Oak Floorboards for Underfloor Heating
Underfloor heating is an increasingly popular choice for ensuring optimal temperatures in homes. Its growing popularity is no surprise, as it offers many advantages. It allows rooms to be heated at a lower cost, minimizes air circulation (making it recommended for allergy sufferers), and the lack of radiators simplifies interior design. Besides, stepping on a warm floor during winter days is incredibly comfortable. But can a wooden floor be used with such heating? Absolutely. It is best to choose dense hardwood, as higher density translates to better heat conduction. Oak boards are an optimal choice for underfloor heating.
Solid or Engineered Boards?
Currently, two types of floorboards are available on the market – solid and engineered. For underfloor heating, engineered boards are a safer choice. Their construction increases the board’s dimensional stability, thereby minimizing the risk of distortion.
Solid construction boards are considered more sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, which is why most manufacturers do not recommend them for rooms with underfloor heating. However, it is worth noting that Walczak is an exception. Thanks to a patented system of longitudinal and transverse cuts on the underside of the solid board, it can successfully be used with underfloor heating.
Installing Boards over Underfloor Heating
The standard way to attach the board to concrete is by gluing it down. An alternative is a „floating” installation without the use of glue; however, in such cases, air pockets form between the floor and the screed, reducing the efficiency of the heating system.
Before proceeding with the installation of oak boards over underfloor heating, it is essential to perform a screed heating process according to the flooring manufacturer’s protocol. This process should last at least 2 weeks. The temperature in the system should be increased by 5°C daily until the maximum temperature is reached, which should be maintained for several days. Then, gradually lower the temperature, also by 5°C per day, until the screed reaches a temperature of 15-18°C. After such heating, a moisture measurement of the screed must be conducted; if the result is within the permitted range, installation can begin. Otherwise, the heating process must be repeated.
Using Wooden Floors with Underfloor Heating
As mentioned, engineered oak boards for underfloor heating are the optimal choice for rooms with such a system. However, for the floor to serve for many years, certain rules should be followed. Above all, rapid temperature changes in the system should be avoided. When it is too cold in the house, the temperature should be raised gradually, preferably by a few degrees per day. Ensure that the maximum temperature for a wooden floor, which is about 27°C, is not exceeded. This is a crucial point because if the floor is damaged due to overheating, the manufacturer will have grounds to reject a warranty claim.
Additionally, care should be taken to ensure that the air in heated rooms does not become too dry, as this can result in gaps appearing between the boards. To ensure an optimal humidity range of 45-60%, it is worth using air humidifiers.
