radiant heating & rubber backed rugs/pads?
We have a few rubber backed rugs, including the modular squares made by interfaceflor (also in DWR catalog). The rubber has completely adhered to our concrete floor. I had this happen, but not as badly, to a rubber backed runner on a wooden floor in my last house. I originally attributed it to moisture and pressure since it was in the kitchen.
This time, I'm wondering if it has anything to do with the radiant heat. Has this happened to anyone? It has virtually ruined the flooring underneath, as when the rubber is lifted, it separates, leaving a pattern on the floor. I'm not sure how to take it off, either, since our floors are finished with polyeurythane, and I assume any gum remover would remove the floor finish as well. I guess I am forever destined to have rugs in those areas!
Suggestions or experiences appreciated. Thanks
A hardwood floor company may be able to help you remove material stuck to wood. WD-40 is a mild solvent and works on many things.
Regarding materials stuck to concrete and wood...I have experienced this numerous times with different materials at home and in the offices and warehouse at work. We have been in the same building for 23 years and have used lots of runners on linoleum and concrete. I think the problem comes from the build-up of solvents in the material's surface that enables the material to melt into the surface below. The worst ones are the runners etc. that don't breathe - though I have seen the problem with better ventilated materials.
I personally doubt that this is a function of heat or pressure; Besides, radiant heat only gets warm to the touch.
I'm curious if you contacted DWR regarding this and if they were able to give you a contact email/phone number for the manufacturer.
I would think you are you not the only one to have run into this with the product so the manufacturer might have an explanation and suggestions for a solution. At the very least, the manufacturer should be able to tell you exactly what the backing is made of.
Keep us posted.
Jake
