RADIANT HEAT

Johnson Hardwood approves some of our products for installation over Hydronic Radiant Heat Systems. Wood is hygroscopic, meaning it takes on and loses moisture according to the humidity levels in the home. Radiant underfloor heat systems can dry out a wood floor which can result in gaping between boards, as well as surface checking, splits and/or dry cupping of the boards. To avoid that, it’s critical that the following recommendations are followed:

  1.  Approved products are limited to Oak, Maple, Birch, and Walnut species only.
  2.  Hydronic systems only are recommended, not electrical systems.
  3.  NWFA installation procedures must be followed.
  4.  The Hydronic system must be running for 5 days before the floor is installed.
  5.  Unopened flooring cartons should be acclimated for a minimum of 24 hours in the rooms to be installed.
  6.  The subfloor surface temperature must not exceed 85 F.
  7.  Relative humidity of the installed rooms must be maintained between 35-55% at all times, and the temperature must be between 60 to 80 degrees.