Installing Wood Flooring Over Radiant Heat In 2023

Installing a nail or glue down wood floor over radiant heat is easier than you might think. However, it’s important to choose the right materials and follow the best practices recommended by the NWFA as well as the flooring and fastening manufacturers.

Laying the Groundwork

Before you get started, it’s important to plan for this project. You should consider installing a humidification system to maintain the right moisture levels anytime you have wood floors regardless of whether or not you have floor heating. HVAC humidifiers are very popular today because they will humidify your entire home and are low maintenance. The average cost for a HVAC humidifier ranges from $100-$300. If you are hiring out to have one installed it can run from $395-$734 on average.

The Importance of a Data Logger

Radiant heating floor systems work better and last longer when the end-user maintains the right conditions in terms of temperature and humidity. When you’re planning to install one of these systems, the NWFA strongly recommends you incorporate a data logger. A data logger will provide the homeowner with real-time information about the humidity and temperature of the flooring, alerting them to unfavorable conditions before any damage is caused.

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Different Types of Systems

When installing a nail or glue down wood floor over radiant heat, it’s important to adapt the materials and methods used to the type of system you’re installing.

You’ll run into three main types of electric heating systems:

• Embedded systems.
• Direct contact systems.
• Systems that you install under or between the floor joists.

Direct contact systems are usually faster and cheaper to install because you can glue or nail down the floor over the heating mats. However, not all direct contact systems allow for this installation method.

If you’re installing a polymer or metal foil system, you’ll have no choice but to use a floating floor. You can use the nail and glue down method with low-voltage fabric heating mats such as ThermoSoft’s  WarmStep mats which has built in thermal cutoffs for added safety. With a floor heating system like this, there’s no need to use self-levelers or mortar. Because you do not have to wait for cement to dry you can install the mats the same day as the flooring.

Installing a Nail and Glue Down Wood Floor Over Radiant Heat

Start by checking any specifications from both the flooring and the radiant heating system manufacturer. Make sure to follow the proper nailing schedule. Failure to do so often results in noises or gapping. You should also recommend the right type of wood floor. Most manufacturers advise against exotic woods, hickory, or beech since these species are less stable.

How to Nail Flooring Over a Radiant Heat System

Nailing down flooring over heating elements is a simple process:

• Prep the subfloor before you get started. Clean the surface and make sure it’s flat and has a normal moisture content.
• Apply adhesive where each mat ends and begins. You should cover a 5-inch strip to glue the mats to the subfloor.
• Place a section of the wood flooring perpendicular to the heating elements.
• Secure the wood flooring with a cleat or staple following the manufacturer’s nailing schedule and making sure you install fasteners at least 1/4 inch away from heating elements and wires.
• Once you get to the 5-inch border where you used the flooring adhesive, apply additional adhesive on the surface of the heating mats (to secure it to the flooring above) instead of fasteners to avoid damaging the heating elements.

How to Glue Down Flooring Over a Radiant Heat System

Depending on the manufacturer’s specifications, you can use an adhesive instead of nailing down the flooring. Working in sections, secure the heating mats to the subfloor with adhesive.  Next cover the surface of the heating mats with adhesive and place the flooring over it. If you decide to use the nail-glue assist method, make sure you glue the flooring perpendicular to the heating elements and follow the manufacturer’s nailing schedule.

Learn More About Installing a Wood Floor Over Radiant Heat

ThermoSoft recorded a webinar to discuss and demonstrate the different installation methods and best practices. You can watch this webinar to hear ThermoSoft Director of Business Development and NWFA task force member Sergey Shlyapintokh share his expertise on the topic and to see professionals demonstrate the installation techniques discussed above. You can also read more on installing wood floors over radiant heat in our article or learn about maintaining heated wood floors in the following article. Contact us through our website or call (800) 308-8057 and speak to one of our floor heating specialists to answer any questions you may have.

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

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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.

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