Introduction

The winter is harsh and cold. We need some sort of heat to stay comfy. We have a lot of different ways of heating our houses. And these various ways differ when a new technology is introduced. Nowadays, radiant heat is one of the best heating types you can find.

We will talk about what is good and bad about radiant heating in the following parts; we will also answer how thick a wood floor can be for radiant heat. But before we begin, we should talk about radiant heat and why you should choose radiant heating over other types of heating.

What Is the Mechanism of Radiant Floor Heating?

A radiant floor heating system warms a space by heating the floor directly, as opposed to warming the air using thermal radiation and electromagnetic waves. Radiant systems heat the floor, and that heat radiates up and is absorbed by other items in the room, thus warming the entire space.

In essence, heated floors warm up using radiant heat technology, and the warmth from the flooring rises and spreads throughout the space.

What Are the Types of Radiant Floor Heating?

Radiant floor heating systems come in two varieties: electronic and hydronic. The floor is heated by a boiler system using water-filled pipes in hydronic systems. The electric radiant floor system also heats floors using electric heating wires or heating mats.

What Advantages Does Radiant Floor Heating Offer?

  When compared to “forced-air” heating, radiant heat has the following advantages:

• It doesn’t spread allergens like conventional systems.
• It is quiet, clean, and durable, with better air quality.
• Heat loss can be significantly decreased since it heats the air and the surfaces of the objects in the room.
• Hydronic systems use less electricity and can use various energy sources to heat the liquid. 
• Depending on your chosen heating system, you can use wireless zone heating and even set different temperatures for each room. 
• There is no need to worry about placing furniture over vents.

How Thick Can a Wood Floor Be for Radiant Heat?

It is typically advised to install an engineered wood floor that is no thicker than 15mm over underfloor heating. This is because thinner boards will let heat enter the room more effectively than thicker ones.

If your engineered wood floor is going to be installed directly on joists or battens, it is recommended that you use a minimum thickness of 18mm.

How to Maintain Radiant Heating?

Never turn your heating system totally off, and only raise the temperature a maximum of about 25 to 27 degrees. This could cause the wood to shock and distort. Once an engineered wood floor has been laid, the various layers may exhibit signs of separation, eventually manifesting in a loose top layer.

If your underfloor heating is turned off for a while, consider gradually raising the heat over a few days to allow the wood to expand naturally. Keep an ear out for the telltale signals of excessive cracking and adjust your temperature accordingly.

Are Radiant Heat Floors Not without Their Drawbacks?

Yes, there can be some drawbacks to radiant flooring, but in most circumstances, the advantages outweigh them. Water-powered in-floor radiant heating systems may take longer to warm a home.

However, the flooring also effectively maintains heat, so you can gain from utilizing the system off-peak when utility prices are often lower. Radiant heated floors might be more expensive to install, but it’s essential to keep in mind that you will probably see a decrease in your overall heating costs and an increase in your home’s market value.

Where Are the Best Places to Have Radiant Heating?

Warmup systems are particularly energy-efficient options for supplemental or primary heating because they are made to be adjusted per room. You can significantly reduce your energy savings by only heating the rooms you are utilizing at the time.

Bedrooms

Warm temperatures are the best way to make a space feel warm, and everyone enjoys a nice bedroom. A fantastic technique to keep the bedroom warm is using radiant flooring.

Garages

When considering a radiant floor heating system, the majority of individuals tend to overlook their garage. However, having heated garage floors can aid with snow removal in the winter and maintain a comfortable temperature when working on your car or just hanging out.

Offices at home

You won’t want to leave your home office if you install heated flooring. Home offices are an excellent spot to invest in home improvements that deliver long-lasting comfort because we spend so much time at our workstations.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms are typically cold, especially in the fall and winter, due to their tile flooring, damp towels, and high humidity levels. The tile’s surface is always chilly to the touch, no matter where you are. Nobody loves to get out of a shower onto a cold floor, so bathrooms are a great place to install a floor heating system. The bathroom’s heated floors contribute to the room’s year-round comfort. 

Kitchens

Tile floors are typically cool and seen in kitchens. However, they also frequently exhibit some dampness. As a result, heated floors are an excellent alternative to take into account because kitchens can become chilly in the fall and winter. Radiant floor heating is an excellent option for the kitchen because it is one of the most often-used rooms in a house.

Conclusion

One of the best things you can do is get radiant heating for your house. First of all, you will save money overall. It will decrease the industrial look of your house; it will increase your house’s price. The heated floor will make you feel better.

Installing an engineered wood floor over underfloor heating is typically advised to be done with a maximum thickness of 15mm. Thinner boards, as opposed to thicker ones, will better allow heat to enter the space. A minimum thickness of 18mm is advised if your engineered wood floor is installed directly on joists or battens.