How to Heat New Wood Floors

Hello. Thank you so much for joining us for today's webinar. My name is Lynn, and I am a customer service representative here at WarmlyYours. Today, I am joined by Scott from the technical department. We appreciate your participation and are excited to discuss heating new wood floors. If you have any questions during today's presentation, please feel free to ask away. You can do so in the sidebar chat or in the "Ask a Question" module at the bottom of the screen. If we don't get to your question right away, we will definitely address all questions by the end of the presentation.

As mentioned, we will be covering heating wood floors, along with some information on hardwood flooring and how heating works with it. We will also discuss heating underneath a floating floor and some important post-installation care tips. Hardwood floors are very popular and continue to be a luxurious flooring choice. With proper care, they can last a very long time. By investing in electric heat beneath those wood floors, you add another level of comfort, enhancing the luxurious feel of warm, beautiful wood flooring. This is particularly beneficial for those who suffer from allergies, as it helps reduce dust and pollen that can circulate in the air from forced air heating systems.

It is crucial to follow all guidelines regarding relative humidity when installing hardwood floors, and we will delve into that shortly. Scott, could you explain the difference between electric and hydronic heating systems?

Certainly! Electric systems are much simpler, lacking the complex array of components found in hydronic systems. With electric heating, there are no hoses, pumps, valves, or water supplies to maintain. Additionally, electric mats or cables provide uniform heating; the temperature at the beginning of the mat is the same as at the end. In contrast, hydronic systems can have varying temperatures within the same floor. Hot water enters at one end and exits cooler at the other, resulting in uneven heating. This can create a situation where one side of the wood floor is hot while the other is cooler, which is not ideal.

Another advantage of electric heating is that it does not significantly raise the floor height, making it a great option for remodels. Hydronic systems can add two to three inches to the floor height, and they require plumbing for hot water, which can complicate installations. Electric heating is also more efficient in maintaining a consistent temperature. Unlike hydronic systems, which can overshoot and undershoot the desired temperature, electric systems maintain a steady temperature controlled by a thermostat.

When considering electric floor heating specifically for wood floors, we recommend our TempZone products for almost any flooring type when embedded in self-leveling cement. For floating floors, we suggest the Environn system. It is essential to avoid installing heating elements under low-lying furniture, areas with poor ventilation, or heavy rugs, as these can trap heat and lead to uneven heating.

For example, dog beds can insulate and trap heat between the bed and the heating cable, causing issues. It’s crucial to keep any items off the floor that could trap heat. Additionally, avoid placing items over the thermostat sensor, as this can lead to inaccurate temperature readings and uneven heating.

When discussing installation, the TempZone products need to be embedded in thinset or self-leveling underlayment, while the EnvironnFlex Roll is a floating installation that does not require embedding.

Now, let’s talk about relative humidity. Scott, could you elaborate on its importance in relation to floor heating?

Absolutely! Relative humidity is often overlooked, yet it is vital for maintaining the integrity of hardwood flooring. For instance, if someone installs hardwood floors with heating and later notices gaps in the winter, the first question to ask is about the relative humidity in the room. In summer, excessive humidity can cause buckling, while too little humidity in winter can lead to gaps. It is essential to maintain a relative humidity level between 38% and 42%, although some manufacturers may recommend a range of 30% to 50%.

When installing wood flooring, it is crucial to provide humidification in winter and dehumidification in summer. Many manufacturers will specify the ideal relative humidity for their products, which is essential to follow.

Another important aspect is the acclimation of the flooring material. Each manufacturer has different recommendations for how long the flooring should acclimate to the room's temperature and humidity before installation. Keeping track of the moisture content of the flooring is essential to ensure it is ready for installation with the heating product beneath it.

Preparing the subfloor is also critical. Before installing wood flooring, check the moisture level of the subfloor, ensuring it is clean, degreased, and level. Scott, do you have any additional tips for subfloor preparation?

Yes, it is vital to ensure the subfloor is clean and to plug any holes before applying self-leveling underlayment. If there are holes, the self-leveling material will flow into the space below, creating unevenness. Additionally, caulking around the perimeter of the room is necessary to prevent self-leveling from seeping into the walls, which can create a mess.

When installing under hardwood, the TempZone product, whether it be the TempZone cable or the TempZone Flex Roll, should be chosen based on the type of flooring installation. For nailed hardwood, use the TempZone cable between sleepers, while the TempZone Flex Roll is best for glued-down installations.

It’s important to remember never to cut the heating cable itself. When making cuts and turns with the TempZone Flex Roll, only cut the mesh, not the heating cable.

Scott, could you explain the difference between engineered and solid hardwood?

Certainly! While I am not a wood expert, I can provide some general insights. The most important thing is to ask the manufacturer if their product is rated for radiant heat. This eliminates the need to understand all the technical details about wood species and expansion rates. Manufacturers will specify which products are suitable for radiant heat applications.

If you are considering a nail-down installation, inquire about the nail rate, which indicates how often nails should be placed in the wood. This information is crucial for planning the installation and ensuring stability.

When selecting wood, consider quarter-sawn options, as they tend to expand and contract less than plain-sawn wood. Quarter-sawn wood expands upwards rather than laterally, reducing the risk of cupping. While quarter-sawn wood is generally more expensive, it offers better stability.

In terms of width, narrower boards tend to shrink and swell less than wider ones, making them a better choice for installations with heating. Engineered woods also provide a greater chance of success when using radiant heat.

It’s essential to consult with the manufacturer about the specific wood species and their recommendations for radiant heat. This will help ensure a successful installation and long-lasting results.

As we move forward, let’s discuss the importance of R-values. A low R-value indicates that heat can easily pass through, while a high R-value means it traps heat. When installing electric floor heating, the goal is to ensure that heat reaches your feet effectively.

Avoid using underlayment with a high R-value, as it can block heat from reaching the flooring. The ideal R-value for flooring over electric heat should be one or less for optimal results.

In terms of installation tips, ensure that the heating system is off when installing glue-down flooring, as the adhesive can cure too quickly if the system is running. Also, apply any top coats as soon as possible after installation.

Check the moisture content of the wood flooring, aiming for around 7.5% as a good starting point. Maintaining humidity levels between 38% and 42% year-round is crucial, but these numbers can vary based on location and specific products.

When installing TempZone cable over a plywood subfloor, lay it directly onto the plywood, spacing your wood sleepers according to the nail rate. Cover the cable with self-leveling cement to create an even surface for the nailed hardwood.

Always check the self-leveling cement bag for primer requirements. If a primer is required, apply it to the wooden floor before laying down the product. Ensure that the self-leveling is level with the wood sleepers to facilitate proper heat transfer.

In a nailed-down hardwood installation, the wood should run perpendicular to the sleepers. This allows for proper nailing and stability.

If you are doing a glued-down application, lay out the TempZone Flex Roll on the plywood subfloor, ensuring that the system is not running during installation.

When using the TempZone Flex Roll, remember to staple the mesh down but never over the heating wire. You can use hot glue to secure the mesh if necessary.

For floating installations, the Cerazorb underlayment is essential as it provides a soft surface and insulation. It is crucial to trench out the Cerazorb to accommodate the non-heating lead from the heating product to the wall.

Cerazorb is a synthetic cork that does not promote mold or mildew growth, making it ideal for areas prone to moisture. For tile installations, Cerazorb must be adhered to the subfloor with modified thinset.

When installing the floor sensor, make a small divot in the underlayment to ensure it lays flat against the floor. Place it six to eight inches into an open loop between heating wires, avoiding contact with the wires themselves.

It is essential to use a thermostat that has a floor sensor input, as this allows for better temperature control. Avoid using thermostats that rely solely on air temperature, as they can lead to overheating and damage to the flooring.

When selecting a thermostat, ensure it has flooring protection settings and complies with the manufacturer's temperature limits. Always consult with the manufacturer regarding the maximum temperature for your specific flooring product.

For systems that cannot have a setback, it is important to gradually adjust the temperature by no more than two to three degrees per day. This gradual approach should also be applied when decommissioning the system at the end of the heating season.

Post-installation, it is crucial to adhere to the manufacturer's temperature limits to maintain the integrity of your flooring. Trust the manufacturer’s guidelines for care and maintenance, as they know their products best.

As we wrap up, I want to thank everyone for joining us today. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please feel free to reach out through our website or social media channels. We appreciate your participation and look forward to seeing you at our next webinar. Stay warm and be radiant! Thank you.