Many homeowners are attracted to wood flooring for its regal appearance and the natural warmth it can add to living spaces. It’s ability to endure and keep its luxurious look and feel over time also adds to its appeal. As a result, many people are curious if such a floor finish is compatible with innovative home heating solutions such as underfloor heating (UFH). Read on to explore everything you need to know before buying underfloor heating components for a home with timber flooring or wood finishes.
Engineered wood vs hardwood
Engineered wood flooring is made up of many layers, with the topmost material made from solid wood. This modern alternative to traditional timber is more of a match with UFH as it can easily adapt to shifts in temperature. Hardwood flooring, by comparison, can suffer from cupping, crowning and gapping, potentially ruining floors.
Thermal attributes
Wood floor types each have unique thermal properties. As a rule, thinner and denser woods make the best options for UFH. Dense woods will retain heat, but thickness is also important. A thinner board won’t act as insulation and stop sufficient warmth entering living areas. Finally, the temperature of the wood flooring surface should never exceed 27°C, to avoid damage and danger.
As experts on underfloor heating, our team at FastWarm can answer all your compatibility questions and get you kitted out with the equipment you require. Get in touch now for advice and high-quality products.
