Underfloor heating is one of the most energy-efficient ways to heat your home, leaving you with more space to design your dream bedroom, living room or kitchen. Best of all, the majority of underfloor heating systems (both hot water and electrical) can be used with all of our engineered floors, so you never have to sacrifice one for the other. Each product on our website states in the description if it is compatible with underfloor heating or not, giving you the confidence to choose. It can also work well with vinyl and laminate flooring. However, always consult with the heating engineer before purchase to ensure the system is suitable.
Steps to prevent damage to wooden floors from underfloor heating:
A moisture barrier and heat distribution layer must be installed as close to the wooden floor as possible to stop the floor from drying out and becoming damaged. The heat should be distributed evenly so no uncontrolled hot spots occur.
The temperature controls should be accurate as the floor temperature mustn’t exceed 27 degrees. (It should also be noted that floor temperature is not the same as room temperature, which is usually a few degrees lower.) Therefore, both readings must be accurate and easy to change when needed. The best way to do this is with an infrared heat monitor. These are inexpensive and will allow you to calibrate the maximum running temperature of your heating system.
Understand the early warning signs of heat damage: colour fade, small longitudinal splits, especially near knots and ends. If the hardwood floor layer starts to peel, action will need to be taken to restore the wood floor or refinish it completely.
Heavy rugs/carpets should be avoided in areas with underfloor heating as these can increase the heat of the floor considerably, leading to damage to the floor underneath.
It is important to heat the floor slowly, not like a standard radiator as this is not how underfloor heating systems are designed to work. The only circumstances within most properly insulated homes that a temperature of 22* cannot be achieved with a floor temperature of 27* is when the 22* is demanded too quickly.
A Wood Idea recommends using flooring which is 14mm thick (or less) to maximise the heat transfer. Here are our top picks.
How to use water-fed heating systems with my hardwood floor?
The underfloor heating installer must ensure that all services running beneath the floor have been fully tested before laying starts. Once the screed is dry and before installation follow heat up procedure as follows:
Day 1 – 20 °C
Day 2 – 30 °C
Day 3 – 40 °C
Day 4 – 50 °C or the maximum planned operating temperature and maintained constantly for 7 days
Day 12 – 40 °C
Day 13 – 30 °C
Day 14 – 30 °C
Day 15 – Switch off the heating system
Allow 4 days before a final moisture reading is taken. If more than 7 days elapse between the last cooling down day and the start of laying the flooring, the underfloor heating system should be run at minimum operating temperature for 2 days. The system should then be switched off for at least 4 days before a further moisture check is carried out before laying.
Following these guidelines and any advice from your heating engineer will allow you to enjoy the various benefits of underfloor heating without the worry of causing damage to your beautiful wooden floor. Why not take a look at our flooring specials, all of which are suitable for heating. For any further questions don’t hesitate to contact one of our friendly experts on 0191 414 1300 or email us at [email protected].
