Heated floors Archives - Heatizon Systems

Radiant Heat and Wood Floors

Previously, we discussed the question of “what type of flooring can be installed over radiant heat?”

This question often involves some variety of wood flooring. While it is true that wood flooring may not tolerate temperature fluctuations the same way marble or slate does, it does not mean you cannot heat wood floors. Radiant heat or not, wood flooring is meant to be acclimated before installation. When this is done, and all manufacturer instructions and guidelines are followed, wood floors can certainly be heated.

Electric radiant heat is ideal for wood floors because it offers a greater level of control than hydronic systems. Thermostats and sensors send electrical signals to your control units, resulting in immediate action by the heating element.

Heatizon’s ZMesh product is perfect for heating wood floors. It easily rolls out and can be nailed or stapled through when the floor is laid over the top. ZMesh provides a precise and even heat that takes the luxury of wood floors to a new level.

For more information on heating wood and other floor coverings, check out the information provided here.

What Type of Flooring Can Be Installed Over Radiant Heat?

A common question we see goes something like this:

“What kind of flooring can I install over my radiant heat?”

We recognize that on occasions, a project will involve installing new flooring materials over existing radiant heat. However, in situations where radiant heat is being added, we like to adjust the question so it looks more like this:

“What type of flooring do you want to heat?”

You see, Heatizon Systems offers a heating solution for most any floor covering you can come up with, so why limit yourself by asking the wrong question?

Tile, stone, carpet, hardwood, linoleum, laminate, concrete, we can heat it all and more. Our range of systems gives you the freedom and versatility needed to plan your project the way you want, without restricting your options and choices. Additionally our activation devices allow different heating elements to be controlled off of one device, letting you heat different floor coverings as part of one system.

With this in mind, it is important to always follow the manufacturer instructions for both your floor and your radiant heating system.

Getting The Most From Your Heatizon System

Winter has arrived in force across North America, although those people utilizing radiant heat may not have noticed yet. We want you to get the most out of your radiant heating system, and have compiled some reminders below.

Floor Warming
There are generally two methods for ensuring enjoyment of your heated floors. If the heated area is used throughout the day, keeping the floor at a consistent temperature ensures that it will always be warm and ready to enjoy.

If you have radiant floor heat in rooms that are used primarily at specific times, we recommend using a programmable thermostat to heat the floors prior to use. Ensure the thermostat is programmed and the heat tested before the cold hits to ensure warm floors.

Snow Melting and Roof Deicing
For outdoor radiant heat systems, operation varies greatly depending on your activation device. In all cases, we recommend checking the system in the late summer or early fall to verify everything is functioning properly before the snow and ice arrive.

Many systems utilize an automated sensor to efficiently melt snow as it falls. These systems require little human interaction to run effectively, however certain sensor models can be adjusted for sensitivity. This adjustment can help you optimize your system for your climate to keep things melting smoothly. Some sensors also have an adjustable “overrun” which allows you to set the amount of time the sensor continues running after the storm. This can be helpful in allowing melted snow to run off the surface so it doesn’t freeze and form ice.

For snow melting systems using manual switches and timers, it is critical to activate the system before a storm. Radiant heat works much more effectively when it stays ahead of the falling snow. Allowing snow to accumulate will slow down melting and use more energy.

Tag : Heated floors