Floor heating, also known as underfloor heating, is commonly used in residential settings within geothermal environments and some commercial flooring applications. Today, the market offers various types of wood flooring, including solid wood composite flooring, laminate flooring, bamboo flooring, and traditional solid wood flooring. However, solid wood flooring is generally not recommended for use with floor heating systems due to its sensitivity to temperature and moisture fluctuations.
If solid wood flooring must be installed in a warm environment, the installation process needs to be strictly controlled. Rapid changes in external conditions—such as temperature variations, unstable moisture levels, and other environmental factors—are widely recognized by both consumers and industry experts as potential challenges. To address these issues, plate pre-compression stress technology has been developed. This technique applies pre-compressive stress to the surface layer, which helps counteract the tensile stress that occurs in a geothermal environment. When these stresses balance out, it prevents cracking on the floor's surface.
However, not all solid wood laminates are suitable for use in warm environments. Flooring that lacks pre-compression stress technology may suffer from cracking, warping, or cupping over time. Therefore, it is advisable for consumers to choose well-known brands such as Living Home or Jiusheng for solid wood composite flooring, and Filinger, Icon, or Living Family for laminate flooring. These brands have proven performance in geothermal conditions.
Many consumers fall into common misconceptions when selecting flooring for underfloor heating. For example:
1. **Thicker is better**: Some buyers assume that a thicker surface layer means better quality and longer durability. In reality, a thicker multi-layer engineered wood floor increases the risk of deformation and cracking during temperature and humidity changes. The wider the board, the more gaps can form when it shrinks. Similarly, longer boards tend to create larger gaps at the ends during shrinkage. In Korea and Japan, geothermal floor coverings are typically 0.3 mm thick, while many Chinese manufacturers produce 0.6 mm boards, which are considered ideal for underfloor heating. Thicker boards (3–4 mm) can still be used if the width is less than 70 mm or if the environment’s humidity is well-controlled.
2. **Grooved back is better**: Some believe that grooving the back of the floor improves heat circulation. However, this creates air pockets that slow down heat conduction. Since solid materials conduct heat faster than air, denser substrates are preferred for better thermal efficiency.
3. **Moisture-proof membrane should be cut**: Some installers cut the moisture-proof membrane into small pieces to allow "breathing" and improve heat transfer. This is incorrect, as the ground cement usually contains at least 17% moisture after installation. If the moisture barrier is damaged, water can seep into the floor, causing delamination, warping, or paint peeling. Moreover, excessive drying in winter can reduce heat transfer efficiency. It is essential to properly seal the moisture-proof film with plastic tape to maintain airtightness and protect the floor while ensuring adequate moisture for effective heating.
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