Wood Floor Under-Floor Heating

As any informed engineer, architect or contractor will tell you, Wide Plank Wood Floors that are to be installed above under-floor heating must be exceptionally well engineered. Solid non-engineered wood can exhibit deficiencies such as large gaps between the planks, cupping and warping. The close proximity of the heating source and the use of the floor as a large area radiator can be the cause of post installation problems.

The finest engineered wood available today is what we at Heritage Flooring Wood Flooring source and install to offer you peace of mind for your home. It's thermal properties and complete stability are fully compatible with under-floor heating.

Though some companies will float a wood floor above under-floor heating systems, we will bond our wood floors to the sub-floor where possible. As under-floor heat manufacturers will confirm, the best heat transfer comes through wood floors that are bonded to the wood floor. Air gaps, however small, as with double-glazing, inhibit heat transfer. Because wood is a porous material, it changes dimensionally with the amount of moisture retained within its cellular structure, therefore incorrect relative humidity percentages and room temperatures will adversely affect an installation and would need to be monitored.

Sub-floors must be inspected and tested to make sure they are within acceptable tolerance parameters. Both the flatness and levels of the sub-floor must be within tolerance. The sub-floor moisture content must also be measured with a hygrometer to ensure tolerances are met.

Prior to installation the heating system must be correctly cycled and any air or water leaks rectified. This process alone can take up to two weeks.

We supply, fit and guarantee engineered hardwood floors with under-floor heating systems. There are several types of under-floor heating systems, and depending on the system that you choose, we will suggest the appropriate floor solution.

Water based Under-Floor Heating

The benefits of a water-based system under-floor heating system are that the heat can be distributed more evenly and at a lower running cost than radiators. Water is heated by a boiler or other heat source and pumped to manifolds located on each floor which distribute it around the heating circuits in the various rooms before returning to the heat source for re-heating. Once a desired room temperature has been achieved, the thermostat sends a signal to a valve on the manifold which is then closed.