Concerns Installing Carpet Over Radiant Heat

Installing hardwood flooring over a radiant heating system.

Concerns installing carpet over radiant heat. In addition tile flooring will not expand as it warms or contract as it cools. Underfloor heating is well suited for use under carpet provided that care is taken when choosing the carpet. According to a study conducted by the georgia institute of technology school of textile engineering. Most wood flooring can be installed over radiant heat providing all of the necessary conditions are met.

This includes any underlays and overlays. The overall thickness of any materials above the heater needs to be taken into account too as this will ensure efficient heat transfer. Radiant floor heating with carpet. But adding radiant heating under carpeting may be redundant.

During the installation process one of the most important steps to take is to turn on the radiant heat system 1 2 weeks prior to the delivery of the wood. To safely and effectively install wool over electric radiant floor heating it is best to have the wool carpet at 3 8 which will give it an r value of 1 575. For radiant floor heating you want the total r value to be as low as possible lower than 4 0. Radiant heat is considered a dry heat and if the heating season lasts for several months a humidification system should be installed to keep the relative humidity above 30.

Such expansion and contraction can cause cracking. Porcelain and ceramic tile are great conductors of heat so your home will get the full benefit of the radiant heating system. In order to make this installation successful you need to. Acclimate flooring in the room it will be installed in for at least 48 hours.

As long as proper precautions are taken it is perfectly fine to install laminate over a radiant heated floor. Wood flooring manufactured and expected to perform at mc levels higher than 9 percent or in conditions above 50 percent rh should not be used with radiant heating systems. Carpet padding thickness it s best to use a thinner carpet padding rather than a thick padding. Run the floor s heating system for at least 4 days at 64 72 degrees.

This gently warms the floor under your feet.