Bamboo flooring is an ideal match for underfloor heating as the natural properties help it to retain the heat, and its dimensional stability allows it to withstand fluctuations in temperature. The bamboo will naturally expand and contract slightly as the temperature increases and decreases. Solid bamboo flooring and engineered bamboo flooring are both compatible with underfloor heating systems, although it is advisable to check with your flooring supplier that the manufacturer has tested the specific type of bamboo flooring you are thinking about using.
Things to consider when using underfloor heating with bamboo flooring
• The subfloor should be dry, level, clean and properly prepared.
• The entire chosen room or area should have underfloor heating to allow your bamboo floor to heat up and cool down evenly.
• If you decide to glue down your bamboo flooring, you must have a full surface bond using flexible flooring adhesive. Alternatively your bamboo floor can be floated over a log tog underlay specifically designed for use with underfloor heating.
• Never use nails or screws during the installation of your bamboo floor in case they puncture the underfloor heating pipes.
• An expansion gap of at least 10mm must be left around the perimeter of the room, including doorways, to allow the bamboo to naturally expand and contract with the fluctuations in temperature.
• The maximum surface temperature of your bamboo floor should not exceed 26ºC.
