When installing a cork floor over radiant heat, not all floors are created equal. Most cork manufacturers and suppliers will only recommend the use of a floating floor. Cork floating floors do work well with radiant heat bearing in mind that the floor will take a little longer to achieve full temperature due to the MDF core. Conversely, the floor will retain heat longer.

   Solida  also recommends the use of glue down floors  over radiant heat. Many manufacturers will not suggest this due to uncertainty with adhesive. Some cork suppliers do not provide adhesive or the adhesive they do provide is not suitable for this type of installation. Solida supplies a premium waterbased contact adhesive with every order. This adhesive passes the Woodwork Institute of California test for heat resistance and is perfectly suitable for installation over radiant heat. Solida’s adhesive also exceeds California’s stringent air quality requirements under Rule 1168.

   When installing glue down tile over a radiant heat floor, two rules must be adhered to. First, 5 days prior to installation, the heat must be brought up or down to room temperature (70-72 degrees Fahrenheit) regardless of season. Secondly, the floor temperature should never exceed 85 degrees Fahrenheit. After the floor is installed, the temperature can be adjusted as long as the second rule is not broken.  All other installation guidelines must still be followed.

   A correctly installed and maintained cork floor will look beautiful for generations.