Q. Which flooring is suitable for underfloor heating?
A. Firstly the underfloor heating would have to be a water based system as electrical heating systems can heat to extreme temperatures which is not suitable for any wooden floors.
Laminate would be best for underfloor heating systems as it's thin so will conduct the heat easily but you must remember to purchase a suitable underlay to allow the heat to transfer.
Engineered flooring up to a dept of 18mm is also suitable for underfloor heating systems as it's manufactured in layers so won't expand and contract with the temperature changes but also allow heat to transfer as it's so dense.
Real timber flooring should be avoided with underfloor heating as it's prone to drastically expand and contract with external elements such as heat and moisture, creating unsightly gaps and cracks in the flooring.
Q. How do I clean my new floor?
A. I would recommend for your daily clean to gently vacuum first and then wipe using a dry microfiber mop .
I'd recommend to wash the floor only periodically with a laminate floor cleaning solution , available at most stores and a microfiber flat mop. Alternatively you can make your own cleaning solution at home using 1 part white vinegar and 10 part water.
My only warnings for floor cleaning would be to not saturate the floor , only dampen the flat microfiber mop or use a spray bottle and spray the floor as necessary and wipe the solution with the microfiber mop.
You must remember to never use bleach on your new floor as it will cause discolouration also never use a steam mop or your traditional mop and bucket of warm water , it's simply too wet and signs of damage will soon start appearing to the edges of your floorboards.
Q. How long should I acclimatise my new flooring before installation?
A. I'd recommend for laminate flooring to be kept inside your home for a minimum of 2 days , after that it will have adjusted to the moisture content of the home .
For engineered flooring the recommended accumulation time is generally around 3 days but I would normally advise to have the flooring inside your home a week before installation if feasible.
For solid hardwood flooring the moisture content between the sub-floor and the hardwood should only differ by 2% for boards wider than 75mm to 4% for floorboards less than 75mm such as parquet type flooring.
Storing the timber inside your home it can take anywhere between 3 days to 6 weeks to achieve a balance in the moisture content levels.
Don't worry we carry a moisture content reader to check this before installation.
