Launstein Floors and Heated Hardwood Flooring

Can You Put Hardwood Flooring Over Radiant Heat?

Can you put hardwood flooring over radiant heat is a frequently asked question from Consumers. The Answer is a Resounding     YES!!!  

Radiant heat offers even warmth in a room without cold spots and gives unmatched comfort that no other type of heating system can provide. Over the years, a lot of hardwood flooring has been installed over different types of radiant heat systems successfully.

Tips for Putting Hardwood Flooring over Radiant Heat
It is true that you can put hardwood flooring over radiant heat, but the wood must be brought to the area where it will be installed at least two weeks before the flooring so that it will acclimate. In addition, it is suggested that the radiant heat should be run at a temperature of 65 to 70 degrees two weeks before the wood flooring is taken to the site of construction and until the wood flooring has been finally installed.
You need the following tips to be confident that you have satisfactorily answered the question of can you put hardwood flooring over radiant heat.

1. Consult with Radiant Heat Provider: The first thing you must before you install hardwood flooring over radiant heat is to discuss with your radiant heat manufacturer or provider for the suggested installation methods. This is due to the wide range of radiant heat systems on the market, each with its own unique features. 
 
2. Operating Period: For a successful installation, your newly installed systems should be in operation two weeks before the installation of heating wood floors. This safety measure will help to further dry out any unidentified species of trapped moisture.

3. Hydronic Systems: This must comprise of an outdoor thermostat and in-floor temperature sensors that let the system regulate the water temperature in accordance with the expected heat loss. Radiant heat adds to drying out of all woods.

4. Board Moisture Content: Ensure that the board moisture content is about 6 to 9 percent prior to installation and maintained very well after installation.

5. Humidification System: In order to maintain the proper humidity level, it may be necessary to use a humidification system. The indoor virtual humidity must be maintained between 30 to 50 percent throughout the year. Failure to do so can cause face checking, splintering, de-lamination, squeaking and edge cupping.

6. The Thermostat: Reduce the thermostat to 65°F for the duration of the installation. Slowly increase the temperature of the heating system to the preferred operating degree for a period of 5 days, after 48 hours of installation.
 On no occasion should the surface temperature of the sub-floor be more than 85°F in any particular location. In addition, the temperature setting must be in 15°F of normal operating level, to avoid shock to the floor. Adjust the temperature setting gradually and make sure it is not turned off completely.
On the other hand, you need to note that rapid heating, failure or inability to maintain humidity levels between 30 percent to 50 percent and excessive heat can probably lead to squeaking, cupping, cracking and other forms of floor concerns.

7. Small Surface Splits: This should be expected in an installation of hardwood flooring over radiant heat, particularly at the ends of planks, but doesn’t constitute any product failure.

The Best Heating Wood Floors to use over Radiant Heat
Another important consideration in this context is the best heating wood floors to use over radiant heat. The floating engineered floor is the best wood flooring construction to use in this situation. This is because the boards of the floor are locked together at various joints of each board (not attached, adhered or nailed to the subfloor by any means). If any contraction or expansion in the wood floor takes place and cause any dimensional change, this lets the entire floor move as a single unit.
On the other hand, engineered floor that has cross layers of plywood support allows for an additional unwavering floor with a reduced amount of chance for dimensional movement. You can also install floating engineered wood flooring over all surfaces and sub-floors with the exception of the carpet, as long as they are flat and secure. Making use of a floating floor will significantly lessen any potential seam contraction between the floorboards.

Conclusion
Our Team at Launstein Hardwood Floors have the expertise to answer any questions or concerns you may have when it comes to Installing Hardwood floors over Radiant Heat. We have been in Business for over 50 years and we ship or product nationwide and throughout Canada. If you there is anyone in the business who can answer your questions, it is us….and we love to help. Call or email us anytime.