Many new build homes now have timber floors installed to help create a more contemporary design and style for the 21st century. They also make great material for installing underfloor heating under too. In this article, we will look through how to install underfloor heating on timber floors, including the variables such as the differences in wood used, the quality, and how you can make the best results from having underfloor heating installed on timber floors.
We will explore the following in this article about underfloor heating on timber floors:
Contents
What is underfloor heating?
If you are unaware of underfloor heating, it is a network system of wiring or pipes (depending on whether you choose electric or hydronic) connected under your flooring that stores and emits heat and prevents heat from escaping through the floor. It is a revolutionary technology that is becoming increasingly popular, and more people realise the benefits of installing underfloor heating on timber floors in their homes.
Fortunately, both forms of underfloor heating work well with timber floors, as the timber helps to both conduct and hold the warmth produced by the heating mechanism, sort of like a radiator but under your flooring. The heat-up rate is exceedingly fast, and heat will not escape too quickly due to the clever design of timber flooring and is, therefore, a very energy-efficient combination that more homeowners need to make use of by installing underfloor heating on timber floors.
What is the difference between timber and engineered wood flooring?
After checking your style of flooring, you may realise that you have engineered wooden flooring rather than timber. But what are the differences, and how can this affect the heating requirements? Check out the information below about installing underfloor heating on timber floors.
Timber floors for underfloor heating
Timber flooring specifically refers to natural hardwood, which is cut and treated for flooring use and is commonly used for floorboards. Again, quality is very important here, and quarter-sawn timber is the best option to choose as it is cut to absorb moisture and will unlikely bow or warp after prolonged use, so it is perfect for storing heat.
Engineered wooden flooring for underfloor heating
Another way in which you can install underfloor heating on timber floors is by engineering the wood. Engineered wood is manufactured and is usually mixed with plywood as the inner core combined with a hardwood timber finish. It is made to limit growth and shrinkage that moisture may cause because of the soft wooden core. This style of flooring can gradually swell up, which can lead to a malfunction with the underfloor heating system. You can contact your flooring supplier to see whether your chosen wooden flooring is suitable for underfloor heating on timber floors.
Qualities of Timber Wood on Underfloor Heating
Timber displays numerous qualities as it is a natural material. Several factors within its surrounding can affect how it performs when you install underfloor heating on timber floors into it.
- Ideal thickness– no more than 18mm. Wider timber floorboards require more movement than narrow boards and therefore need a small thickness width between regions 7 to 11. Your timber floorboards will each need a thickness of 16mm and a width of 160mm. This will allow it to fit in the appropriate ratio of 10.
- Thermal conductivity – no warmer than 27 degrees. Whilst this is not a strict temperature you need to stick to, any warmer can cause the timber to expand and is the recommended temperature for timber floors to be heated up to. Thermostats can measure and control your underfloor heating on timber flooring and can measure any heat loss to meet the room heating requirements.
- Expansion and contraction – wood is commonly known to be hygroscopic, which means that moisture absorbed can cause timber and engineered wooden flooring to expand and contract gradually. Although this varies on the style of wood, timber flooring can grow or shrink or minor ways throughout the year. This can also be caused by incorrect installation and can affect how responsive the floor heater is.
Living off-grid? Here’s how to heat your off-grid home.
Retrofitting electric and water underfloor heating systems
There are two forms of underfloor heating, electric and water. Both of these forms of underfloor heating on timber floors provoke different results. Here are ways that you can retrofit them to fit with timber floors.
Impact it has on water systems
Water underfloor heating can be more complicated to install. Retrofitting it on suspended timber flooring can be time-consuming. You will need to remove all the timber flooring before you can begin adding in the heating system. This is known as ground floor installation.
Alternatively, if you are installing it on a first floor or higher section of the building, you need to adopt a back-to-front approach. Rip out the ceiling in the room below to fit it in. Underfloor heating is made to be airtight so that it will keep the air warm in and external cold air out.
What impact does timber floors have on electric underfloor heating systems?
Electric underfloor heating on timber floors is easier to install. Use the original timber floorboards as the subfloor. After, install the electric system on top and then lay down a new flooring section on top of it.
Installation tips
Is it your first time installing underfloor heating on timber floors? Here are a few things to consider in order to have successful results.
Acclimatizing the timber flooring
It is important to let your timber flooring acclimatize to the room it will be fitted into. This will make the flooring more efficient after you have installed the underfloor heating system. It usually requires at least 48 hours before you can turn the system on. Limit the floor temperature to 15°C, whilst the air temperature at 15-22°C. Then, increase the floor temperature by one degree a day until the desired temperature is met. Monitor and check the temperature changes with your floor manufacturer.
Guidance on screeding.
The hygroscopic properties of underfloor heating on timber floors means that if you are using screed, it will add more moisture to the timber, and it should be used to dry the timber at a rate of 1mm a day. Allow for a gap of 10mm across the room. This allow the timber to expand and contract without further issues.
Best Underfloor Heating Systems for Timber Floors
If you are looking to choose a hydronic heating system, the Tectora Joisted Batten System is the best option for suspended timber floorboards. The Tectora includes aluminium diffusion plates which help to spread the heat evenly across the floorboard finish. The pipework is insulated to fit between the joists neatly. In addition, we offer practical overlay underfloor heating systems that go great under hardwood flooring, concrete, or even hardwood flooring to contain heat for more efficient energy-saving.
Foil heater electric underfloor heating on timber floors works very well too. Their style allows them to be installed quicker than water heating systems.
Find out how to insulate your home flooring safely here.
Underfloor Heating on Timber Floors for Sustainability
With their huge popularity, it is no wonder that underfloor heating is retrofitted for timber floors too. If you are finding that your home is cold because of timber flooring, it may be because you have not yet installed a system of underfloor heating on timber floors yet. You can only experience the benefits for yourself by ordering your set of underfloor heating now.
FAQs
Can underfloor heating be installed on timber floors?
Yes, underfloor heating can be installed on timber floors. Certain precautions should be made beforehand to ensure the timber is safe and secure for underfloor heating to be applied to it.
Which form of underfloor heating is best to be used on timber floors?
Electric underfloor heating is the preferred method for timber floors, because it is simpler to install and can be controlled easier than water underfloor heating.
How is underfloor heating installed on timber floors?
When it comes to installing underfloor heating on timber floors, the results can somewhat vary depending on the form of underfloor heating system you wish to use, as well as the layout of insulation boards, and how this can be improved by laying down screed or other self-levelling compounds.
Can underfloor heating damage timber floors?
If the heating temperature is too high, this can damage your timber flooring. From this, the timber flooring can dry out and begin to shrink, lessening the effects the underfloor heating systems will emit to its surrounding.
Sources
Energy Saving Trust. (n.d.). Floor insulation. [Accessed 03/03/23] Retrieved from: https://energysavingtrust.org.uk/advice/floor-insulation/
Champion Timber. (n.d.). Timber Flooring. [Accessed 03/05/23] Retrieved from: https://www.championtimber.com/timber-flooring