ᐅ How do I properly attach Ikea Metod baseboards/ skirting boards with underfloor heating?

Created on: 1 Jan 2020 08:13
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onnisan
Hello everyone, I have a question where your experience would be very helpful: How do you properly and permanently attach the Ikea Metod baseboards on a floor with integrated underfloor heating?

I understand that there are some important considerations with underfloor heating, such as thermal expansion and surface temperatures. I want to avoid the baseboards warping or affecting the heating function.

Specifically: How do you install the baseboards, which materials or adhesives do you use, and are there any special tips to ensure a secure and clean attachment? Also, any advice on preparing the substrate or dealing with thermal expansion would be great.

Thanks in advance for your tips!
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naujon
2 Jan 2020 10:33
nanidra schrieb:
Actually, Ikea should have provided more detailed instructions regarding the specifics of underfloor heating.

I completely agree.

In practice, the following aspects are often underestimated:

- Acclimatization of the baseboards in the room
- Expansion and air gaps everywhere
- Structured installation with clips and heat-resistant adhesives only if permitted
- Preparation of the screed and subfloor

Even small mistakes can quickly lead to problems in the end. It’s better to plan carefully!
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NUGRANT
2 Jan 2020 11:15
You guys are great! This really motivates me to finally install the finishing Metod strips in my apartment soon – with joy and without fear.

For those still worried about drilling near underfloor heating: you don’t have to drill into the heating system to attach the clips; just fix them to the wall or the floor edge. It’s all easy!
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onnisan
3 Jan 2020 07:20
Thanks again for the detailed input!

One last question: How do you handle the corner joints of the Metod baseboards when using underfloor heating? Should I plan for special expansion joints there, or is it better to keep the seams tight together?

I know thermal expansion can cause issues here, and I definitely want to avoid cracks or deformations at the corners.
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LANICOLE
3 Jan 2020 07:55
onnisan schrieb:
How do you handle the corner joints of Metod baseboards with underfloor heating? Should I plan special expansion gaps there, or keep the joints tight?

That's a very good question!

I recommend the following approach for corner joints:

- Plan expansion gaps of about 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 inches) to allow the baseboards to expand.
- Fill these gaps afterwards with flexible acrylic or an elastic sealant that can move with the expansion.
- This prevents cracks and deformation in the long term.

Joints placed tightly together can pop or crack due to temperature changes. It’s better to leave a small gap and seal it neatly.
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kloreo
3 Jan 2020 08:21
For me, it was enough to slightly offset the corners and fill them with acrylic. This is flexible and looks neat.
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zardi
3 Jan 2020 08:34
Expansion joint is mandatory. Otherwise, damage can occur quickly.