Laminate Over a Heated Floor

Ryan W., iFLOOR.com’s VP of Products, sent me a quick email with a few tips he wanted to share on the blog:
I get asked about this many times and there are a few things to know before just saying “yes” it can be done. Follow these easy steps and you should have a successful installation:

• The heating temperature should be brought up gradually (5° C or 10° F per day) till it reaches 25° C or about 75° F.
• The heating should be operating for at least 2 weeks before the flooring is installed. Also let the floor sit in the home for 4 to 5 days this operation allows the laminate planks to adapt to the humidity content of the air for later use.
• As the flooring is an organic material, it is important that it be completely dry before installation.
• 24 hours before installing , bring the temperature down to 20° C or 70° F.
• Leave a gap of at least 8 mm (about .3 inches) between the planks and the walls or any obstacle in the room.
• Put down the appropriate underlay (sound barrier 6, 3/6mm cork) -Install the planks, follow the instructions and precautions set out in the manufacture installation guide.
• Wait a minimum of 24 hours and then gradually bring the heat back up to the normal temperature over the following 2 to 3 days.