Choosing the Right Wooden Floor for Underfloor Heating

 

Wood floor in Portsmouth, OH

Underfloor heating offers several advantages over radiators. It clears space, allows for more efficient use of energy, and can even reduce the risk of mildew on wood flooring. However, it can also cause problems if used incorrectly.

Choosing the right type of floor for underfloor heating is important. If you are planning to install an underfloor heating system, it is best to choose wood that is natural in nature, and has a high thermal conductivity. Hardwoods such as oak are good choices for underfloor heating. But you can also go for engineered flooring, which is manufactured from a multi-layered design. This is less likely to warp or move in response to temperature changes.

The temperature of the underside of your flooring should not reach above 27 degrees Fahrenheit. That means you should make sure that you have flow control valves installed. Otherwise, the system might not work as it should.

You should also make sure that you do not use a floor covering that can speed up the drying process of the wood. A rug is particularly bad for this, as it can increase the chances of larger cracks forming.

Another important point to note is the size of the wooden planks you’ll be using. Thicker wooden boards take more time to warm up than thinner ones. Therefore, if you’re aiming for a warmer temperature, you might want to choose narrower boards.

One of the key features of underfloor heating is that it heats the entire room evenly. To achieve this, you’ll need to have the heating circuit designed for this purpose. There should be a separate temperature regulation, as well as a heat diffuser that helps spread the heat across the floor.

Speak with one of Crabtree’s Carpet & Flooring experts, located right outside Piketon, to discuss installation options.