Hello-

Does anyone have experience with Insul-tarp under radiant concrete slab? How does it compare to the more standard 2" foam board -- in terms of both effectiveness and economy?

Here's a link -- www.insultarp.com

I'm building a new home with about 1500 sq ft stained concrete, radiant heated floors in Michigan.

Thanks-

Mark

The controversy surrounding the Insul Tarp and other brands of bubble type insulations are "true R-values" Many question how a 1/2" thick product could have the same R value as 2" of product.

As I understand it Insul Tarp is currently undergoing some testing at an independant lab to provide some actual numbers.

Workability wise the flexible, large coverage rolls are much easier to work with, provide an excellent vapor barrier, and conform to the grade better than ridgid boards which often end up fractured by foot traffic during the tube installation and concrete placement. Especially on rough un even subgrades

The biggest issue in my area is termites and carpenter ants. They love to tunnel into the foam board products. Seems the warm radiant temperatures make this a very desireable "home" Sort of like winters in Florida.

Currently there are not any EPA approved termicides that provide long term protection, available. The EPA banned the products that had been used up until the mid eighties, I believe.

Tough question, without a real clear answer at this point.

We are getting ready to build and also thinking of putting insul tarp under our slab--the ease of installation, vapor barrier, and resistance to termites etc appeal to us. But I also worry about how effective an insulator it is. Does anyone have any real world experience with it?