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.
FAQ
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Warmboard Panels
Does the PEX tubing ever get damaged during construction?
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.
Warmboard Comfort System
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 Warmboard's award-winning panels (Warmboard-S or Warmboard-R depending on need), Panel, Tubing, and Mechanical Designs, 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-commissioned 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.