Hi all,


buying a new house on Friday April 8. We are considering either sanding the floors, or putting a new layer of tamarak flooring. Is there a minimum clearance required between the bottom of the baseboard panel and the floor surface for convection to occur properly?


Many thanks!

 

I like to see 1½ to 2". You probably can get away with slightly less, but the 1½ to 2" works well for me.

 

grandifolia;

There should be at least an inch of clearance along the bottom housing in order for the baseboard to operate properly; baseboard heating functions by drawing in cold room air from the bottom of the baseboard, heating it by the elements, & ejecting it out the top of the baseboard to heat the room; this circulatory process must be allowed to occur in order for the heating elements to operate properly.

This is usually only a problem when thick carpeting is being installed; if the 1" clearance is compromised; the baseboard covers can be removed & often enough "give" in the piping will allow moving the baseboard backing UP a few fractions of an inch (after the backing screws are removed) & then reinstalling everything; if clearance is lost, the system will have to be drained & the baseboard assembly repositioned at a slightly higher point.

 

Hello. Thank you both! We decided to go the sanding route, but it is good information to know for future reference.

 

It's always easier to prevent than cure a problem.