Laminate in Basement over Hydronic Radiant Heat

art2670

Hello,

I am in process of rebuilding a newly purchased house.

I installed hydronic radiant heat in the basement, which is covered with concrete. I am planning to install floating hardwood floor (DuPont is one of my options) over the concrete and have couple of questions:

1. How damaging is water to floating hadwood floor in the event of a flood. I had to experience it yesterday and now not so sure about hardwood in the basement anymore.

2. Also, is installing hardwood, although engineered, over hydronic radiant heat practical? If so, can I install underlayment padding under hardwood?

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Art.

redline

Any type of wood floor will get damaged by water/flood.

How hot does your radiant get?

art2670

I have yet to test the system. It has been recently installed. What is the criteria, so that I may ask my plumber?

Floorwizard

With any radient heat system you still want to lay a pad to float over. Whatever the manufacturer sells.
The most important part will be to make sure the humidy level stays in the 35% range. The heat will dry out the wood, and you will be doing it a big favor by giving it some moisture.