Underfloor heating is becoming increasingly common in New Zealand homes. It can create a warm and comfortable living environment during colder months, but it is important to understand how heating may affect flooring products.
Most FLOORCO flooring products are suitable for use with underfloor heating, provided the correct product is selected and the heating system is used in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation and maintenance guidelines.
Flooring performance under underfloor heating depends on several factors, including the flooring type, subfloor condition, heating system, installation method, temperature control, indoor humidity, and ongoing maintenance.
How Underfloor Heating Can Affect Flooring
During winter, one of the most common issues for timber and wood-based flooring is dryness. When the indoor environment becomes too dry, flooring may lose moisture, which can lead to movement, small gaps, surface checking, or cracking.
Underfloor heating can increase this drying effect if the temperature is raised too quickly or kept too high for long periods.
For this reason, temperature and humidity control are very important when using underfloor heating with wood flooring, laminate flooring, SPC flooring, or other hard flooring products.
1. Increase the Temperature Gradually
When using the underfloor heating system for the first time each year, the temperature should be increased gradually.
As a general guide, avoid increasing the temperature by more than 3–5°C per day. A slow and steady increase allows the flooring and subfloor to adjust more evenly.
Sudden heating can create stress within the flooring system and may increase the risk of movement, gaps, or cracking, especially with timber and wood-based products.
The surface temperature of the flooring should not exceed the limit stated by the flooring manufacturer. In many cases, the recommended maximum floor surface temperature is around 27°C, but the specific product instructions should always be checked.
2. Maintain Suitable Indoor Humidity
Cold outdoor air is often dry. When this air enters the home and is heated indoors, the relative humidity can drop further. This can make the indoor environment too dry for some flooring products.
To help reduce dryness-related flooring movement, indoor relative humidity should be maintained within the range recommended by the flooring manufacturer. For many timber and wood-based flooring products, a comfortable indoor relative humidity range is commonly around 40% to 60%.
A humidifier may help maintain a more stable indoor environment during dry winter periods.
When cleaning the floor, use only a slightly damp mop where permitted by the manufacturer. Do not wet mop the floor, and do not use excessive water to “add moisture” to the flooring.
3. Avoid Large Rugs or Furniture Covering Heated Floors
When underfloor heating is operating, avoid covering large areas of the floor with thick rugs, mattresses, furniture without airflow, or other insulating items.
Large covered areas can trap heat and create uneven surface temperatures. This may affect the flooring and could lead to localised movement, deformation, discolouration, or other performance issues.
If rugs or furniture are used, make sure they are suitable for heated floors and allow reasonable heat circulation.
4. Use the Heating System Consistently
Underfloor heating should be used in a controlled and consistent way.
Avoid sudden temperature changes, very high heat settings, or switching between extreme heating and cooling. A stable indoor temperature is better for both comfort and flooring performance.
If the home will be unoccupied for a period of time, follow the heating system and flooring manufacturer’s recommendations for temperature settings.
5. Follow the Flooring Manufacturer’s Instructions
Not all flooring products have the same underfloor heating requirements.
Before installation, always confirm that the selected flooring product is suitable for the specific heating system. The installation method, underlay, adhesive, subfloor moisture level, heating pipe or cable depth, and maximum surface temperature should all be checked.
After installation, the heating system should be commissioned and operated according to the flooring manufacturer’s instructions.
Final Reminder
Flooring used with underfloor heating needs a stable and suitable indoor environment.
For timber and wood-based flooring, correct temperature control, suitable humidity, regular ventilation, and appropriate cleaning methods are especially important.
When properly selected, installed, heated, and maintained, flooring can perform well with underfloor heating and continue to provide a warm, comfortable, and attractive finish for the home.
To achieve the expected performance, always follow the manufacturer’s installation, heating, and maintenance guidelines.
