FAQ - Kährs
- My subfloor doesn't meet Kährs criteria as it's hollowed. How can I rectify this?
- We're installing parquet in our living room, hallway and kitchen. All of the rooms are connected can we lay the floor in one piece?
- Does it matter which glue I use to install a traditional tongue and groove floor?
- Should I glue floors with the Woodloc® joint?
- Can I install a wood floor over an underfloor heating system?
- Should I use plastic sheeting with underfloor heating?
1. My subfloor doesn't meet Kährs criteria as it's hollowed. How can I rectify this?
The easiest way is to put several layers of cardboard underlay in the hollow, until you get an even transition. Also, if you're using plastic sheeting, make sure that the underlay is on top. If it's underneath, it could become mouldy.
2. We're installing parquet in our living room, hallway and kitchen. All of the rooms are connected can we lay the floor in one piece?
It's best to allow a movement gap in doorways between different areas, to ensure that the joint won't open. When you lay a floor through a doorway, there's a very limited length of joint to hold together a larger floor area on the other side of the wall. If you use a T-moulding between rooms, you eliminate the risk of gapping and create a neat transition.
3. Does it matter which glue I use to install a traditional tongue and groove floor?
Yes. In recent years, we've carried out an extensive study of PVAc glues and superior products can be up to 3-4 times stronger. All Kährs adhesives are superior and ensure a good installation. Quality adhesive is especially important if you're installing over underfloor heating, where the stresses are greater.
4. Should I glue floors with the Woodloc® joint?
In most cases, floors with the Woodloc® joint shouldn't be glued. However, if you have to file off parts of the joint, e.g., when you end the installation against a door, some adhesive might be necessary.
5. Can I install a wood floor over an underfloor heating system?
Yes, the two products go hand-in-hand. However, certain points should be considered: The surface temperature of the finished floor must never exceed 27°C, in any area. Preferably, use a 15 mm multi layer parquet or Kährs Linnea which is 7mm thick.
Also, bear in mind that Hard Maple and Beech expand and contract more than other species, which increases the risk of gaps between the boards.
6. Should I use plastic sheeting with underfloor heating?
Yes, you should always use plastic sheeting with underfloor heating, regardless of the type of sub-floor and age of the joists. The plastic sheeting protects the floor against the moisture that is always present in joists.
When the heating is switched on, the moisture is driven against the surface of the floor by the vapour pressure. Without plastic sheeting, the moisture migrates up into the wear layer of the parquet floor and is trapped under the lacquer pre-finish. This can result in moisture damage.