A new visitor to our site had problems logging on today and I suggested sending me the message so I could post it. Radiant heat experience guys--are you out there??

Give it a few days Jamie, this being the weekend and all.

We are looking to install about 1900 sq. ft. of engineered hardwood flooring over a concrete slab with radiant heat. We have had a deposit on Owens Plank Floor Brazilian Cherry since late spring and are still waiting for them to fulfill our order. We initially had the luxury of being able to wait for this product but if they don't have anything for us in the next couple of weeks we will have to go to go to our back-up product which is Bruce Studio B Brazillian Cherry.

We have started calling some installers in our area for estimates and have already received some conflicting options. We're not as concerned about the Owens product since the manufacturer actually advertises in their brochure that it's made for radiant heat applications. However, it doesn't appear very likely that we will be able to use it because of their difficulty in filling orders at this time.

Therefore, it looks like we'll be using the Studio B which is a 1/2" engineered product. Now, the manufacturer claims that this product can also be used in our application (concrete slab with radiant heat) using the glue down method. We would just need to take care that the actual floor temperature does not exceed 85 degrees. One of the installers I spoke with last night has reservations about this method. He seems to think that floating the floor would be better. However, the manufacturer stipulates that it should be glued down. He seems to think that we'll have nothing but problems.

We have two different locations where this will be used. One in the older section of the remodeling project where the concrete floor is exposed and about 50 years old. This area is not very smooth and will most likely have to be leveled and flattened with some type of self leveling compound. The other is in a new addition area which was poured in July of '03 and is quite smooth and level. I mention this because I don't think we'll have to worry too much about a moisture problem within the concrete itself. I believe it's had enough time to cure. I'm aware that we would have to turn the heat down to about 64 degrees for 3-4 days before installing and that the floor itself needs to be acclimated to the room's temperature for about 10 days.

Has anyone out there had any experience with installing engineered flooring over a concrete slab with radiant heat? If, so what has been your experience? This particular flooring is rather costly and would like to have some sense that once it's installed we won't have any problems.

Any help is appreciated!
Jamie

Is this slab real concrete or gypcrete poured over the heating tubes?

No gypcrete SP.

I'd follow the manufactures suggestion. Never installed over a heated floor though.

OK guys...This is an oldie post that never really got any play. There is lots to say on these boards about this subject. I personally have next to no experience but I see a need for the knowledge as the trends aren't going to change for us.

I've been hearing good things about some products out there by folks like Chemrex/Degussa that are comming out with 2 part epoxy sealers that will penetrate, seal, etc. gypcrete for prep before glue down application of engeneered flooring.

Has anyone here used any of these systems yet?

The above printed post is nearly exactly to the letter a job we are being asked to do.
The product is the Owens - site finished - engineered 5" B.Cherry. and yes it is being requested to go over radiant heat, NO screeds (dangit!) and it IS Gypcrete (double dangit!!)

I've used 2 part Chemrex epoxy sealer before ($200.00 for 5 gal.) over concrete ... the stuff is amazing. I'll be calling a Chemrex tech guy tomorrow (actually today I'm red eyed at the moment) and I'll post any notable responses from them on the subject ... In the mean time ...
I'd like to hear from the peanut gallery (No offense Chuck git it??... peanuts .... Georgia ... nevermind ) .

Thanks guys,