Can radiant flooring be installed on an existing slab?

1. Checking the condition of the slab

Before laying anything, you need to make sure that your slab is in good condition. It must be smooth, stable, and well insulated. If the slab has cracks or moisture problems, you may need to fix them before you start.

2. Insulation under the heated floor

That depends on the type of system you choose. If the slab is already well insulated, you may be able to move on to the next step. But if you want to prevent heat loss downwards, it is advisable to install thermal insulation under the pipes or cables.

You can opt for insulation panels or polystyrene sheets, which will both protect your slab and optimize heating by sending heat upwards.

3. Ceiling height

One detail you shouldn't overlook: radiant flooring will add a little height to your floor, even if it's minimal with some systems. So you need to make sure you don't lose too much ceiling height, especially in small rooms. If height is already limited, there are very thin floor heating systems available.