If you are at the design stage you may benefit by contacting us. We have a very comprehensive technical understanding of both, under floor heating systems and hardwood flooring. We are an authority on the combination of the two. Read more
It is important that from the start of any project the relevant trades and professionals are made aware under floor heating is to be installed and the types of floor coverings intended. Details of intersecting floor coverings, finished floor levels and expansion provision need to be taken into account. Site supervision and scheduling of works will play an important factor in the safe care and usage of the heating system, protection and performance of the floor coverings. Read more
that the heating system is covered either temporary or permanently as soon as possible for its protection. The hardwood flooring should be scheduled as a finishing trade as close as possible to the end of the project. If the floor is installed too soon it will be at risk from high moisture levels as well as damage by working practices of various trades. It is essential. Read more
There are various methods of installing Cathedral Floors over under floor heating systems to take into account the type of heatsource, expected operating temperatures and type of floor covering build up. Read more
It may be that the heating system and the hardwood floor are to be installed as a fully dry floated system straight over the top of the concrete base. Read more
Calculations should be obtained to access the room temperatures that will be achievable based on the type of heating installation combined with the chosen method of installing Cathedral plank flooring. Read more
Suitable substrate
When installed over any type of under floor heating system it is critical that Cathedral flooring (CF) is bonded to a suitable substrate. We do not recommend bonding (CF) direct to screed. If the UFH system uses metal diffuser plates these must be in full contact with the overlaid floor for best efficiency. A suitable underlay compatible with UFH should be installed between the plates and underside of the wood flooring to eliminate possible sound of the plates creaking against the flooring. Read more
We do not recommend using a UFH system that incorporates an air gap in its design in conjunction with (CF). UFH works best when all air gaps are eliminated and heat transfer is by direct conduction. Air gaps present in a design rely on higher operating temperatures and only create low floor output temperature. Read more
Cathedral Flooring can be laid as a floating floor without a substrate only when UFH is not present. The combined CF bonded to a wood substrate can be floated but the best option is a fixed down system. UFH works best when all air gaps are eliminated and heat transfer is by direct conduction. Read more
Moisture tests can only be carried out on a cold screed. The correct test is a surface hygrometer test to be carried out prior to the installer date. The maximum (ERH)
equilibrium relative humidity as specified by British Standards is 75%. The heating needs to be commissioned and working for at least 14 days prior to the installation of the wood floor. Read more
The maximum resistance floor covering with a boiler feed system is 2.5 tog - 0.25 W/m2k. The lower resistance the better the performance and energy efficiency of the heating system. At this higher limit the operating temperature of the floor needs to be as high as 55ºc. With ground source or air to water heat exchangers the highest operating temperatures achievable are 41ºc at a push. Read more
The hardwood flooring should be installed as close as practicable to the end of a project. The hardwood floor should be protected after installation from moisture conditions and working practices. It is best to use good supervision and temporary covering in working areas. Read more
As with all wood flooring, provision for expansion should be allowed. Expansion should also be considered in the screed especially when UFH is present. Because timber expands at a far greater rate across the grain rather than in the length it is good practice to lay the floor in the longest direction of the room. It also looks better this way. An expansion gap must be maintained around the perimeter of each room - doorways - any abutted hard surface - obstructions passing through the floor such as radiator pipes. Read more
Expansion is required here also. This can be achieved by keeping the wood surface 7mm above the stone and rebating it to oversail the stone with an expansion gap out of sight. Many designers and Architects want the stone and wood on one level which requires the expansion joint to be visible and the use of a third material to fill the gap. This often looks unsightly, especially after time. Read more