10 must-knows about Underfloor Heating and Wooden Flooring

Having underfloor heating is a wonderful, especially during the winters when the floors can be cold throughout the day. However, there is a way to prevent that, but there are a few things that you need to know. 

1.     The density and thickness of the flooring. This is important to know because the thinner the wood the more heat that will come through. The thickest you want the wood is to be 18mm and anything more won't allow the proper heat through.

2.     Suitability and compatibility. This is important because if the flooring isn't compatible with underfloor heating, then you will simply ruin the flooring. Check with the manufacturer before installing the underflooring.

3.     Insulation. The better the insulation of the underflooring, then the more cost and energy efficient it will be. There are plenty of insulation options, so make sure to choose the best one.

4.     Moisture content of your flooring. You need to ensure that there is plenty of moisture content in the flooring and engineered wood is always more stable, but ask your manufacturer. You want the flooring to have around 8-9% after heating.

5.     Room humidity. This important because the humidity of the air can affect the wood and cause expansion or shrinkage. You want the humidity to be around 40-60% all the time.

6.     Maximum temperature of the floor. Most of the wooden floors shouldn't be heated over 27º and you can find this out by using a thermostat that has a floor probe that can automatically control the temperature.

7.     Heating controls. You need to be able to control the amount of heat that is hitting the wood panels and you don't want it to get too hot. This also makes sure that no energy gets wasted and that the heating is safely being used.

8.     Underlay. For floors that are nailed or floating you should hire a wood specialist that can install the underlay on top of the heating. It should be thin and not foil reflective and the maximum TOG that you want is 2.5.

9.     System type. There are 2 different types, including warm water and electric heating and both can be used under the wooden floors. However, the type that is used is based on preference and the type of project. Electric is mostly used in refurbishing, while warm water is typically used in new buildings.

10.  Reputable supplier. Make sure that you have a reputable supplier for your underfloor heating and you should find out some crucial information. Make sure to find out how long they have been in business, what the guarantees are and if they have technical staff to help if you need it.