One of the main issues with installation of the wood floors over the radiant floor heating system is the risk on penetrating the heating element with screws or nails. * Combined R value of the materials (hardwood, plywood, etc.) above the heating cable is calculated by adding the R values of each individual layer. Flooring which is too thick or has a high R value may act as insulator, reducing flooring surface temperature and system efficiency. For most electric floor heating systems, including, the acceptable combined * R-value of the flooring above the heating cable or mat should not exceed a total of 1.0. R-value is a critical factor, as indicates the thermal resistance of a particular material or, in our case – wood flooring, to transferring heat. Why R value is importantįirst and foremost, it is important to check the R-value of the flooring based on the wood species and its’ thickness with the manufacturer or product distributor. Properly finished wood is easy to clean and maintain and is a good investment which increases the value of the property.Ĭons: While it is possible to select the right type and thickness wood floors to go along with the radiant heating system, the information above should be carefully considered to ensure compatibility, efficiency and trouble-free operation of the system. It’s hypo-allergenic and is free from chemicals which cause or complicate respiratory health conditions. Pros: Wood is a beautiful and clean building material, with excellent acoustic and wear-resistance properties. Pros and Cons of Wood Floors for Radiant Heating Softwood is also a much less practical choice for use with floor heating because it is less dense and therefore is less efficient in transferring radiant heat. Softwood (Pine, Fir, Cedar) is not a common choice for flooring since they can be easily damaged and require special care. Among the hardwood species used for floors, the following are among the most common: Oak, Cherry, Maple, Walnut and Birch. Hardwood is a more common and practical choice of flooring due to it’s resistance to wear and shrinkage/expansion due to humidity changes. Furthermore, the narrower planks tend to show fewer gaps with wear and humidity changes then the wider ones. Quarter sawn wood is a preferred choice for flooring installations because its grain direction makes it more resistant to shrinkage and deformations over time. Ensure to add insulation below to push the heat upwards to the flooring materials.Plain sawn lumber is generally not recommended for flooring because its’ radial grain orientation allows the wood to distort over time into a bow-like shape. Once the mats are appropriately fitted and cut to length, staple them into position between the joists and complete the electrical connections. Installation is a breeze! It can be used under most floor covering types, including carpet. Completely unseen, under subfloor heating mat sets warm floor surfaces to about 85F / 30C for unparalleled comfort. The QuietWarmth Radiant Heat system is a retrofit heating system that is installed under the subfloor, between the joists, to provide either primary or supplementary heat. Retrofit radiant heat to your existing floors to add comfort and warmth to any room in the house. Because it is an electric floor heating system, there are no hot water pipes to worry about, thick electrical cables to bury in cement, most of all, no messy installation. Simply place the mats between the subfloor joists and run pre-attached lead wires to an available thermostat. QuietWarmth radiant heat film for under subfloors is the perfect solution to add comfort and warmth to any existing flooring, including nail-down wood floors.
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