The Legalett Way - In-Depth Guide to Air Heated Radiant Floors and ...

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AIR-HEATED FLOORS THE LEGALETT WAY

Transcript of The Legalett Way - In-Depth Guide to Air Heated Radiant Floors and ...

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AIR-HEATED FLOORS

THE LEGALETT WAY

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INDEX

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“The LEGALETT Way”

“The LEGALETTWay”

is a building system that combines air-heated radiant floors with a healthy indoorclimate.

The following pages describe the LEGALETT system, its components and installation procedure.Information is also provided which summarizes costs, compares LEGALETT with conventional constructionand hydronic systems and, more importantly, identifies specific advantages in building

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This booklet contains generic and descriptive information. Each LEGALETT system is designed to suit therequirements of the building and occupants.

1.0 THE LEGALETT WAY

2.0 WHY LEGALETT ?

Legalett Air-Heated Floor and Foundation System Description...........................................Typical Design.....................................................................................................................Air Piping Components........................................................................................................Edge Elements....................................................................................................................Air Piping Layout..................................................................................................................Heating Units.......................................................................................................................Construction Heater and Floor Finishes..............................................................................Typical Installation Procedure..............................................................................................Ventilation and Air Conditioning...........................................................................................

Advantages for all Residents / Builders / Developers .........................................................Additional Advantages for Retirement Homes / Communities and Nursing Homes............Additional Advantages for Large Builders and Developers..................................................Additional Advantages for Assembly Buildings, Churches, Schools & Day Care Facilities.Additional Advantages Compared to Hydronic & Conventional Systems............................Retail Cost Comparison.......................................................................................................

For more information we invite youto visit our website at

www.legalett.com

2345678-910-1112-13

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LEGALETT AIR-HEATEDFLOOR AND FOUNDATIONSYSTEM DESCRIPTION

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LEGALETT is a building system.We follow the building process from design to installation.In contrast to other heating systems, we design both thefoundation and the heating system as a whole. Themigration of dampness and the effects of frost heave areeliminated through proper design.Due to the unique ability of the LEGALETT System toeliminate frost walls without any chance of foundationmovement, tremendous time and money savings areenjoyed when using the LEGALETT System.

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The LEGALETT air-heated floor and foundation can beused in all types of buildings.A closed loop pipe system is cast in place and forms boththe foundation and the heating system-- individuallydesigned for each building.The pipes are connected to a heating unit containing athermostat-controlled heating element and a fan. Whencontrolled by a programmable thermostat, the heating unitcan take advantage of two-tiered natural gas or electricityrates for night storage of less expensive energy in theLEGALETT floor.The LEGALETT air-heated floor and foundation, with itsheating system in the floor, offers unique advantages forthe curing of concrete and can provide heat during theconstruction period.

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LEGALETT IS MUCH MORE THAN JUST FLOOR HEATING

Enjoy the warm floors of a LEGALETT air-heated floor and foundation system !

! The LEGALETT System is anexce l len t a l te rna t i ve toconventional heating systemswith respect to constructioncosts, comfort, dampness andenergy savings.LEGALETT is suitable fordetached houses, row houses,townhouses, pre-schools andnursery schools, assemblybuildings, industrial buildings –indeed for almost all types ofheated floors and foundations.

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A closed loop pipe system is cast in place and forms boththe foundation and the heating system.

The pipes are connected to a heating unit heating up theair which is circulated through the pipes.

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TYPICAL DESIGN

BASEMENT SECTION

UPPER FLOOR SAMPLE SECTIONS

FOUNDATION SECTION

A typical LEGALETT design includes: flat, well-packed gravel bed, min. 4“ (100mm),2x3 75mm)expanded polystyrene insulation board with offsetjoints, reinforcing mesh on top, edge bottom andpipes for hot air distribution.

“ (The outer edge is insulated using LEGALETT edgeelements. The load bearing expanded polystyreneinsulation board is estimated to have a long-termdeformation of less than 3%.

LEGALETT can be used with various upper floor systems.

LEGALETT can be used for basements as well.

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ASSEMBLY OF PIPING

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AIR PIPING COMPONENTS4”(100 mm) and 2”(50 mm)

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With LEGALETT air-heated floors, the heat is distributed by means of air in an embedded piping system.The pipes are comprised of standard galvanized sheet metal or HDPE plastic components.

Piping:

Nipple:

Elbows:

Cap:

Self-tappingSheet metalScrews:

Galvanized sheet metal for 4" (100 mm)HDPE plastic for 2" (50 mm).

Used to connect the pipes.

45 and 90 .

Used to seal unused inlets andoutlets in the heating unit.

Bright galvanized, case hardened steel.Used to connect parts.Dimension: #8 x 1/2".

or

Galvanized sheet metal for 4" (100 mm)or HDPE plastic for 2" (50 mm).

Galvanized sheet metal for 4" (100 mm)or HDPE plastic for 2" (50 mm).

Galvanized sheet metal for 4" (100 mm)or HDPE plastic for 2" (50 mm).

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The installation of piping in the slab isas per the supplied drawing.

At the design stage, the heat load(piping density) and air flows arebalanced.

Loops must not have any moreelbows than shown on the drawing. Ifan obstacle occurs, the pipe can bemoved parallel 8”-12” (200-300 mm).

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EDGE ELEMENTS

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The LEGALETT air-heated foundation issurrounded by edge elements made of expandedpolystyrene. The edge elements are assembledon a bed of gravel and become the formwork forthe concrete pour. Edge element alignment iseasily accomplished with the supplied metalchannel. The metal channel also providesdamage protection for the edge element duringconstruction.

Typical

Note:

Length: ( )

Height: ( )

Dimensions of edge elements

8' 2.4 mWidth: 6" (150 mm) (top)

12"-14" 300-350 mm

may vary depending onproject requirements.

Dimensions:

The edge elements can be finishedon-site at the same time as thehouse exterior facade is finished.Typical finishes are stucco, pargingor a pre-mixed acrylic coating suchas ‘Styro Industries Flexcoat Multi-Purpose Foundation InsulationCoating’or generic equivalent.

FINISHING OF EDGE ELEMENTS

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AIR PIPINGLAYOUT

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The pipes are laid at a typical distance of 1’ to 4’(0.25 m to 1.2 m) between each other. The layoutis designed to have approximately the same airflow through each loop. This is achieved byadjusting the equivalent length of duct in eachloop.

The heat emission from the pipe can be furthercontrolled using insulation.

The heating unit is equipped with a fan which re-circulates air and a heater, controlled by athermostat placed in a suitable location, protectedfrom the sun.

At the design stage, a heating unit (floor heater) islocated in a convenient and accessible location.

Since the entire unit is cast in the foundation slaband only the cover is visible, the box itself does nottake up floor space. Equipment or other items canbe placed on the cover, if necessary. The cover(MDF typically, or steel for commercial/industrialtraffic) can be finished with the floor covering usedin the room.

The ( ) air pipes are placedaccording to the drawing and the heatingrequirements of the various parts of the building.

2” or 4“ 50 mmor100mm

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HEATING UNITS4000W & 4000E SERIES

The 4000E series heating unit is installed in thefoundation slab or floor, and contains a fan and fourheating elements, with contactors that arecontrolled by one (single zone) to four (quad zone)external electric room thermostats.

These external thermostats operate the contactorsin the unit, energizing the heating coil and fan whenthe room needs heat. The unit is also equipped withseven overheating protection devices.

The 4000E series heating unit is used together withheating unit box 4000A 100/100 (100 mm spiralpipes) or with heating unit box 4000A50/50 (50 mmplastic pipes).

When controlled by a programmable thermostat,the 4000E can use two-tiered energy rates for nightstorage of less expensive energy in the LEGALETTheated floor.

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HEATING UNIT 4000W

The 4000W series heating unit is installed in thefoundation slab or floor, and contains a fan and fourwater/air-exchangers, with valves that arecontrolled by one (single zone) to four (quad zone)external electric room thermostats.

These external thermostats operate the controlvalves in the unit, opening the control valve whenthe room needs heat. A water temperature sensorbuilt into the 4000W starts the fan motor when theinlet water temperature reaches 30°C. When thecontrol valve is closed and the inlet watertemperature decreases to 27°C, the fan motorstops. The fan operation is independent of theposition of the zone valve, and responds only towater temperature.

The 4000W series heating unit is used together withheating unit box 4000A 100/100 (100 mm spiralpipes) or with heating unit box 4000A50/50 (50 mmplastic pipes).

When controlled by a programmable thermostat,the 4000W can use two-tiered energy rates for nightstorage of less expensive energy in the LEGALETTheated floor.

HEATING UNIT 4000E

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CONSTRUCTION HEATER& FLOOR FINISHES

CONSTRUCTION HEATER

UsageThe use of the LEGALETT ConstructionHeater is an integral part of the slabinstallation procedure. To properly dry theslab, the slab temperature must beelevated above typical room temperaturefor sufficient time to remove excessmoisture. Running the heater full time for aminimum of two weeks is necessary afterthe walls and roof are up (to retain some ofthe heat), but before the permanent heatinginserts or the floor finishes are installed.The detectable moisture content of the slabis affected by the temperature of the slab.Moisture exists in two phases in the slab -liquid and vapour. Liquid content is notdetectable, while vapour content is. As theslab is heated, the moisture changes fromliquid to vapour, and the quantity of

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Power SupplyThe construction heater uses a 5 kW element and a 0.2 kW fan, and operates on standard 230V power. It issupplied with a 4-foot long cord with a 230V, 30A male dryer plug, and requires an extension cable(minimum 3C10) to be wired into the panel with a 230V, 30Adryer receptacle. The 5.2 kWcurrent draw is 22amps, and a 30 amp breaker at the panel is recommended. Consult your electrician. If using a generator, a6 kWunit or greater is recommended.

AvailabilityConstruction heaters are available for purchase or rent from LEGALETT.

Concrete DryingDrying of the slab before the application of floor finishes and installation of the permanent inserts isimportant. The goal is to heat the slab temperature past normal operating temperatures with theconstruction heater (higher than 27°C for non-insulative floor finishes and 30°C for insulative floor finishes),so that the majority of the excess moisture is driven off. Once you have exceeded normal operatingtemperatures and driven off the excess moisture, very little moisture will come out of the slab duringoperation. The maximum normal operating temperature for the slab is 27 C-30 C in the winter months.° °

moisture that exists in the vapour phase is increased, as the liquid moisture content is decreased. As moreand more moisture exists in the vapour phase, it is driven off from the slab by the heating of the slab. Thus theoverallmoisture content of the slab decreases.The construction heater can also be used for winter pour conditions, for the first 24 to 48 hours after the pour.The application of heat during the curing process can help extend the building season, especially whencoupled with insulative blankets.

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When choosing floor finishes with any heated floors, it is best tochoose floor coverings with low R-values, such as tile or linoleum.These allow the most effective delivery of heat into the livingspace, while maintaining the lowest possible slab temperature,reducing slab heat losses and increasing operating efficiency.They also allow the slab’s maximum heating potential to bereached, something that may not occur with an insulative floorcovering.

High R-value floor finishes, such as carpet or hardwood, requirean elevated concrete slab temperature to force the heat throughthe floor coverings to achieve the surface temperature required toprovide adequate heat.

If you are using insulative floor coverings, although not essential,it is recommended to select the thinnest underlays for carpets,and the thinnest hardwoods to reduce the R-value of the floorcovering. For example, a thin engineered hardwood in the ½" (12mm) range is better than¾"(18mm)solidhardwoodonsleepers.

If high R-value floor coverings are being used, please adviseLEGALETTwith the order.

CONSTRUCTION HEATER &FLOOR FINISHES (cont’d)

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INSULATIVE FLOOR FINISHES

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TYPICAL INSTALLATIONPROCEDURELEGALETT SLAB ON GRADE

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1. Strip topsoil to correct elevation to allow fordesired amount of exposed edge, 5" to 8" (125-200 mm) of concrete, 6" (150 mm) of foam, and aminimum of 4" (100mm)ofclear stone.

2. Set up batter boards and lay out building.3. Place 3/8" (8 mm) clear stone (minimum 4" (100

mm) thick) to ensure gravity drainage. Level towithin 1/4" (6 mm) of desired elevation using avibratory plate compactor.

4. Locate and place plumbing risers and all otherunder slab services.(i.e. gas, electrical, etc.)

Note: final landscaping of ground surface at slabshall slope 5%minimum away from slab.

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5. Lay out edge elements. Key edge elementstogether using metal cap (supplied) and checkelevation of edge element using level and rod.

6. Install two courses of expanded polystyrene(EPS) insulation board, offsetting the joints.

7. Install bottom 2 layers of wire mesh on chairsat perimeter and under bearing walls as perdrawings. Use one chair per every 2' (0.6 m) atmesh edges.

8. Install furnace boxes as per drawings and ProductData Sheets.

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TYPICAL INSTALLATIONPROCEDURE (cont’d)LEGALETT SLAB ON GRADER

9. Install pipes as per drawings. Each joint is lockedwith two screws. Support pipe with supplied foampipe supports where not supported by mesh.

10.Install top layer wire mesh and other rebar as perdrawings. Tiemeshtogether with supplied lashingwire and wire ties.

11.Call for inspection by LEGALETT personnel, orcomplete inspection (Certified LEGALETTInstaller/Agent only).

12. Place concrete using vibrator. Check anchor boltlocations with framing contractor, and ensurebolts are offset from studs, have a minimum 3"(75 mm) embedment in concrete and haveadequate concrete cover.

13.Steel trowel surface using power trowels. Handtrowel around box.

14.Keep top of slab moist for three days tominimize shrinkage cracking.

15. A LEGALETT construction heater can be usedthe day the concrete is placed for cold weatherpours. In addition, the construction heater MUSTbe run for at least 2 weeks after the building isclosed in, and before the permanent heaters areinstalled and floor coverings are installed. Toobtain effective drying, the slab should be heatedhigher than the typical indoor ambienttemperature. Overall reduction in the moisturecontent of the slab is important to prepare thesurface for floor covering adhesives. Refer toConstruction Heater and Floor Finishes.

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VENTILATION & AIRCONDITIONING

COOLING

The Basics:Cooling and heating are two very oppositeprocesses. Everyone knows that hot airrises and cold air falls.Whatdoesthistellus?Well, it tells us that heating should come fromthe floor and cooling should come from theceiling. Putting your heating and coolingtogether in EITHER the floor or the ceiling iscounterproductive, and reduces theefficiency of the heating or cooling effect.

For maximum practicality and efficiency, thecooling and heating systems should beseparated - you should heat from the floor,and cool from the ceiling. Heating from thefloor is easy - simply use the LEGALETTSystem. Cooling from the ceiling is alsoeasy - simply cool your ventilation air.Ventilation air is required by code, and it is asimple matter to add cooling to that air flow, ifcooling is indeed required, which brings us tothe next point ...

What Should You Do?:

Do You Need a Cooling System?

How Does LEGALETT Reduce the Need for Cooling?

Cooling systems are used to reduce the heat and humidity levels in a structure to increase comfort. Toreduce cooling requirements, you must reduce the influx of heat and humidity into the conditioned space, ormoderate its presence. The former is a function of building construction techniques, while the latter issomething that the LEGALETTSystem can help with.

Since the LEGALETT System has tremendous thermal storage capacity with up to 8" (200 mm) of concretein the System, this thermal mass can moderate temperature swings that would be otherwise present froman intermittent influx of heat, i.e. during the day when the sun is out, or a heat spike. Simply put, the Legalettsystem reduces cooling requirements by absorbing excess heat when it is being generated and releasing itlater. This makes the room temperature more constant during the day. Thus a LEGALETT heated structurerequires less cooling capacity than a normal structure by 'shaving the peaks', or reducing the effect of heatspikes.

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VENTILATION & AIRCONDITIONING (cont’d)

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VENTILATION

Since the LEGALETT System moves air within the slab, and not within the structure, it cannot be used forventilation. Separation of the heating system from the ventilation system has its own benefit - it reduces thesize and, more importantly, the required operation time of the ventilation system to only what is required tomaintain fresh air. Ventilation needs are variable, usually depending on occupancy. Heating needs are notas variable and are fairly consistent during the heating season.

CAN THE LEGALETT SYSTEM BE USED TO COOL?The simple answer is no - you don't want a cold floor for your feet.

The LEGALETT System eliminates mould and mildew by maintaining a minimum positive temperaturedifferential between the slab and the ground. The polystyrene (EPS) insulation provides a capillary break toprevent moisture from migrating during summer conditions from the ground into the slab. To cool the slabwould be analogous to inviting moisture into the slab to provide a breeding ground for mould bacteria.

REDUCTION OF THE INFLUX OF HEAT AND HUMIDITY INTO THECONDITIONED SPACE THROUGH BUILDING TECHNIQUES

Low-EWindows:

Energy Recovery Ventilators:Opening windows during the summer is typically done to 'cool' the building, especially at night. The problemwith doing so is that while you may be bringing in cooler air into the house, you are also bringing in humidity.This elevated humidity (typical of hot, muggy summer days) is what causes the discomfort that airconditioning tries to reduce. Air conditioning is 90% dehumidification, and 10% cooling. This influx ofhumidity can be reduced by ventilating the house using a mechanical ventilation system that brings in freshair, while rejecting the heat AND humidity in the fresh air, maintaining the lower temperature inside thestructure. This can be done with an Energy Recovery Ventilator (ERV), which is the same concept as a HeatRecover Ventilator (HRV), but also recovers (or in this case, rejects) the humidity in the incoming fresh airstream by transferring it to the outgoing stale air stream.

Low-E window coatings, act as insulators to heat in the summer (and winter), reducing the heat flux throughthe window into the structure, also reducing the cooling requirements of the structure.

ICF Walls:Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) walls offer thebenefits of thermal mass through what iscommonly referred to as the 'thermal masseffect'. Simply put, these wall systems use thethermal mass of concrete to slow spikes oftemperature from passing through theconcrete wall. They absorb the heat spike inthe middle of the day and radiate it backoutside during the night, thus reducing theeffect of the heat spike. This also reduces thecooling requirements of the structure.

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ADVANTAGES OF LEGALETT

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Lower Capital Cost

Lower Operating Costs

The installed cost of the LEGALETT System islower or similar to that of other constructionmethods for foundation and heating systems.

The excellent R-value of the LEGALETT Systemgreatly reduces the energy loss through the slab.Room temperature can be lowered on average byup to 2°C (4°F) with a retained level of comfort. Thefoundation can be used for heat storageeliminating energy demand during peak periods.The LEGALETT slab can absorb large amounts ofsolar energy to release later at night, also reducingenergy costs. With LEGALETT, the requirementfor air-conditioning is reduced and the operation ofa make-up air system is eliminated except duringoccupancy.

Comfort

Prolongs Construction Season

LowMaintenance Cost

Heat During Power Outages

The LEGALETT foundation heat-storage ability gives way to a stable indoor climate, even when there is aquick change in the weather. LEGALETT ensures warm and comfortable floors while meeting heatingneeds.

bed. LEGALETT supplies all components as a kit, with easy to follow instructions. The supplied edgeelements provide stay-in-place formwork and allow a short construction time.

The LEGALETT System can be built on soil types that are simply not practical with traditional foundationdesigns, allowing the builder tomakeprofitable use of areas that would otherwise have to be abandoned.

After concrete pouring is complete, a temporary heater is connected to the heating system for concretecuring, effectively drying out the slab, a process which can continue throughout the construction period. Thishas advantages for the entire building process. Painting and floor laying can be carried out at an earlier stagethan with conventional construction methods. (Traditional building heaters need not be used.)

The closed loop pipe system does not require cleaning or maintenance. The air pipes do not have theleakage risks of a water system. There is no limit to the lifetime of the pipe system. The fan and the heatingunit are easily accessible.

The heat storage system is advantageous in the event of a power outage. Due to the slab’s ability to storeenergy, it can release its large store of heat over a long period of time.

Ability toMakeUseofLandwithPoorSoils

Elimination of Footings and Frost Walls - Efficient InstallationThe LEGALETT System provides for a faster and more efficient site preparation due to the use of a flat gravel

ADVANTAGES FOR ALL HOMEOWNERS , BUILDERS DEVELOPERSAND

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Elimination of Mould andMildewLEGALETT eliminates the physical conditions necessary for theoccurrence of dampness and thus the growth of mould in the foundation.Heating the foundation and floor does two things to combat the mould andmildew problem. The heating eliminates the coolness, and also drives themoisture away (moisture moves away from heat), eliminating dampness.The thickness (6" or 150 mm) of the insulation under the slab also providesan effective capillary break against moisture migrating upwards from thesoil in the summer, when the ground may be warmer than the slab. Withoutthis insulation, the slab might become moist and damp during the summer.The insulation provides this barrier while allowing the slab to breathe.

Convenient for Physically Challenged and for InfantsThe low entry height of a slab on grade heated floor make the LEGALETT System veryconvenient for the physically challenged as well as for small children.

Elimination of Radon GasThe reinforced concrete slab provides for very good protection against radon. Additional measures in thecase of radon can be taken, such as the sealing of inlets for plumbing fixtures, electrical conduits and gaslines that penetrate the slab. The LEGALETT System, as is, becomes a continuous radon barrier under thedwelling since there is no separation of footing / foundation and floor - the slab is continuous throughout.Since the slab itself is the barrier, you are not relying on an easily punctured plastic barrier to be the radonproofing - instead, you have a durable, thick, permanent barrier.

Lower Capital Cost

Easy To ProvideAHeated Garage

Retirement communities often consist of small, detached units. Since is less costly, these costsavings can be passed on to the owner.

Elderly people are especially sensitive to temperature.With , since the floor is warm, the feet arewarm, and thus the whole body is warm. This increases occupant comfort, and decreases the effects of jointailments from arthritis.

When building with it is easy to extend Legalett to include the garage as a heated area. Thecost of frost walls used in typical garage construction is eliminated. A heated garage allows access tovehicles in a warm area. A retiree may want an area to work on hobbies, and a warm garage is the perfectplace!

LEGALETT

LEGALETT

LEGALETT,

Warm Comfortable Floors and No Drafts

ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES(FOR RETIREMENT HOMES/COMMUNITIES & NURSING HOMES)

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ADVANTAGES OF LEGALETT(cont’d)

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ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES (FOR LARGE BUILDERS AND DEVELOPERS)

Elimination of Footings and Frost Walls

No Effect on Water Table, Doesn't Kill Mature Trees

LEGALETT eliminates footings and frost walls. The slab provides more than adequate support for interiorpartition or bearing walls and posts, eliminating the complex and costly network of interior strip footings andfoundation walls that are common with multi-unit structures.

A traditional subdivision, with its multiple basements, all with foundation drainage, will typically lower theexisting water table. This lowering of the water table will adversely affect existing mature trees. Since theLEGALETT foundation is built on the ground instead of in it, it does not lower the water table, and houses withLEGALETT foundations can be built in areas with mature vegetation, with no negative environmental impact.LEGALETT is thus an environmentally friendly way to build, avoiding root damage and preserving existingwater tables andmature vegetation and landscape.

ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES(FOR ASSEMBLY BUILDINGS, CHURCHES, SCHOOLS & DAYCARES)

Lower Operating CostThe LEGALETT System reduces therequirement for air conditioning andeliminates the need for make-up air systemoperation except during occupancy.

Foundation Cost ConsistencyWhen building similar houses in areas ofdifferent soil types, the design andconstruction of the foundation is based onthe soil conditions and digging hazards ofthe site.

Since there is no buried foundation/basement, cut and fill requirements areeliminated with the LEGALETT System. Ifthe existing grade is suitable, then the roadsare installed to suit that grade, and onlysimple landscaping is required to make thegrade uniform, instead of a costlysubdivision-wide program of cut and fill.

Cut and Fill Reduction

Conventionally constructedbuildings provide risk to the builder sincedigging is always an unknown.

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ADVANTAGES OF LEGALETT(cont’d)

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LEGALETT VS HYDRONIC &CONVENTIONAL HEATINGSYSTEMS

ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES COMPARED TO BOTH HYDRONIC RADIANTAND CONVENTIONAL HEATING SYSTEMS

ADVANTAGES OVER HYDRONIC RADIANT HEATING SYSTEMS

1. LEGALETT takes responsibility for the complete system including the structural slab and heatingsystem, and provides the design, as well as following through with installation and start-up, ensuringcustomer satisfaction.

2. LEGALETT System allows for a one-step concrete pour, saving construction time.3. Every LEGALETT part that may require maintenance is easily accessible.

4. The LEGALETT air heating system is closed, allowing for complete control of airborne contaminantsand odour. You do not breathe air that has passed by a heating element.

5. LEGALETT has reduced noise, since all heating airmovement equipment is buried in the slab.6. LEGALETT has reduced drafts, since the only air movement is ventilation air.7. No reverse temperature stratification (instead, the highest room temperature is at floor level).8. No contamination of ventilation equipment during construction, promoting healthy living.9. Comfortable working environment during construction without the use of expensive, unsafe space

heaters.

10. Contractor/builder/sub-trades can nail, drill, etc. into slab at any location without fear of destroyingheating loops or hitting water.

11. Life of system is life of building, since nothing buried in the concrete is subject to failure, and thus noheating system-disabling water leaks to water tubing failure.

12. Floor does not get hot enough to damage flooring materials.13. Complicated controls are not required to keep floor temperature at acceptable levels.14. Temperature overshoot is not an issue, due to the low intensity of the heating.15. The increased thermal mass of the LEGALETT System provides for a more stable interior

temperature than thinner heated slabs.

ADVANTAGES OVER CONVENTIONAL HEATING SYSTEMS

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LEGALETT, the ideal system . . .

. . . for the home . . . for the school . . . for the workplace

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RETAIL COSTCOMPARISON

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The following graph compares costs of an installed LEGALETT System to other construction methods,starting with undisturbed soil and finishing with a slab or floor above finish grade ready to construct walls on,including the heating system.

Notes:Slab-on-Grade with Hydronic

Slab-on-Grade with ForcedAir

Frost Walls with Hydronic

Frost Walls with ForcedAir

Full Basement with ForcedAir

Crawl Space with ForcedAir

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is an engineered thickened-edge slab-on-grade foundation using a boiler-based hydronic heating system.

is an engineered thickened-edge slab-on-grade foundation using a forced airheating system.

is conventional construction with frostwalls supporting a slab using a boiler-based hydronic heating system

is conventional construction with frostwalls supporting a slab using a forced airheating system.

is conventional construction with abasement and first floor (finished to thesubfloor level) with the basement wallsfinished to minimum Building Coderequirements, with a forced air heatingsystem.

is conventional construction with a crawlspace and first floor (finished to thesubfloor level) with the crawl space wallsfinished to minimum Building Coderequirements, with a forced air heatingsystem.

LEGALETT Cost Savings Factors Compared to Conventional ConstructionItem/Cost LEGALETT Approximate Relative

Cost Compared to Conventional Reason

I

Excavation 1/3 Simply stripping topsoil - no deep excavationStone Drainage Layer 2/3 Simply placing 4" (100 mm)of clean stone on a level surfaceBackfill Eliminated LEGALETT does not require backfill - only landscaping around

the edge elementFootings Eliminated LEGALETT does not require footingsFrost Walls Eliminated LEGALETT does not require frost wallsFooting Drainage Eliminated LEGALETT does not require footingsSump Pump and Pit Eliminated Slab is above water tableConcrete Slab Eliminated 8” (200 mm) slab included with LEGALETTAdditional underslabInsulation Eliminated 6" (150 mm) insulation included with LEGALETTHeating System Eliminated Included with LEGALETTAdditional Engineering Eliminated Included with LEGALETTOperating Costs Lower mproved insulation, Ability to decrease average room

temperature, Ability to take advantage of off-peak energy rates

18

Foundation/Heating System Installed Cost Comparison

$12

$17

$22

$27

$32

$37

800 1,600 2,400 10,000

Square Feet

Legalett

Slab-on-Grade Hydronic

Slab-on-Grade Forced Air

Frost Walls Hydronic

Frost Walls Forced Air

Full Basement Forced Air

Crawl Space Forced Air

Page 20: The Legalett Way - In-Depth Guide to Air Heated Radiant Floors and ...

LEGALETT supplies air-heated floors forresidential homes, retirement homes,

schools & daycare facilities, churches,commercial & industrial buildings.

There is always a LEGALETT designthat works.

" the LEGALETT way...the natural way...”

The information in this manual is intended for the U.Sand Canada.

“All information, illustrations and specifications in thismanual are based on the latest information available atthe time of publication. The right is reserved to makechanges at any time without notice”

www.legalett.ca

LEGALETT Inc.

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[email protected] www.legalett.ca