Radiant heating systems installed
under wood flooring have raised
concerns among flooring manufacturers.
The people who make and
distribute the systems, however,
claim there are no documented
cases of floor damage caused by
the radiant heat.
Such systems, which originated
in Europe, are becoming increasingly
popular in the U.S. according
to a spokesman for the Wirsbo
Company. Wirsbo is based in Sweden
with a wholly-owned U.S.
subsidiary. The company reports it
has sold roughly half a million
radiant systems worldwide, of
which 10 to 15 percent are
installed in wood floors.
Since wood is vulnerable to
changes in temperature and
humidity, flooring manufacturers
are worried about the effects of
radiant heat on their products.
The National Wood Flooring
Association (NWFA) flatly advises
against the use of