Which Install Method Should I Choose?

Unclear about how to install your water underfloor heating, read on for full details.

Which water underfloor heating install method should I choose?

There are various installation methods available depending on your project requirements. These range from in-screed systems for new builds and extensions, spreader plates for joisted floor applications or retro fit systems for renovations and refurbishments.

In-Screed installation methods
In-screed Install Methods

Screed systems rely on thermal conductivity to transfer heat from the pipes within the screed to the finished floor level.

Our screed systems consist of slab or over site base, a layer of PIR Insulation and edge insulation around the perimeter, allowing for expansion and contraction and to prevent heat conduction from the floor to the walls.

In-Joist installation methods
In-joist Install Methods

Suspended underfloor heating systems regularly use heat diffusion plates to dissipate the heat evenly

Insulation is fitted between the joists with the aluminium spreader plates laid on top of the joists and securely pinned. The underfloor heating pipe work is then installed in the plates according to the floor plan layout provided.

Retro fit installation methods
Retro Fit Install Methods

Fastwarm low profile systems have been developed for retro fitting applications. Supplied with Fastwarm Duo Boards this system keeps floor build up to a minimum whilst also providing insulation.

Alternatively, Fastwarm low profile systems can be supplied with the Solid18 Gypsum panel, which can be floated over the subfloor and tiled directly over.

In-screed Install Methods

In-screed Install Method
Pipe Staple

Pipe Staples provide a Quick and easy install for all shapes of rooms, the ideal solution for fitting Fastwarm pipe to your PIR insulation.

The Fastwarm Pipe Staples are used when installing pipe within a screed. Available in 40mm and 60mm diameters making them suitable for insulation as low as 50mm.

Shop Pipe Staples
Pipe staple install method
Hammer icon
Installer Benefits
  • Cost effective installation
  • Reduced in
House icon
Homeowner Benefits
  • Cost effective retro fit solution
  • Suitable for any floor covering
  • No Floor Height build ups
Layers icon
Floor Heat Output
Tile
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon
Wood
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Outline star icon
Vinyl
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Outline star icon Outline star icon
Carpet
Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Outline star icon Outline star icon
Circle diameter icon
Compatible Pipe Sizes
  • 16mm

Pipework Layout Suitability

Spiral pipe layout
Spiral
Counterflow pipe layout
Counterflow
Serpentine pipe layout
Serpentine
Pipe Staples
In-screed Install Method
Clip Track

The Clip Track system comes in 1m lengths and provides vertical clips the pipe can be pressed into, keeping each coil the correct distance apart. The Clip Track can be secured to the PIR insulation or directly onto an insulated concrete base and covered with a screed.

Shop Clip Track
Clip Track install method
Hammer icon
Installer Benefits
  • Adhesive backing aids quick installation
  • Cost effective installation
House icon
Homeowner Benefits
  • Cost effective retro fit solution
  • Suitable for any floor covering
  • No Floor Height build ups
Layers icon
Floor Heat Output
Tile
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon
Wood
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Outline star icon
Vinyl
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Outline star icon Outline star icon
Carpet
Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Outline star icon Outline star icon
Circle diameter icon
Compatible Pipe Sizes
  • 16mm

Pipework Layout Suitability

Counterflow pipe layout
Counterflow
Serpentine pipe layout
Serpentine
Clip Track
In-screed Install Method
Egg Crate

The Egg Crate system provides great flexibility with pipe spacing and easy installation due to its design. It take the form of a plastic sheet with protrusions across the face that grip the Underfloor Heating pipes once pressed together. This system is available for 16mm pipe or 12mm pipe.

Shop Egg Crate
Egg Crate install method
Hammer icon
Installer Benefits
  • Provides ready-made pipe securing & spacings
  • Can be used with traditional & liquid screeds
House icon
Homeowner Benefits
  • Can be used with traditional & liquid screeds
  • No floor height build up
Layers icon
Floor Heat Output
Tile
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon
Wood
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Outline star icon
Vinyl
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Outline star icon Outline star icon
Carpet
Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Outline star icon Outline star icon
Circle diameter icon
Compatible Pipe Sizes
  • 16mm

Pipework Layout Suitability

Spiral pipe layout
Spiral
Counterflow pipe layout
Counterflow
Serpentine pipe layout
Serpentine
Egg Crate

In-joist Install Methods

In-joist Install Method
Spreader Plate

Our Spreader Plate solution enables the installation of Water Underfloor Heating pipes in between floor joists. The Spreader Plates are secured directly to the top of the floor joists and offer grooved channels to contain the underfloor heating pipe. With suitable insulation installed beneath, the Spreader Plates also offer even heat distribution to the floor above.

Fastwarm aluminium spreader plates are installed between timber joists or battens spaced at 400mm spacings.

At only 2mm thick the plates are designed to be in direct contact with the floor above to ensure maximum and even heat dissipation (bespoke plates can be ordered upon request). Plates are designed for use with 16mm pipework.

Shop Spreader Plates
Spreader Plates install method
Hammer icon
Installer Benefits
  • Suitable for 200mm & 133mm spacings
  • Lightweight and durable
House icon
Homeowner Benefits
  • Rapid Heat response
  • Quick install time
Layers icon
Floor Heat Output
Tile
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon
Wood
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Outline star icon
Vinyl
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Outline star icon Outline star icon
Carpet
Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Outline star icon Outline star icon
Circle diameter icon
Compatible Pipe Sizes
  • 16mm

Pipework Layout Suitability

Serpentine pipe layout
Serpentine
Spreader Plate
In-joist Install Method
Biscuit Mix Screed

The Biscuit mix installation is specifically designed for use within a joisted floor construction.

Installation directly between joists with screed layer finishing flush with the top of the joist. Pipe work is fixed directly to PIR type insulation with pipe staples allowing design flexibility. The Pipe work is encased within 25-30mm sand and cement biscuit mix (8:1 Ratio) layer ensuring a very even heat distribution across the floor area. One of the key benefits of the Biscuit screed layer is that it offers a high heat conductivity and heat retention.

Shop Biscuit Mix Screed
Biscuit Mix install method
Hammer icon
Installer Benefits
  • High Heat output
  • Suitable for 150mm/200mm spacings
House icon
Homeowner Benefits
  • No floor height build up
  • Suitable for any floor covering
  • High Heat output and retention
Layers icon
Floor Heat Output
Tile
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon
Wood
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Outline star icon
Vinyl
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Outline star icon Outline star icon
Carpet
Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Outline star icon Outline star icon
Circle diameter icon
Compatible Pipe Sizes
  • 16mm

Pipework Layout Suitability

Serpentine pipe layout
Serpentine
Pipe Staples

Retro Fit Install Methods

Retro Fit Install Method
Duo Panels

Fastwarm DUO Panels are the perfect solution for a retrofit underfloor heating installation.

The DUO panel is designed to be used in floating floor and tiled floor applications such as porcelain/ceramic tiles, meaning this board is the most versatile, robust, and easy to install system on the underfloor heating market.

The 400kPA grade polystyrene is the strongest on the market. This means it offers unbeatable heat output and is very easy to work with.

The aluminium, bonded to the EPS, is ultra-strong and heat resistant and thus comes with a lifetime guarantee!

The DUO Panel can be tiled DIRECTLY to, meaning no additional levelling compounds or fixing required.

Shop DUO Panels
DUO Panels install method
Hammer icon
Installer Benefits
  • Easy Install
  • Insulated panel to reduce backloss of heat
  • Tile Directly to
House icon
Homeowner Benefits
  • Cost effective retro fit solution
  • Suitable for any floor covering
  • No Floor Height build ups
Layers icon
Floor Heat Output
Tile
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon
Wood
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Outline star icon
Vinyl
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Outline star icon Outline star icon
Carpet
Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Outline star icon Outline star icon
Circle diameter icon
Compatible Pipe Sizes
  • 12mm
  • 16mm

Pipework Layout Suitability

Serpentine pipe layout
Serpentine
DUO Panel
Retro Fit Install Method
Solid18 Panels

The Fastwarm Solid18 panels utilise an 18mm high density dry screed board, acting as a heat conducting surface to transfer the heat from the pipes to the floor above. Once up to temperature, it delivers sufficient heat output to provide warm and even temperature within the living space.

The best floor coverings to use with the Solid18 panels are hard surfaces such as stone and tile as they offer the least resistance to heat transfer compared to carpets.

The main benefit of the Solid18 panel is the option for the direct application of tiles (subject to structural integrity), as it can be applied directly with the use of flexible S2 Adhesive.

Shop Solid18 Panels
Solid18 install method
Hammer icon
Installer Benefits
  • Tile directly to
  • High compressive strength
House icon
Homeowner Benefits
  • Multiple floor coverings
  • Rapid response warmup time
Layers icon
Floor Heat Output
Tile
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon
Wood
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Outline star icon
Vinyl
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Outline star icon Outline star icon
Carpet
Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Outline star icon Outline star icon
Circle diameter icon
Compatible Pipe Sizes
  • 12mm

Pipework Layout Suitability

Serpentine pipe layout
Serpentine
Solid18 Panel
Retro Fit Install Method
Low Profile Egg Crate

Fastwarm Egg Crate is a quick and simple system to install.

The main benefit of the system is the self-adhesive backing which enables you to peel and stick directly to your subfloor or tile backer insulation.

Shop Low Profile Egg Crate
Low Profile Egg Crate install method
Hammer icon
Installer Benefits
  • Self Adhering to substrate
  • Provides ready-made pipe securing & spacings
House icon
Homeowner Benefits
  • Minimal floor build up
  • Cover with most floor coverings
Layers icon
Floor Heat Output
Tile
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon
Wood
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Outline star icon
Vinyl
Full star icon Full star icon Full star icon Outline star icon Outline star icon
Carpet
Full star icon Full star icon Half star icon Outline star icon Outline star icon
Circle diameter icon
Compatible Pipe Sizes
  • 12mm

Pipework Layout Suitability

Spiral pipe layout
Spiral
Counterflow pipe layout
Counterflow
Serpentine pipe layout
Serpentine
Low Profile Egg Crate