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InsulHeat and Compression
It is a natural desire to ascertain of the ability of InsulHeat insulation/aluminum underlayment assembly to withstand compression and impacts in residential and commercial application both during and after completion the project.
Compression Testing: InsulHeat has been independently tested as an assembly in accordance with ASTM D621 at 63PSI at 10% deflection, which is an industry standard for testing foam assemblies. In certain applications, particularly commercial applications, a structural engineer may want to assess the use of InsulHeat under job specific anticipated load profiles.
How does flooring assembly compression strength matter with typical radiant floor heat applications?? For comparison, below are some common loads on floors.
- HardieBacker Cement Board
- Portland Cement, Ground sand plus proprietary ingredients
- Flexural Strength 1/2″ Inch Category
- Compressive Strength (PSI) 1/4″ Inch Category
- Compressive Strength (PSI) 1/2″ Inch Category
- ASTM E136 Non-Combustible
- Flexural Strength (PSI) 1/4″ in Category
- Flexural Strength 1/2″ Inch Category
- Compressive Strength (PSI) 1/4″ Inch Category
- Compressive Strength (PSI) 1/2″ Inch Category
- Yes
- 2100
- 1700
- 7000
- 6500
| Object | Ground Pressure (kPa) | PSI |
|---|---|---|
| Hovercraft | 0.7 | 0.1 |
| Human on Snowshoes | 3.5 | 0.5 |
| Rubber-Tracked ATV | 5.165 | 0.75 |
| Wheeled ATV | 13.8 | 2 |
| Diedrich D-50 – T2 Drilling Rig | 26.2 | 3.8 |
| Human Male | 55 | 8 |
| M1 Abrams Tank | 103 | 15 |
| 1993 Toyota 4Runner / Hilux Surf | 170 | 25 |
| Adult Horse (550 kg. 1250 kb) | 170 | 25 |
| Bagger 288 Excavation Machine | 170 | 25 |
| Passenger Car | 205 | 30 |
| Adult Elephant | 240 | 35 |
| Mountain Bicycle | 245 | 40 |
| Road Racing Bicycle | 620 | 90 |
| Stiletto Heel | 3250 | 471 |
Compression Testing
Compression is a function of the total weight load of the object divided by the square inches the load is spread over. So, while a horse applies only 25 psi, a woman standing in a stiletto heel of ¼ sq inch can apply 471 psi.
Impact: InsulHeat is laminated with .020 aluminum sheet metal. This surface can withstand the normal impacts of construction and floor use. If extremely high impact accident occurs, the resulting dent or gouge can be filled with readily available leveling compound.
From a practical standpoint, a radiant designer should apply cement backboard over areas where extreme impact and compression conditions can be expected.
Note: Home center and lumber yards usually have inexpensive 10 psi foam board for use in walls and ceiling and sometimes 25 psi foam. These products can provide adequate support under slabs, however these lower density foam products are not recommended for underlayment assemblies
InsulHeat Exposed: InsulHeat is designed for interior use only. InsulHeat will easily withstand the traffic associated with normal construction. If left exposed to rain during construction plastic should be applied temporarily. InsulHeat is not, like Gypsum cement, designed as a finished flooring surface. See Finished flooring guide. Link.
InsulHeat Cement Backer Board Assembly: InsulHeat covered with Cement Backer Board offers a large increase in compression and impact resistance as well as being an industry approved surface for a number of finished flooring goods including tile. The use of cement boards are commonly used over InsulHeat in garage applications where higher compression loads are experienced and then covered with epoxy coating for oil, solvent and water resistance. Backerboard is not required over InsulHeat for many types of finished flooring goods.
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InsulHeat is the best option for insulated radiant panels in the business. Our high quality panels are constructed with tough EPS foam and a highly conductive aluminum laminate. Your best choice for insulated radiant heat.