CAN CORK BE INSTALLED OVER RADIANT FLOORS?

Yes, cork can be applied over radiant heat using two different installation methods. When doing so the radiant surface temperatures should never exceed 85 degrees. The system should be running for at least 1 week. Then bring the flooring into the work area to acclimate 3-5 days before installation. See our "Wholesale Woodfloor Warehouse Website" for related acclimation and radiant information.

Here are two basic methods for installing cork flooring over radiant floors
CORK TILES *glue-down                                                    

Cork tile flooring should be adhered directly to the radiant surface using urethane adhesives made for cork applications.Remove any surface sealers and contaminates from cement
Common urethane Adhesive products that can be use;
Bostik’s BBA     1-800-523-6530
DriTac 7500      1-800-726-7845
Mapei 990/980  1-800-992-6273
Franklin 821      1-800-669-4583
*Follow labeling and trowel size specifications

 Floating Cork
Floating cork products are also excellent for radiant heat installations and are designed with freedom to expand as a unit. These products are manufactured with a man made (HDF) High Density Fiber core and cork is applied on the top and bottom. The advantage of this type of cork floor is that it requires no adhesives or nails for proper installation and allows the homeowner flexibility if they ever decide to change the floor covering. When covering cement slabs (on-grade or below-grade) use 6-8mm plastic sheeting as a moisture barrier, omit this plastic when covering wood sub-floors. Floating corks are installed without underlayment. However, if using a pad underlayment best practice is to use a dense type pad such as; Quiet Walk or Insulayment rather than a foamy pad, cork seams need supporting.
Technical and Installation