Installed above the existing floor
The structural floor remains in place and the heating panels are fitted over a suitable, prepared surface.
LOW-PROFILE WATER HEATING
Floating Floor & Overlay Underfloor Heating
Add water underfloor heating above a suitable existing structural floor.
Overlay panels provide a practical route for renovations where lifting the floor or adding a traditional screed is not desirable. The correct board depends on available height, insulation and the intended floor finish.
OVERLAY BASICS
When a Floating or Overlay System Makes Sense
This construction is most useful when you want water underfloor heating without forming a new screed floor.
Low-profile board options
Different board constructions balance overall height, strength and insulation. The lowest build-up is not automatically the best option.
Planned around the final finish
Tiles, engineered wood, laminate, vinyl and carpet can require different preparation above the heating system.
CURRENT UHEAT SYSTEMS
Choose the Board Around the Project
Use this comparison as a starting point, then confirm the complete floor build-up before ordering.
| System | Board construction | Typical strength | Best starting point |
|---|---|---|---|
| AD-CXPS | Cement-coated XPS | Robust and tile-ready | A durable all-round overlay system |
| AD-EPS400 | Foil-faced EPS400 | Lightweight with integral insulation | Projects that benefit from added insulation |
| AD-SLIM | High-density grooved board | Minimum-height option | Where every millimetre of floor build-up matters |
AD-CXPS
- Board construction
- Cement-coated XPS
- Typical strength
- Robust and tile-ready
- Best starting point
- A durable all-round overlay system
AD-EPS400
- Board construction
- Foil-faced EPS400
- Typical strength
- Lightweight with integral insulation
- Best starting point
- Projects that benefit from added insulation
AD-SLIM
- Board construction
- High-density grooved board
- Typical strength
- Minimum-height option
- Best starting point
- Where every millimetre of floor build-up matters
See the full overlay-system comparison for board depths, floor finishes and detailed construction guidance.
BEFORE YOU CHOOSE
Check the Complete Floor Build-Up
An overlay board is only one layer in the finished construction.
Available floor height
Include the board, pipe, coverings, adhesive or levelling layer and final floor finish.
Subfloor condition
The base must be suitable, stable, level and prepared for the selected system.
Room heat loss
Confirm the required output before choosing a board or pipe spacing.
Floor-finish instructions
Follow the limits and preparation requirements from the heating, board and flooring manufacturers.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Floating Floor & Overlay Questions
Quick answers before comparing the available systems.
Does the existing floor need to be removed?
Not usually. Overlay systems are designed to sit above a suitable existing structural floor, but the base must be checked and prepared first.
Which overlay system is the thinnest?
AD-SLIM is the minimum-height option in the current Uheat range. The thinnest system is not always the best choice once insulation, strength and the final finish are considered.
Can flooring be laid directly over the boards?
That depends on the selected board and floor finish. Some finishes require an additional board, adhesive or self-levelling layer.