Q-We’re going to be adding a room to our home, and I have read about the benefits of the slab for absorbing heat and keeping a home more comfortable. Should we use some heavy carpeting in the room to keep the heat in the slab?
A-Actually, what you need to use is some type of highly conductive floor finish like tile or concrete to take advantage of the slab’s thermal mass for passive heating and cooling. This will allow for the greatest flow of heat from the house to the ground in early summer and will make the home more comfortable in the hottest months by reducing the average radiant temperature of the room.
Note that a highly conductive floor is going to feel cool to the feet because it is cooler than skin temperature. While cold floors can be uncomfortable in winter, they’re great in the hot months when you walk barefoot at home.
The most commonly used conductive floor finish is ceramic tile, though it can be expensive. One alternative used by some builders is stamped and dyed concrete, which is less costly than ceramic tile and is better than tile at conducting heat.
Carpeting over a slab will restrict the thermal interaction of the slab and the living space. Both vinyl and wood floor coverings are better than carpeting in terms of using the thermal mass of the slab for heating and cooling the room.
Q-I’ve been doing some work around the house, and some of the adhesives I plan to use have warnings that are quite alarming. Are there any adhesive choices that are non-toxic?
A-Many of the adhesives used in buildings today contain toxic hydrocarbon solvents. You need to look for epoxy-type adhesives, which are fairly non-toxic when cured. White glue and carpenter’s glue also are safe when dry. Finally, consider using adhesives made from natural and non-toxic materials such as a water-based synthetic rubber sealant.
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Ken Sheinkopf of the Florida Solar Energy Center will answer questions about energy conservation and home comfort. Write to him in care of the Orlando Sentinel, P.O. Box 211, Orlando, Fla. 32802-0211.
