Thermal Slabs are ground floor slabs or rafts with insulation under and around the concrete, so the floor holds heat and loses less to the ground. Many are built with underfloor heating pipes cast in. Send one request and independent contractors reply with availability and prices.
Describe your project once to get thermal slabs quotes.
Request a QuoteWhat the Work Includes
- Insulation. EPS or XPS panels under the slab and at the edges.
- Vapour barrier. DPM laid over or under the insulation.
- Reinforcement. Mesh and beam steel to the engineer's design.
- Heating pipes. Hydronic pipes fixed to the mesh, where specified.
- Concrete. Pour, finish and cure.
- Edge detail. Insulated edge to reduce cold bridging.
Suitable Projects
Energy-efficient homes, houses in colder inland and highveld areas, homes with underfloor heating, and builds aiming to meet SANS 10400-XA energy requirements more comfortably.
Available Systems
- Insulated raft. A raft foundation built on insulation panels.
- Insulated surface bed. A ground slab on insulation inside conventional footings.
- Slab with underfloor heating. Either system with heating pipes cast into the concrete.
How the System Is Chosen
The engineer sets the structure, while the insulation type and thickness depend on the energy design and climate zone. Check that the insulation is rated for the load.
Project Process
- Design. Structural and energy design.
- Groundwork. Excavation, compaction and beams.
- Insulation. Panels placed and sealed.
- Steel and pipes. Mesh, beams and heating pipes, then pressure test.
- Pour. Concrete placed and cured.
- Commission. Heating tested once the slab has cured.
Thermal Slabs Prices
Ballpark prices so you can sanity-check a quotation.
| Item | Ballpark price |
|---|---|
| Insulated slab or thermal raft | R1,100 - R2,000 per m² |
| Under-slab insulation only, added | R150 - R400 per m² |
| Hydronic underfloor heating pipes, added | R450 - R1,100 per m² |
| Thermal raft design | R10,000 - R35,000 |
Prices JUST UPDATED. Indicative ballpark figures in rand, rounded and excluding VAT. They reflect typical South African market rates for this kind of work. They are not our prices or quotations, and no contractor is bound by them. Confirm VAT, delivery, steel, concrete and what each quotation includes.
Get prices for your project rather than a range. Send one request, with no obligation.
Request a QuoteWhat Affects Cost and Timelines
- Insulation thickness. Thicker panels cost more.
- Heating system. Pipes, manifolds and heat pumps add cost.
- Structure. Raft versus surface bed.
- Specialist supply. Fewer suppliers outside main centres.
What to Send for an Accurate Quote
- Your name, email and phone or WhatsApp number.
- Your town or suburb.
- The service you need.
- The approximate size, such as floor area in m² or wall length and height.
- A short project description and your preferred start date.
- Whether you have approved plans, engineer's drawings or a soil report.
Plans, drawings and photos can be shared with the contractor you choose once you are in contact.
Thermal Slabs FAQs
What is a thermal slab?
A concrete floor slab with insulation under and around it, often with underfloor heating cast in.
Is a thermal slab worth it?
In colder areas and with underfloor heating, insulation helps the floor hold heat. Ask for running-cost estimates with your quote.
Can I add insulation to an existing slab?
Not underneath. You can insulate on top with a new screed, which raises floor levels.
Does a thermal slab need an engineer?
Yes. The structure still needs engineering, and the insulation must suit the loads.
Related Services
Raft Foundations South Africa passes your request to independent contractors suited to insulated slab work. Foundation and slab designs are project-specific, so confirm the design with a registered engineer and get a written quotation before you pay a deposit.
Thermal Slabs. Describe your project once and get the best quote, fast.
Request a QuoteGet the Best Quote, Fast
Keep it brief. Give your location, the service, the approximate project size and a short description. With your consent, your enquiry is passed only to independent contractors suited to the job, and you decide whether to go ahead.
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