Frequently asked questions
Answers for Australian homeowners, architects, builders and plumbers.
About Warmboard
What is Warmboard?
Warmboard is a hydronic floor heating panel. Warm water runs through pipe laid in channels routed into the panel, and the panel’s aluminium face spreads the heat across the floor. Warmboard Inc is a US company; Australian Sun Energy has been its Australian agent for 16 years.
What's the difference between Warmboard-S and Warmboard-R?
Warmboard-S is structural. It goes over joists at 406.6 mm centres in place of the flooring sheet, or over an existing floor. Warmboard-R goes over existing floors only, laid on 1.7 mm reflective foil. Most of our customers choose Warmboard-S for both new builds and renovations.
Is Warmboard certified for use in Australia?
Australian certification of Warmboard-S (drawing 388-16) covers joist spacing up to 410 mm. We arrange and pay for Australian testing and certification of Warmboard.
Which floor coverings can go over Warmboard?
Tell us the floor covering for each room when you send your plans, and we’ll confirm it in your design.
How quickly does the floor warm up?
In our experience, with timber glued directly to Warmboard, the floor surface feels warm within 20 to 30 minutes. That’s the floor surface; the room itself takes longer to reach temperature.
Design and installation
Can Warmboard-S go on joists at 450 mm centres?
No. Warmboard-S needs joists at 406.6 mm centres, so the sheet ends meet over a joist. Its Australian certification covers spacing up to 410 mm. The NCC doesn’t set a joist spacing: 450 mm is used to suit standard flooring sheets, and Warmboard-S replaces that flooring. Talk to us before the frame is designed.
Who is responsible for the installation?
We supply Warmboard panels, the layout plans drawn by the Warmboard design team, and product and installation advice. We are not builders, plumbers or engineers. Your structural engineer specifies the floor framing and approves Warmboard-S where it forms the structural floor; your licensed builder is responsible for the building work; your licensed plumber installs and commissions the pipe, manifolds and heat source; and your building surveyor or certifier confirms compliance with the National Construction Code.
Can I lay the panels myself?
It depends on the panel. Warmboard-S laid over joists is the structural floor, so a licensed builder must lay it, to the details set by your structural engineer. Over a concrete slab or an existing floor, homeowners can lay Warmboard-S or Warmboard-R from our panel layout. A licensed plumber lays the pipe and connects the heat source.
What pipe spacing and loop lengths are used?
Pipe is laid at 300 mm spacing, with loops of up to 90 to 95 m. Your pipe loop plan sets out each loop.
What heat source does Warmboard need?
Warmboard runs on low-temperature water, usually from a heat pump or another heat source. Your plumber connects it. Tell us what you have in mind when you send your plans.
What do I need to send for a design?
Your floor plans, the floor covering for each room, whether it’s a new build or a renovation (and the joist spacing if it’s set), the heat source if you’ve chosen one, and your location and timing. Submit your plans.
Ordering and supply
How much does Warmboard cost?
The cost depends on the floor area, layout and floor type, so we work it out for each project from its plans. Send us your plans and we’ll take it from there.
Where is Warmboard stock held?
Warmboard stock is held in Carrum Downs, Victoria, and supplied Australia-wide.
Do you supply the pipe and controls?
We supply the Warmboard panels and the design. Pipe, manifolds and controls are sourced locally in Australia.