Introduction

This guideline is designed to complement the current British Standard BS8201, providing specific instructions for installing engineered floors over under-floor heating systems.

Pre-Acclimatisation Requirements

The underfloor heating system must be commissioned and operational for a minimum of two weeks prior to the acclimatisation of the flooring. This ensures that the system is stable and functioning correctly before introducing the flooring materials.

Acclimatisation Process

The flooring must be allowed to acclimatise on-site with the underfloor heating set at the desired working temperature. Delivery and stacking of the flooring should facilitate proper acclimatisation, with the heating running and site conditions mirroring normal living conditions.

Surface Temperature Control

During acclimatisation, the surface floor temperature must not exceed 27 degrees Celsius. To maintain this temperature, the hot water in the pipes under the floor must be cooled appropriately at the manifold. Proper calibration at this stage is crucial to prevent future floor damage.

Installation Procedures

For wet underfloor heating systems, turn off the heating system before installation. The system must remain off for a full seven days to allow the adhesive to cure completely. After this period, the heating can be gradually turned back on, starting at 15 degrees Celsius and increasing by 1 degree per day until reaching the desired working temperature.

Post-Installation Care

After installation, any increase or decrease in floor temperature should be done in increments of 1 degree Celsius per day. Additionally, do not run the underfloor heating if the floor is covered for protection during the building process; wait until all protective coverings are removed.

Temperature and Humidity Conditions

At no point should the subfloor (back of the hardwood flooring) temperature exceed 27 degrees Celsius. The air relative humidity should always be maintained between 40% and 60%.

Customer and Installer Responsibilities

• Customer: Responsible for maintaining the specified conditions before, during, and after the flooring installation.
• Installer: Responsible for checking the conditions and readings before starting the installation.

The supplied floor is suitable for underfloor heating, but if the specified conditions are not met, the floor may become too dry and sustain damage such as cracks and other defects.