Timber floor heating is a controversial subject in Australia today. Why is it that our European counterparts consider this an essential part of their comfort criteria, while Australians tend to shun it. Is it because we are in denial, or just behind the times? Old habits die-hard and this is an area that needs to be addressed.
Here is a typical case study:
Customers have sought reliable information regarding the installation of radiant floor heating for a proposed timber floor finish in their living area. They have decided to install a floating timber laminate. Their enthusiasm is suddenly dealt a blow. The laminate floor retailer has told them that the application of heat to the floor will void the warranty. What do the customers do with this dilemma? Go somewhere else, or give up, in frustration and disappointment.
There is an answer of course. The industry needs educating and this will take time. Many of the laminate floors that are marketed in Australia come from Finland, Scandinavia and so on. The manufacturers of these imports endorse the use of certain engineered heating systems to enhance the comfort of their flooring products, but the retail industry in Australia isn’t aware of them at present.
Timber isn’t as stable as concrete. It swells in high humidity and vice versa in dry weather. Moisture content variation in the timber is the reason for the inevitable movement. So, if we add heat, won’t this just make things worse? Yes. If the heat applied is allowed to exceed 27-28 degrees Celsius, damage to the moisture content can occur.
How can this be prevented? A thermostat that reads and controls the heat source in the floor, using a remote floor probe has to be used. This has a default maximum temperature setting of 28 degrees Celsius. This protects the laminated floor and also the customer’s warranty.
Whether it’s a floating timber laminate, batten fixed or secret nailed tongue and grooved floor you are contemplating, CBS Radiant Heating Systems has a heating system to complement it.