Introduction
Installing hardwood floors in your home is easy, safe, and simple. Just select the type of wood floor that suits your local climate and match it with an in-floor electric radiant heating system. Your feet will be warm, and your house will be cozy for many years to come.
Determining the Conditions in Your Home
To ensure the longevity and beauty of your wood floors, you must match them to the conditions in your home. Consider your average temperature and humidity levels and find a wood type that performs well in that environment. The easiest way to check the ideal conditions of your preferred flooring is to contact a local professional who is familiar with your floors and local humidity levels. If you are a professional, we recommend reaching out to the flooring manufacturer for your specific product.
However, if specific dealer recommendations or temperature ranges are not available, you can go by a guideline of 30%-50% relative humidity at 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. In a dry area, or if you experience low humidity during the cold months, you may want to consider a humidifier system to stabilize the environment.
Choosing Your Wood
There is a world of options for both solid and engineered wood flooring. The more variation in humidity your floor will experience, the more dimensionally stable your choice should be. Be sure to do your research when installing hardwood floors to ensure your product will be best suited for your unique situation. Consult your supplier for available for wood selections that have been successfully installed in your area.
Choosing the Right Underfloor Heating System
No matter whether you choose engineered or solid wood, you can pair it with an in-floor electric radiant heating system to add comfort to the beauty of your wood flooring. When deciding on an underfloor heating system, choose one that is comprehensively designed and tested to work with a direct nail and glue down flooring, such as WarmStep® by ThermoSoft®. ThermoSoft’s® radiant heating will provide you with the luxury of warm floors and the aesthetic of wood floors.
Cement Slab Heating
If you are building a home using concrete foundations or are unsure about your wood flooring plans, you can still incorporate in-floor electric radiant heat and receive gentle, efficient warmth from your slab foundation up. ThermoSlab® by ThermoSoft® can be embedded in the concrete to steadily release heat and keep your home at a comfortable temperature throughout the entire day. As well, ThermoSlab® is available in a large range of widths and power densities to ensure that your project is operating ideally
If you decide you’re installing hardwood floors on concrete, ThermoSlab® is versatile and can heat through the wood barrier. However, there are some additional steps you must follow to complete proper installation and ensure the longevity, stability, and beauty of both flooring components.
Acclimation
Before you install your wood flooring, take the time to let it acclimate to your home. This helps you avoid any cracking or warping once the wood settles. Give it around two weeks to allow any expansion or contraction to stabilize.
Additionally, the concrete your wood floors rest on must be completely cured and moisture-free before you can proceed with your installation. For more information on acclimating your floor and environment, we recommend seeking guidance from a local flooring professional.
Moisture Testing
Even after moisture testing, it is essential to use a vapor barrier between the concrete and the wood to protect your flooring. Condensation can occur with temperature changes, even from a dry slab. Installers often use tar-based paper as a barrier, but you can check with your wood manufacturer for other options.
Conclusion
As we witness the continued evolution of home heating technologies, the integration of underfloor heating beneath hardwood floors stands as a testament to the ever-innovative landscape of home design and comfort.
By: Eli King
Why ThermoSoft’s Floor Heating Systems are the Answer For You
With these benefits in mind, where can you add comfort and value at the same time?
Look no further than ThermoSoft floor heating systems! We have the fastest warm-up time in the industry, and installation is simple and DIY-friendly.
Benefits of ThermoSoft Floor Heating
- Available for All Types of Flooring: Tile, Laminate, Solid and Engineered Wood, Vinyl, Cement Slab, and Carpet
- Exceptional Comfort: Warms rooms and not ceilings, Uniform, ideal heat pattern, Say goodbye to drafty rooms, Invisible and silent, Individual room control
- Cleaner, Healthier, Maintenance-Free: No dirty vents or ducts, No more drying out your air
- Energy-Saving: 100% Efficiency, More comfort, less energy, Use less energy by needing less heat
- Easy to Install: Designed with installation in mind, Tools already in your toolbox, Simple hookup, We’re here to support you
ThemoSoft never compromises on your comfort or safety, so why would you?
Start enjoying each space more than ever with ThermoSoft floor heating systems. Visit us online or contact Thermosoft today.
Tell us about your project and let our experts help you. Our team of Radiant Experts is ready to help! We can help find the right radiant heat product for any project from indoors to the outdoors. Just tell us a little about yourself and your project to get started.
Contact an Expert 1-800-308-8057
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Don’t Trust Just Any Floor Heating Systems – Insist on ThermoSoft Products
ThermoSoft offers the best-performing and most reliable radiant electric heat solutions on the market. Our systems are safe and can be installed quickly during a room remodel or a new home build.
ThermoSoft products are made in America and are backed by our best-in-class customer service. We design and manufacture our systems here in Vernon Hills, Illinois with the highest quality control. We have an in-house team of qualified professionals to offer guidance and advice every step of the process – from selection to installation and beyond for years to come.
Certified, Tested & Approved
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