Flexible pipe layout
AD-CLIP
Position clips as needed to follow corners, columns and changes in the room layout.
- Fixing method
- Individual clips over insulation
- Best suited to
- Irregular rooms and varied layouts
Water underfloor heating for new screeded floors
Water Underfloor Heating for Solid and Screeded Floors
If your project already includes a new screed floor, this is often one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways to add water underfloor heating.
The heating pipe is fixed over the floor insulation and then covered by screed. The screed spreads the warmth evenly and holds heat well, which makes this approach a strong fit for new builds, extensions and major renovations.
Choose Between Clips and Rails
Installation at a glance
How the Fixing Methods Compare
The difference is in setting out and securing the pipe before screeding.
| What to compare | AD-CLIP | AD-RAIL |
|---|---|---|
| Pipe layout | Individual fixing points follow the planned pipe route. | Rails guide repeated rows of pipe. |
| Setting out | Mark the route and clip the pipe into suitable insulation. | Position the rails first, then press the pipe into them. |
| Corners and turns | Place clips where the route changes direction. | Additional clips may be needed at turns. |
| Heat output | Determined by the heating design and floor build-up. | Determined by the heating design and floor build-up. |
| Learn more | View AD-CLIP | View AD-RAIL |
AD-CLIP
- Pipe layout
- Individual fixing points follow the planned pipe route.
- Setting out
- Mark the route and clip the pipe into suitable insulation.
- Corners and turns
- Place clips where the route changes direction.
- Heat output
- Determined by the heating design and floor build-up.
AD-RAIL
- Pipe layout
- Rails guide repeated rows of pipe.
- Setting out
- Position the rails first, then press the pipe into them.
- Corners and turns
- Additional clips may be needed at turns.
- Heat output
- Determined by the heating design and floor build-up.
Check your floor construction
When an In-Screed System Makes Sense
A practical starting point when a new insulated screed is already part of the project and the complete floor depth can be planned.
- You are building a new home or extension with a new screeded floor
- You are replacing the whole floor as part of a major renovation
- There is enough depth for the specified insulation, heating pipe and screed
- You want to heat a larger area or several rooms from one manifold
- You prefer steady, long-lasting warmth rather than a very fast warm-up
- The floor build-up can be designed before construction begins
How the Floor Comes Together
Plan the complete build-up and installation sequence with the screed supplier and system designer.
- Prepared structural slab or beam-and-block floor
- Required damp-proofing and correctly specified floor insulation
- Perimeter edge strip and any membrane required by the floor design
- AD-CLIP or AD-RAIL fixings holding the heating pipe in position
- Pipe circuits connected to the manifold, filled and pressure-tested
- Specified screed installed and allowed to cure fully
- Compatible floor finish, with initial heat-up and installation timed to the screed and flooring instructions
Free system design
What We Help You Plan
Send us your plans and floor details. We can design the system around the rooms before any pipe is laid.
How Much Heat Each Room Needs
Room heat loss helps determine the pipe spacing and water temperature needed to meet the demand.
The Right Floor Build-Up
We consider the insulation, membrane, screed type, floor depth and final finish so every layer works together.
Pipe Circuits, Manifold & Controls
We size the circuits, plan the manifold and divide the property into sensible heating zones.
Pressure Testing & First Start-Up
The pipework must be tested before screeding, and the cured floor must be warmed gradually using the screed manufacturer’s instructions.
Screeded floor advice
Frequently Asked Questions
Straightforward answers about whether this system suits your project, choosing clips or rails, screed and floor finishes.
Is an in-screed system right for my project?
It is usually a strong choice when a new insulated screed floor is already being installed, such as in a new build, extension or major floor replacement. If the existing floor will stay in place, a low-profile overlay system may involve less disruption.
What is the difference between AD-CLIP and AD-RAIL?
AD-CLIP uses individual fixings, so the pipe route can bend and change direction freely around an awkward room. AD-RAIL uses guide rails, which make straight, regularly spaced rows easier to create in open areas.
Does AD-CLIP heat better than AD-RAIL?
No. The fixing method does not create the heat. When the pipe spacing and complete floor build-up are designed in the same way, either system can provide the same comfortable result.
How quickly will a screeded floor warm up?
A screeded floor normally warms more slowly than a thin overlay system because there is more material to heat. The benefit is that the screed stores warmth and releases it steadily, so it is normally controlled with a consistent heating schedule rather than short bursts.
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How thick must the screed be?
Current kit guidance identifies typical minimums of 50mm for a suitable pumped screed or 65mm for a sand-and-cement screed. The actual depth, reinforcement and pipe cover must be confirmed for the selected screed and floor design.
Can an in-screed system be used with a heat pump?
Yes. A correctly designed screeded system can work well with a heat pump because underfloor heating can operate at lower water temperatures than many traditional radiator systems. The room heat loss, pipe layout and design water temperature must still be checked.
Which floor finishes can go above screeded underfloor heating?
Compatible tile, engineered wood, vinyl and carpet can all be suitable. The screed must be dry, the correct adhesive or underlay must be used, and the floor covering manufacturer’s temperature and thermal-resistance limits must be followed.
Can I use an in-screed system in a renovation?
Yes, when the renovation includes a new floor or replacement screed with enough depth for the full build-up. If you are keeping the existing floor and want less added height, compare a low-profile overlay system instead.