A simple and inexpensive way to install radiant heat in a new building (or when pouring concrete) is to embed the radiant tubing in a concrete slab. After slab insulation is installed to prevent heat loss, all the radiant tubing is ran along a steel mesh grid on the floor, and attached using clips or ties. The concrete is then poured over the top just like a normal concrete pour. Concrete’s natural heat transmission properties make it a great medium for the heat to transfer from the radiant tubing to the room.
This method can be used in any environment concrete is being poured, such as a garage, main floor, or in special snow/ice melt systems in driveways and pathways for cold climates.
Some of the disadvantages of a concrete installation would be its non-versatility and large thermal mass. It is not a very versatile installation method because of the weight and physical limitations of working with concrete. It can only really effectively be used on main floor installations, with certain basement configurations. Also because it has so much mass, it takes much longer to heat up and cool down. It may take up to a day for the system to fully heat or cool, which also makes small changes in comfort levels harder to achieve. But once it is heated up, will provide very steady and comfortable heat.