Obviously a radiant floor panel system needs to be installed before the flooring. Because the Pex tubing is typically laid down right after the installation of the panels, it is very possible to incur in tubing damage. The newly installed radiant floor has to hold up many other building processes and extra care in the construction site is required.
Some radiant panel manufacturers suggest temporarily covering the floor with mesonite panels or thin plywood, to protect it from spillage, debris and heavy foot traffic throughout construction.

• Radiant floor requires more complex panel layout
• Radiant tubing needs to be laid down
• Radiant floor has to hold up during different construction phases
• Tubing gets damaged during construction
• Temporary cover of the radiant floor during construction is recommended
• In the construction phases, radiant floor installation occurs at the wrong time, interfering with other critical work and delaying the schedule

Working in a building site with floors covered by pipes that limit movement and delay work is not cost effective.