![]() Do not use asphalt- or bitumen-type vapor retarders over radiant heat systems. Use an adhesive and moisture control system suitable for the flooring being installed and for the radiant heating system it is being installed over. ![]() In addition, the channels containing radiant tubing should not be filled with adhesive, and temperature and vapor retarder rules stated previously apply. Check with the adhesive manufacturer for minimum and maximum subfloor temperature limitations during the installation. When gluing down, before installation begins, the heat will need to be reduced or even turned off for the duration of the flooring installation to avoid premature drying and skinning over of the adhesive. This may include any of the following: nail-assisted glue-down full spread glue-down or floating installation methods. When the required fastener schedule cannot be followed due to the placement of the screeds/sleepers, an alternative installation method may be necessary. When nailing down a wood floor, consider the screed/sleeper placement in comparison to the angle of the fastener to avoid penetrating into any radiant heating tubes or elements. The heating tubes/elements should be submerged enough below the surface of the screeds/sleepers that the wood flooring does not come into direct contact with the heating tubes/elements. This should present a flat surface that minimizes any air space between the subfloor and the flooring. Hydronic tubing and electric elements typically are installed into the channels between the screeds/sleepers, and then embedded in a gypsum or lightweight concrete mix, which is poured even with the top of the screed/sleeper. The same rules apply regarding temperature and vapor retarder. This may include any of the following:: nail-assisted glue-down full spread glue-down or floating installation methods. When the required fastener schedule can’t be followed because of the type of radiant heating system being used, an alternative installation method may be necessary. Length and placement of fasteners must be assessed and addressed prior to and during the install. Penetration of the heating tubes/elements must be avoided, as well. Where a wood panel subfloor has been installed over a concrete slab, install a Class I impermeable vapor retarder over the slab, and under the wood panel subfloor in all on- and below-grade applications, and when calcium chloride readings are greater than three pounds, relative humidity readings are greater than 80% or calcium carbide readings are greater than 2.5%.įastener length should be taken into account to avoid penetration of the vapor retarder. A Class II vapor retarder should be placed over a wood subfloor and below the wood flooring when being installed over an unconditioned space. When nailing down over wood panel subfloors, the subfloor surface temperature should not exceed 80☏ at the time of installation. ![]() Typically, radiant heat installation methods for wood flooring will include one of the following: nail-down over wood panel subfloor direct nail to screeds/sleepers glue-down floating engineered or direct nail through low-voltage radiant systems. The type of flooring specified, the flooring manufacturer requirements and the subfloor system will dictate the flooring installation method. Subfloor materials may include concrete, wood, screeds/sleepers or a combination of any of these. Both systems can be installed above, below or within the subfloor. Radiant heat systems may be either hydronic (water/fluid flowing through pipes) or electric (electric resistance heating elements). When radiant heat is used with flooring, the system is installed beneath the flooring material. Wood flooring can be installed over radiant heat successfully, as long as it is understood how radiant heat works, how it can impact wood flooring, what precautions should be taken and which type of wood flooring to use. ![]() Unlike conventional heating systems that heat the air, radiant heat systems transfer radiant energy from an emitting heat source to an object, like flooring. Radiant heat is a very efficient heating technology. As consumer desire for home comfort and efficiency increases, the demand for radiant heat grows, as well.
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