ood flooring over a radiant heated concrete slab.
Flooring is an insulator and may require higher water
temperatures for a radiant heat system. Also an outside
thermostat is recommended to anticipate rapid
temperature changes. Boiler water temperature must
be controlled to keep it to a maximum of 125°. This
will limit the temperature of the slab surface to about
85°, an acceptable level for most mastics.
The flooring is installed as in any other slab project,
except do not fasten plywood to concrete with either nails
or powder-actuated fasteners. Turn on the heating system
4-5 days prior to delivery of the flooring to the job. The
heat will drive extra or excessive moisture out of the slab.
(NOTE: Check flooring and mastic manufacturers' specifications for suitability of use over radiant heat.)
Strip flooring in a wood plenum system.
This method
of construction utilizes a crawl space that is completely
sealed from the outside as a plenum to which air from
the heating/cooling system is supplied. The air then enters
each room through floor registers.
A ground cover of polyethylene film is essential, as well
as having the heating system operating for at least 4-5
days prior to delivery of the flooring to stabilize the moisture
condition. No other special consideration is necessary
in installation of the flooring. Proceed with previous
recommended procedures and time tables.
Flooring Expanses 20 feet and wider.
In large
rooms, across diagonals and/or where flooring runs
through doorways to produce an expanse over 20ft wide,
additional installation techniques should be considered.
Begin line-out near the center of the space (i.e.
across the center of the room with diagonal installation
or near center line of total expanse), insert and
glue a slip tongue in the starter strip groove, and proceed
with installation in the two opposite directions.
Inclusion of field expansion spaces may also be necessary
in the wide expanse.
Flooring Installation Guide :: Index
1) Installation Introduction
2) Handling & Storage
3) Job Site Conditions
3.1) Installing over Concrete
3.2) Testing Concrete for Excessive Moisture
3.3) Concrete Slab Preparation Prior to Installation
4) Laying & Fastening
5) Plank Flooring
6) Laying a New Strip Floor Over an Old Floor
7) Parquet, Block Herringbone & Similar Flooring
8) Special Construction Situations
9) Tips for Easier & Better Flooring Installations
10) Strip Flooring on Walls & Ceilings
11) Installation of Gymnasium Floors over a Concrete Slab
Installation content courtesy of NOFMA. FloorMall.com is a Proud Member of NWFA.
