6mm Ecomax Lite Closed-Cell Polystyrene Insulation for Foil Heaters under Wood and Laminate Floors
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6mm Ecomax Lite Closed-Cell Polystyrene Insulation for Foil Heaters under Wood and Laminate Floors

6mm Ecomax Lite Closed-Cell Polystyrene Insulation for Foil Heaters under Wood and Laminate Floors

Select Thickness
From $14.52

Original: $41.50

-65%
6mm Ecomax Lite Closed-Cell Polystyrene Insulation for Foil Heaters under Wood and Laminate Floors

$41.50

$14.52

The Story

The Ecomax Lite 6mm Insulation Board is a closed-cell foamed polystyrene underlay engineered specifically for electric foil underfloor heating systems installed beneath wood, laminate, and engineered flooring. Manufactured by Flexel International from 100% recycled, ozone-safe material, each 1000 × 500 mm board adds just 6 mm of build height while delivering a measurable thermal barrier, a moisture-resistant layer, and a quieter floor — all in one product. Whether you are fitting a retrofit system in an existing home or speccing a new-build, Ecomax Lite resolves three problems at once: heat loss through the subfloor, moisture ingress, and impact noise transmission.

6 mm
Total build height
0.035
W/m·K thermal conductivity
40 kg/m³
Density — rigid underfoot
0.5 m²
Coverage per board
100%
Recycled material
3 Sizes
3 m² / 5 m² / 18 m² packs
⚠ Specification note: A third-party distributor lists this product at 50 kg/m³ density and 0.03 W/m·K conductivity. The figures on this page — 40 kg/m³ and 0.035 W/m·K — are taken directly from the Flexel International product specification sheet (the originating manufacturer) and are treated as authoritative.
ℹ Mandatory use with ECOFILM systems: Flexel specifies that Ecomax Lite must be fitted beneath all ECOFILM SET foil underfloor heating elements. The insulation layer prevents downward heat loss into the subfloor and is a prerequisite for the system to perform as rated. Add approximately 10% extra boards to your floor area calculation to allow for cutting wastage and staggered joints.

Why Ecomax Lite Outperforms Generic Underlays

Closed-Cell Structure — No Compression Creep

Unlike open-cell foam underlays, Ecomax Lite's closed-cell polystyrene matrix does not compress permanently under furniture or foot traffic. The cellular geometry maintains its 6 mm thickness year after year, preserving both the thermal resistance and the perfectly level surface your floor covering requires.

Upward Heat Reflection

With a thermal conductivity of just 0.035 W/m·K, the boards resist heat flow downwards into the subfloor. More of the electrical energy consumed by your foil heater is directed upward into the living space — reducing running costs and improving system response time.

Inherent Moisture Barrier

The closed-cell structure is inherently water-repellent — moisture cannot wick through the panel the way it can through fibrous felt or cork underlays. The boards are resistant to cement, plaster, and most alkalis, making them equally suitable over screed, concrete, and chipboard substrates.

Impact Sound Reduction

The resilient polystyrene layer absorbs impact vibration before it can travel through the floor structure, noticeably reducing the hollow "click" associated with floating laminate and engineered wood floors. The result is a floor that feels as good as it sounds.

Levels Minor Subfloor Irregularities

At 40 kg/m³ density the boards are firm enough to bridge and flatten minor surface imperfections — small ridges, dried adhesive blobs, or slight unevenness in the screed — without telegraphing through to the finished floor above. This reduces the need for extensive subfloor preparation.

Low Profile — Retrofit Friendly

At only 6 mm thick, Ecomax Lite adds a fraction of the height of conventional insulation panels. Door clearances, threshold strips, and adjacent floor levels are rarely compromised. For conservatories where threshold height allows, Flexel recommends a double layer to maximise thermal performance.

Technical Specifications

Parameter Value
Material Closed-cell foamed polystyrene
Thickness 6 mm
Board dimensions 1000 mm × 500 mm
Coverage per board 0.5 m²
Density 40 kg/m³
Thermal conductivity (λ) 0.035 W/m·K
Composition 100% recycled material; free from ozone-depleting chemicals and halogens
Moisture resistance Water-repellent; will not rot or become mouldy
Chemical resistance Resistant to cement, plaster, and most alkalis; not suitable for contact with organic solvents
Colour Grey (may vary between batches)
Pack sizes 3.0 m² (6 boards) · 5.0 m² (10 boards) · 18.0 m² (36 boards)
Compatible heating systems Electric foil heaters (ECOFILM SET and equivalent); water-based underfloor heating systems beneath timber or laminate
ℹ Installation guidance: Lay boards in a staggered brickwork pattern, butting edges tightly together to avoid thermal bridging at joints. Boards can be cut cleanly with a sharp knife or box cutter — no specialist tools required. Always add 10% to your measured floor area when ordering to account for cut-outs around pipes, obstacles, and perimeter waste. Avoid contact with organic solvents during installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Ecomax Lite with my ECOFILM foil heater, or is it optional?
Flexel specifies Ecomax Lite as mandatory beneath all ECOFILM SET underfloor heating foils. Without an insulation layer, a significant proportion of the heat generated by the foil travels downward into the subfloor rather than upward into the room. This not only reduces comfort but also increases running costs and can void the system's performance warranty. Always fit the insulation before laying the heating element.
Can I use Ecomax Lite with water-based underfloor heating as well as electric foil?
Yes. Although Ecomax Lite is most commonly paired with electric foil heating systems, its properties — thermal resistance, moisture repellence, and levelling ability — make it equally suitable under water-based (hydronic) underfloor heating installed beneath timber or laminate floating floors. Confirm compatibility with the UFH system manufacturer if the pipework is embedded rather than floating above the subfloor.
How much Ecomax Lite do I need, and which pack size should I choose?
Measure the total floor area you intend to heat in square metres, then add 10% for cutting wastage — for example, a 4.5 m² room needs at least 5 m² of insulation boards. Each board covers 0.5 m², so the 5 m² pack (10 boards) suits most single rooms. Choose the 18 m² pack (36 boards) for open-plan spaces or multi-room installations — it offers the best value per m².
Is Ecomax Lite suitable for conservatories and rooms with tight threshold heights?
At only 6 mm thick, Ecomax Lite is among the most retrofit-friendly insulation options available and rarely causes door-clearance problems. For conservatories, Flexel specifically recommends installing a double layer (12 mm total) where the threshold height allows, as ground-level or glazed spaces typically have higher heat-loss rates through the floor compared with upper storeys.
What subfloor surfaces is Ecomax Lite compatible with?
Ecomax Lite can be laid over concrete screed, sand-and-cement floors, chipboard, plywood, and most timber subfloors, provided the surface is reasonably level, clean, and dry. The boards are resistant to cement and plaster, so there is no need to seal the subfloor before installation. Avoid contact with organic solvents or solvent-based adhesives — these will attack the polystyrene matrix.
Is this product environmentally responsible?
Yes. Ecomax Lite is manufactured from 100% recycled closed-cell polystyrene and contains no ozone-depleting chemicals (such as HCFCs or CFCs) and no halogens. By improving the efficiency of the underfloor heating system, it also contributes to lower energy consumption over the lifetime of the installation — a meaningful environmental benefit in addition to its sustainable material composition.
6mm Ecomax Lite Closed-Cell Polystyrene Insulation for Foil Heaters under Wood and Laminate Floors - Image 2

Details & Craftsmanship

Every detail has been carefully considered to bring you the perfect product.

Description

The Ecomax Lite 6mm Insulation Board is a closed-cell foamed polystyrene underlay engineered specifically for electric foil underfloor heating systems installed beneath wood, laminate, and engineered flooring. Manufactured by Flexel International from 100% recycled, ozone-safe material, each 1000 × 500 mm board adds just 6 mm of build height while delivering a measurable thermal barrier, a moisture-resistant layer, and a quieter floor — all in one product. Whether you are fitting a retrofit system in an existing home or speccing a new-build, Ecomax Lite resolves three problems at once: heat loss through the subfloor, moisture ingress, and impact noise transmission.

6 mm
Total build height
0.035
W/m·K thermal conductivity
40 kg/m³
Density — rigid underfoot
0.5 m²
Coverage per board
100%
Recycled material
3 Sizes
3 m² / 5 m² / 18 m² packs
⚠ Specification note: A third-party distributor lists this product at 50 kg/m³ density and 0.03 W/m·K conductivity. The figures on this page — 40 kg/m³ and 0.035 W/m·K — are taken directly from the Flexel International product specification sheet (the originating manufacturer) and are treated as authoritative.
ℹ Mandatory use with ECOFILM systems: Flexel specifies that Ecomax Lite must be fitted beneath all ECOFILM SET foil underfloor heating elements. The insulation layer prevents downward heat loss into the subfloor and is a prerequisite for the system to perform as rated. Add approximately 10% extra boards to your floor area calculation to allow for cutting wastage and staggered joints.

Why Ecomax Lite Outperforms Generic Underlays

Closed-Cell Structure — No Compression Creep

Unlike open-cell foam underlays, Ecomax Lite's closed-cell polystyrene matrix does not compress permanently under furniture or foot traffic. The cellular geometry maintains its 6 mm thickness year after year, preserving both the thermal resistance and the perfectly level surface your floor covering requires.

Upward Heat Reflection

With a thermal conductivity of just 0.035 W/m·K, the boards resist heat flow downwards into the subfloor. More of the electrical energy consumed by your foil heater is directed upward into the living space — reducing running costs and improving system response time.

Inherent Moisture Barrier

The closed-cell structure is inherently water-repellent — moisture cannot wick through the panel the way it can through fibrous felt or cork underlays. The boards are resistant to cement, plaster, and most alkalis, making them equally suitable over screed, concrete, and chipboard substrates.

Impact Sound Reduction

The resilient polystyrene layer absorbs impact vibration before it can travel through the floor structure, noticeably reducing the hollow "click" associated with floating laminate and engineered wood floors. The result is a floor that feels as good as it sounds.

Levels Minor Subfloor Irregularities

At 40 kg/m³ density the boards are firm enough to bridge and flatten minor surface imperfections — small ridges, dried adhesive blobs, or slight unevenness in the screed — without telegraphing through to the finished floor above. This reduces the need for extensive subfloor preparation.

Low Profile — Retrofit Friendly

At only 6 mm thick, Ecomax Lite adds a fraction of the height of conventional insulation panels. Door clearances, threshold strips, and adjacent floor levels are rarely compromised. For conservatories where threshold height allows, Flexel recommends a double layer to maximise thermal performance.

Technical Specifications

Parameter Value
Material Closed-cell foamed polystyrene
Thickness 6 mm
Board dimensions 1000 mm × 500 mm
Coverage per board 0.5 m²
Density 40 kg/m³
Thermal conductivity (λ) 0.035 W/m·K
Composition 100% recycled material; free from ozone-depleting chemicals and halogens
Moisture resistance Water-repellent; will not rot or become mouldy
Chemical resistance Resistant to cement, plaster, and most alkalis; not suitable for contact with organic solvents
Colour Grey (may vary between batches)
Pack sizes 3.0 m² (6 boards) · 5.0 m² (10 boards) · 18.0 m² (36 boards)
Compatible heating systems Electric foil heaters (ECOFILM SET and equivalent); water-based underfloor heating systems beneath timber or laminate
ℹ Installation guidance: Lay boards in a staggered brickwork pattern, butting edges tightly together to avoid thermal bridging at joints. Boards can be cut cleanly with a sharp knife or box cutter — no specialist tools required. Always add 10% to your measured floor area when ordering to account for cut-outs around pipes, obstacles, and perimeter waste. Avoid contact with organic solvents during installation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use Ecomax Lite with my ECOFILM foil heater, or is it optional?
Flexel specifies Ecomax Lite as mandatory beneath all ECOFILM SET underfloor heating foils. Without an insulation layer, a significant proportion of the heat generated by the foil travels downward into the subfloor rather than upward into the room. This not only reduces comfort but also increases running costs and can void the system's performance warranty. Always fit the insulation before laying the heating element.
Can I use Ecomax Lite with water-based underfloor heating as well as electric foil?
Yes. Although Ecomax Lite is most commonly paired with electric foil heating systems, its properties — thermal resistance, moisture repellence, and levelling ability — make it equally suitable under water-based (hydronic) underfloor heating installed beneath timber or laminate floating floors. Confirm compatibility with the UFH system manufacturer if the pipework is embedded rather than floating above the subfloor.
How much Ecomax Lite do I need, and which pack size should I choose?
Measure the total floor area you intend to heat in square metres, then add 10% for cutting wastage — for example, a 4.5 m² room needs at least 5 m² of insulation boards. Each board covers 0.5 m², so the 5 m² pack (10 boards) suits most single rooms. Choose the 18 m² pack (36 boards) for open-plan spaces or multi-room installations — it offers the best value per m².
Is Ecomax Lite suitable for conservatories and rooms with tight threshold heights?
At only 6 mm thick, Ecomax Lite is among the most retrofit-friendly insulation options available and rarely causes door-clearance problems. For conservatories, Flexel specifically recommends installing a double layer (12 mm total) where the threshold height allows, as ground-level or glazed spaces typically have higher heat-loss rates through the floor compared with upper storeys.
What subfloor surfaces is Ecomax Lite compatible with?
Ecomax Lite can be laid over concrete screed, sand-and-cement floors, chipboard, plywood, and most timber subfloors, provided the surface is reasonably level, clean, and dry. The boards are resistant to cement and plaster, so there is no need to seal the subfloor before installation. Avoid contact with organic solvents or solvent-based adhesives — these will attack the polystyrene matrix.
Is this product environmentally responsible?
Yes. Ecomax Lite is manufactured from 100% recycled closed-cell polystyrene and contains no ozone-depleting chemicals (such as HCFCs or CFCs) and no halogens. By improving the efficiency of the underfloor heating system, it also contributes to lower energy consumption over the lifetime of the installation — a meaningful environmental benefit in addition to its sustainable material composition.
6mm Ecomax Lite Closed-Cell Polystyrene Insulation for Foil Heaters under Wood and Laminate Floors | AIZO Quality Heating