You should be aware of all flooring types being installed over the radiant heat system. Different flooring materials possess different R values and if different materials are used in the same heat zone, check with the HVAC mechanical engineer.
You should communicate with the homeowner and let them know the best conditions for a stable hardwood floor over radiant heat. As a hardwood floor installer it is your responsibility to install the hardwood floor perfectly to the radiant heat system. Communicate frequently with your customer about the best ways to maintain humidity and temperature. One of the most common reasons why radiant heat hardwood floors experience failure is because the system was turned on too high too fast.
Users will crank up the heat when it gets cold. The best way to combat this form of failure is to talk to your customer. Explain to them that radiant heat systems need to be turned on gradually. That way they can slowly turn on the radiant heat system as the temperature gradually falls. Also, talk to your customers about installing a humidifier either to add or remove humidity. During the installation process one of the most important steps to take is to turn on the radiant heat system weeks prior to the delivery of the wood.
This step will help drive out any moisture present in the subfloor. It will also show if there is any problem with the radiant heat system itself like a water leak. This step should not be avoided regardless of the time of year. Another key step during installation is to measure the surface temperature of the sub floor and the hardwood floor.
The surface temperature of the sub floor should never exceed 85F. If the surface temperature exceeds 85F, the wood may dry out more than it should and this can cause cracks. The types of wood flooring best suited for under-floor radiant heat systems should be accounted for to ensure long-term performance. Species Both in solid and engineered flooring options, certain species are known for their inherent dimensional stability such as mesquite, black cherry, black walnut, and others.
Less stable species such as hickory, beech, and maple are less suitable for use over radiant heat. Cut Wood is a hygroscopic and an anisotropic material, meaning it takes-on and throws-off moisture, and it shrinks and swells dependent on these changes in moisture differently in each direction.
Wood shrinks and swells the most circumferentially around the growth rings tangentially , about half as much across the rings radially , and only minuscule amounts along the grain longitudinally. The way in which it is cut from the tree for solid flooring is classified as plainsawn, quartersawn, riftsawn, livesawn, or end-grain.
Quartersawn and riftsawn wood flooring are more dimensionally stable in width than plainsawn or end-grain wood flooring. Width Wood changes dimension proportional to the width of the plank. Narrow boards expand and contract less than wider-width boards of the same species and cut.
Flooring Type Engineered wood flooring is, in general, more dimensionally stable than solid wood flooring. However, not all engineered wood flooring is recommended or appropriate for use over radiant heating systems. Engineered flooring with a less-stable wear layer species such as hickory, beech, and maple are not normally best suited over radiant heat unless otherwise suggested by the flooring manufacturer. The cut and thickness of the wear layer lamina peeled, sliced, or sawn may also affect how the floor performs over radiant heat.
Follow the flooring manufacturer recommendations for maintenance, environmental T and RH requirements, surface temperature requirements, and whether or not each specific product is intended to be used over radiant heat. Wood flooring manufactured and expected to perform at MC levels higher than 9 percent or in conditions above 50 percent RH should not be used with radiant heating systems.
Most wood flooring can be installed over radiant heat, providing all of the necessary conditions are met. Successful wood floor installations occur when the radiant heat system design engineer, the radiant heating system installer, the wood flooring installer, and the end-user all communicate and fully understand what is required for the entire flooring system being installed.
This communication should include which type of wood flooring to use, what installation method to use, understanding how this heat source may impact the wood flooring, what precautions to take before, during and after installation, and consistent communication among all parties when any changes take place to any part of the system.
The end-user should also have a clear understanding of the flooring product use and maintenance requirements, as well as the radiant heating system features, limitations, and capabilities, and how all of these work together within the system, to stay within the necessary parameters.
More information related to radiant heating systems installed below wood flooring is included in the upcoming updates to the NWFA Wood Floor Installation Guidelines. How It Works Radiant heat systems use a three-stage process to convey heated water to its destination.
See diagram. Installation Details Good communication with the radiant heat system designer is critical. Everyone should be notified of any work pertaining to the installation, especially if specifications are changed. To ensure a superior end product, pay attention to the following factors before, during and after installation:. Subfloor Work with the system designer to choose the subfloor option see illustrations. The heat system designer is responsible for the subfloor installation, but you will want to be familiar with the choices.
Direct contact of the tubing with the flooring is not recommended. The subfloors shown here are recommended for hardwood floor installations. Particleboard subfloors are not recommended by radiant heat companies. Floor Temperature Provide the radiant heat system designer with the hardwood flooring dimensions, species, and the desired temperature of each room.
Tube Installation Consult with the system designer to determine the tube network layout, so you'll know where the tubes are before you nail down the floor. It is best to have the tubing spaced evenly down the joist cavity between the sleepers.
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