Adding Comfort & Value to Your Existing Home
Dreaming of a home that’s always comfortable, quiet, and energy-efficient? If you’re a homeowner, you may believe hydronic radiant floor heating is reserved for new homes. Nevertheless, remodeling with Warmboard radiant heat is not only doable, it’s a smart upgrade that dramatically increases your comfort on a daily level, along with the long-term value of your residence.
Why Retrofit with Radiant Heat?
Traditional heating systems, like forced air, can be noisy, create drafts, and distribute allergens. They also tend to heat unevenly, leaving some rooms chilly while others are too warm. Warmboard’s radiant heating system, however, delivers even, silent, and consistent warmth from the floor up. This means:
- Unmatched Comfort: Say goodbye to cold spots. Every room maintains a uniform, gentle temperature, creating a truly luxurious living environment.
- Superior Indoor Air Quality: No more dusty vents blowing allergens around. Radiant heat is ideal for those with allergies or asthma, contributing to a healthier home.
- Whisper-Quiet Operation: Enjoy the peace and quiet of your home without the constant hum or whoosh of a furnace.
- Design Freedom: Without bulky vents or radiators, you have more flexibility in furniture placement and interior design.
- Enhanced Energy Efficiency: Warmboard systems are significantly more efficient than forced air, especially when paired with modern heat sources, leading to lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint.
What Options for Radiant Heating Are Out There for Renovations?
When considering radiant heating for an existing home, you generally have two main categories:
- Electric Radiant Systems: These involve electric heating cables or mats installed directly under your flooring. They are typically simpler and less disruptive to install, making them popular for single-room renovations like a bathroom or kitchen where you want to add a touch of warmth underfoot. However, due to the relatively high cost of electricity, they can be significantly more expensive to operate.
- Hydronic Radiant Systems: These systems circulate heated water through a network of tubing laid beneath the floor. They are highly efficient, particularly for heating larger areas or entire homes, and can be powered by various heat sources, including boilers, tankless water heaters, or highly efficient heat pumps. For renovations, hydronic systems typically come in a few forms:
- “Wet” Installations: Tubing is embedded within a concrete slab or a thin layer of lightweight concrete poured over a subfloor. While very effective, this can significantly increase floor height and drying times, making it less ideal for many existing home renovations.
- “Dry” Installations (Underfloor/Between Joists): Tubing is attached to the underside of the subfloor between joists, often with heat transfer plates to improve efficiency. This method avoids raising floor height but can be less efficient and slower to respond due to the air gap and indirect heat transfer.
- Panelized Systems (Overlay): These are pre-engineered panels with integrated channels for tubing, designed to be installed directly over an existing subfloor. They offer a thin profile, improved performance and easier installation than other hydronic methods.
Why Warmboard-R Panels Are the Best Option for Your Renovation
Among the hydronic options for renovations, Warmboard-R panels stand out as the premier choice for existing homes in 2025. Here’s why:
Unmatched Performance in a Thin Profile: Warmboard-R panels are specifically engineered for remodels, measuring a mere 13/16″ thick. This slim design means you can add luxurious radiant heat without significantly impacting floor height, making it ideal for seamless transitions between rooms and preserving existing door thresholds.- Rapid Response & Energy Efficiency: Unlike other systems that rely on a slow-responding concrete mass or inefficient air gaps, Warmboard-R panels feature a thick, highly-conductive aluminum layer bonded across the entire panel surface, including the tubing channels. This unparalleled conductivity pulls heat from the PEX tubing incredibly quickly and spreads it evenly across your floor, resulting in:
- Faster Heat-Up Times: Your home gets warm when you want it, without long waits.
- Lower Operating Temperatures: The system can operate with much cooler water, further boosting energy efficiency and saving you money on utility bills.
- Precise Control: The rapid response allows for incredibly accurate temperature regulation, zone by zone.
- Simplified Installation for Renovations: Warmboard-R panels are designed to install easily over existing subfloors or concrete slabs. Our modular, pre-stamped channels eliminate complex tubing layouts, saving significant labor time and costs. We provide color-coded plans and dedicated design services to ensure a smooth, precise installation for your unique project.
- Superior Durability & Versatility: Made from high-quality OSB with robust aluminum, Warmboard-R panels provide a strong, stable base for virtually any finished flooring—from hardwood and tile to carpet. They are built to last the lifetime of your home, offering a durable and reliable heating solution.
- Comprehensive Support: With Warmboard, you don’t just get a product; you get a complete system. Our in-house design team provides detailed panel layouts, tubing schematics, and manifold locations tailored to your home. This personalized approach, coupled with our technical support, ensures your radiant heating retrofit is seamless from start to finish.
Adding Value That Lasts
Beyond the immediate comfort, investing in Warmboard radiant heat during your renovation is a strategic move that adds significant long-term value to your property. Homebuyers in 2025 are increasingly seeking energy-efficient, comfortable, and healthy homes. A high-performance radiant heating system sets your home apart, appealing to discerning buyers and often yielding a strong return on investment. It signals a home that has been thoughtfully updated with premium, enduring features.
Ready to transform your existing home into a haven of comfort and efficiency? Explore how Warmboard can be the ideal heating solution for your next renovation project. Start here.
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