A lightweight warm-water system designed for suitable suspended timber and battened floors.
AD-PLATE uses formed aluminium spreader plates to retain WRAS-approved 16mm PERT-AL-PERT pipe at planned 200mm centres. The plates sit within the timber-floor construction and help distribute heat beneath the deck and final floor finish without introducing a traditional wet screed.
Send us the room plans, joist arrangement, insulation and intended floor finish. Our team can help confirm the plate layout, circuits and complete build-up.
Plan the plates, insulation and pipe circuits together before starting work. Follow the system instructions and the specified timber-floor construction.
1Confirm heat loss, joist spacing, manifold position and pipe circuits.
2Check the joists, battens and structural deck are suitable and sound.
3Fit the specified insulation beneath the plates, limiting gaps and downward heat loss.
4Position and secure the plates according to the system instructions.
5Press the 16mm pipe into the channels without kinking or damaging it.
6Connect, fill and pressure-test the circuits before closing the floor.
7Complete the deck, required preparation layers and compatible floor finish.
How the plates work
How the Plates Spread Heat
Aluminium carries heat from the pipe channel across a wider area beneath the floor deck.
Formed channels hold the pipe in contact with the aluminium.
The plates distribute heat beneath the floor deck.
Consistent plate coverage helps distribute warmth across the heated area.
The dry system avoids adding the weight of a traditional wet screed.
Insulation beneath the plates limits downward heat loss.
Plan the complete installation
Where AD-PLATE Works Best
A practical option when the timber floor can accommodate the plates, insulation and pipe circuits.
Suitable suspended timber floors in renovations, extensions and new builds
Battened floor constructions with an approved plate-support arrangement
Upper floors where a lightweight dry system is preferred
Projects with suitable insulation directly beneath the heating layer
Compatible tile, engineered wood, vinyl or carpet build-ups confirmed for the timber deck
Typical AD-PLATE Floor Build-Up
The layers below show a typical arrangement. Plate support and deck details must follow the specified timber-floor construction.
1Suitable joists or battens with the specified insulation support
2Insulation positioned beneath the heating layer
3AD-PLATE aluminium spreader plates
416mm PERT-AL-PERT heating pipe in the plate channels
5Structural floor deck specified for the construction
6Approved underlay, decoupling or preparation layer
7Compatible final floor finish
16mm
PERT-AL-PERT heating pipe
200mm
Designed pipe centres
400mm
Spreader plate width
Dry
Timber-floor construction
AD-PLATE project advice
Frequently Asked Questions
Advice on timber floors, insulation, floor finishes and choosing your kit.
What is the AD-PLATE system?
AD-PLATE is a warm-water underfloor heating system for suitable timber floors. Formed aluminium spreader plates retain 16mm pipe and distribute heat beneath the floor deck.
Which floors is AD-PLATE designed for?
It is primarily intended for suitable suspended timber and battened floor constructions. The joists, plate supports, insulation and deck must all be checked as part of the complete design.
What pipe spacing does AD-PLATE use?
The current kit design uses 16mm PERT-AL-PERT pipe at 200mm centres with 400mm-wide spreader plates. The project layout determines the final circuit routes and plate coverage.
Does AD-PLATE require insulation?
Yes. Suitable insulation is normally installed directly beneath the plate level to reduce downward heat loss. Mineral-wool or rigid insulation may be appropriate depending on the floor construction and support method.
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Does AD-PLATE have a fixed heat output?
No single output should be treated as guaranteed. Delivered heat depends on water temperatures, plate coverage, insulation, deck thickness, floor covering and the room heat loss.
Which floor finishes can be used over AD-PLATE?
Compatible engineered wood, tile, vinyl and carpet finishes can be used within an approved timber-floor build-up. The flooring manufacturer’s temperature limits and any required overboarding, underlay or decoupling layer must be followed.
Can AD-PLATE be used upstairs?
It can be a practical lightweight choice for suitable upper timber floors, subject to access, joist condition, insulation, acoustics and the complete floor-finish specification.
How do I choose the correct AD-PLATE kit?
Start with the room dimensions, joist layout, available heated area, heat source and number of zones. Check the contents of the selected kit, or send us your plans so we can confirm the plate quantities, pipe circuits, manifold and controls.