I have a concrete slab foundation and want to install laminate flooring on top of it. Is there a way for me to heat the slab under the flooring without tearing up the concrete?

– Lyle

Hi Lyle,

There are several manufacturers of electric radiant floor heating systems that can be placed directly on top of an existing concrete slab. Some look like wire fencing that you roll out over the floor. I don’t particularly like them, however, because they’re not very energy efficient.

Another option for radiant floor heating that is energy efficient are systems that circulate hot water through small tubes under the floor. These radiant floor heating systems can also be installed on top of a slab before the flooring goes down.

There are several manufacturers of this type of radiant floor heating. One I’ve used that worked well is made by Uponor. Here’s how to go about installing it:

  • Secure a plywood subfloor to the concrete slab.
  • Screw down a track with precut grooves for plastic tubing to the plywood subfloor.
  • Insert flexible plastic tubing into the track.
  • Connect the plastic tubing to a pump, which is connected to a separate water heater that circulates hot water through the tubing.
  • Install wood or laminate flooring on top of the track.

Good luck with your project,


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Danny Lipford

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Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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