Underfloor Heating Systems
Installation over ‘Underfloor’ Heating Systems
Notes:
- Warranting relates only to ‘Contemporary’ or ‘Selected Casual’ grade product.There are precautions which must be understood, and directions as follows which must be adhered to.
- Non Warranted Failure may result if directions are not followed
- Failure is commonly the result of not following one or more precautions.
- Expectations: Wood is living material, therefore it will move (shrink & swell) as its environment (temperature & humidity) changes. This can occur despite best efforts of manufacturers, installers, and even home owners. While providing a stable environment of temperature & humidity is the goal, it can be changed without the control or knowledge of the manufacturer, therefore warranting is limited. Owners should expect and must accept seasonal distortions to occur particularly during the first 2 years.
- It is vitally important to maintain the ambient relative humidity in the home above 30%measured by a functioning & accurate Hygrometer.Failure to do so can result in cracking and defects developing even with species and grades which are Radiant heat friendly.If you live in climatic region where relative humidity is not consistently 40 – 75%, we recommend you do not install over Radiant heat! In such regions Radiant can cause non-warranted conditions of shrinkage and cracking.
- Installation preparation: Concrete material must be min 30mm thick above the pipe surface.
- Sub-floor moisture must be reduced to 5% or less. This requires having the heating system operating at 72 – 750 F. for several days, then on Maximum temp. for 2-3 days, then reduce heat to 600 and allow the floor to thoroughly cool before commencing installation.
We recommend Full spread adhesive as the best means of installing over heated floors. Once having installed the floor, bring the floor temperature up slowly to 68 – 72 F over the period of one week. This is considered a normal operating temperature. –at no time should operating temperature exceed 75 F ( 23C) Boiler Temperature must be closely controlled as well to avoid spiking liquid temperature and “cooking” entry points to the heating grid.
The temperature adjustment procedure should be completed in when shutting the heat off, and when increasing temperature after summer when you are not using heated floors.
*Caution: Cracking in boards is viewed as evidence that the above conditions have not been maintained. While repairs may be necessary, financial responsibility is denied under warranty. Observation of these simple rules will allow you to fully enjoy your new flooring, with the added comfort of radiant warmth.