.

What is CFA?

CFA, or Conditioned Floor Area , is the legal definition of the total floor area (in square feet) of the enclosed temperature conditioned space on all floors of a building. It's measured at each floor level to the outside face of the building's insulated envelope (typically the outside face of studs). It's the most widely adopted term utilized by building officials throughout North America to quantify the scope of the heating requirements of a building. For this reason, we use CFA as the basis for our system pricing because CFA is the single number that correlates most closely with the cost of the materials and engineering required to heat a home of a particular size.

Is there an iOS/Android app to control the system?

The "Warmboard Vacation" app which allows the entire system to enable/disable Vacation Mode for the property. Additional features will be added down the road.

Does WCS integrate with other home automation systems?

Not at this time.

Can I use my own thermostats with WCS?

No. All Warmboard components are designed and integrated together into a single solution

Does WCS integrate with geothermal?

No. Warmsource provides all the controls as well as the hot water for the system, thereby eliminating the need to invest in geothermal or water-to-water heat pumps. If you are wanting to use geothermal with your project, our Warmboard radiant panels are an ideal option.

Can Warmsource be used for snowmelt applications?

WCS is not designed to melt snow from roofs or from the outdoors, but just for home heating. Temperatures and heat output for snowmelt applications often vary wildly from temperatures needed to maintain indoor comfort. Because of this, snowmelt should be designed as a separate, stand-alone system which can be designed to run intermittently, as snow coverage requires, using higher temperatures.

Can I integrate Air Conditioning with WCS?

Yes. WCS can control 2 zones of single-stage air conditioning.

Do the wireless thermostats connect to my WiFi network?

No. The components that make up the Warmboard Comfort System communicate on their own pre-configured wireless network. Once WCS is up and running, communication between these devices occurs automatically and there is no need to interact with the home's wireless Internet connection. WCS uses the LoRa (long range, low power) wireless signal which operates at 915 Mhz and has been tested to be a very safe technology.

What is the SRC and how does it work?

Located inside Warmsource, the SRC (Smart Reset Controller) is the brains behind the system. The SRC communicates wirelessly with each device throughout your home. It has a proprietary algorithm that precisely monitors the change in temperature of each zone and adjusts the boiler's water temperature to be optimal for the house at the instant the heat is called. The SRC also controls the manifold controllers to open and close valves as needed to supply heat to each zone.

What’s included with the Warmboard Comfort System?

WCS includes custom Mechanical Designs, Warmboard's award-winning panels (Warmboard-S or Warmboard-R depending on need), Tubing, PEX tubing, manifolds, actuators and most of the necessary plumbing components (ball valves, brass union, pressure reducing valve, etc…). WCS also includes Warmsource (boiler with pump and expansion tank, and SRC), Manifold Controllers, and Thermostats and Bridge. All of these devices are pre-configured by us to integrate seamlessly once installed.

The WCS system is a closed loop system used for flooring heating only and is completely isolated from the Domestic Hot Water needs. The current standard appliance used for heating Domestic Hot Water would not change, meaning the use of a standalone water heater or tankless heater would still be installed as usual.

See all Warmboard Comfort System components.

General Questions

What is Warmboard?

Warmboard is a radiant heating company that specializes in efficient and easy-to-install radiant heating systems and panels that use hot water to heat from the subfloor.

Learn more about our radiant heating products here.

How to install Warmboard?

Every new Warmboard panel project comes with an installation kit that includes a set of custom plans, many of the necessary tools for both panel installation and for tubing and manifolds. 

You can also visit our Resources website to view all the installation guides and videos for our products.

For every new Warmboard Custom System, there are guides for each component. Our project managers will guide you throughout the process.

Where to buy Warmboard products?

You can buy directly from us. We sell a variety of products, including radiant heating panels, and our Warmboard Comfort System which includes thermostats, boilers and other accessories. 

We are available for customers everywhere in the United States and Canada, and sell outside of North America as well.

To get a personalized quote, please upload your floor plans. One of our project managers will be happy to discuss your needs and help you choose the right Warmboard system for your home.

Where to buy Warmboard in Canada?

Warmboard products are also available in Canada. Please contact us and a local regional manager will get in touch soon to discuss your needs and the right Warmboard product for you.

How much does Warmboard cost?

The cost of your Warmboard system will depend on the specific products you choose, the size of your home, and the complexity of the installation.

Warmboard partners with you to carefully manage every project. Whether you are an architect, builder, plumber, radiant installer or homeowner, we want to ensure you get all the help you need for a seamless project. We sell direct which streamlines the sales process and eliminates hidden costs. This ensures fair pricing and accurate bidding.

To get a personalized quote and price estimation, please submit your floor plans to get a preliminary design for your custom project. One of our project managers will get in touch to discuss your needs and help you choose the right product for you.

Get Cost Estimation

 

panel palleted shipping cost

What is radiant heat?

Radiant heat is a type of heating that warms objects directly by using heat waves, rather than warming the air around them with convection heating. It is often used in residential homes and businesses because it is efficient and comfortable.


Learn more about it in this blog post.

What are the benefits of radiant heat?

Radiant is vastly superior to forced air heating. It is more effective because it eliminates so many of the issues that are inherent in forced air systems, including: parasitic loss, lack of zoning, increasing energy usage, and more.

Learn more about the benefits of radiant.

What is a radiant heating system?

It is a type of heating system that uses radiant heat to warm objects directly, rather than warming the air. It is usually installed in the subfloor. This makes them more efficient and comfortable than traditional forced-air heating systems.

Learn more: https://www.warmboard.com/radiant-heating-system/