From concept to creation

When you think about home insulation, we are sure that insulating your floors is not the first thing that pops into your mind. Most people prefer making exterior walls and loft insulation to save energy. 

However, insulating your floors can be a very affordable and effective solution because it can lead to savings on your energy bills.

If you’re still not sure about installing floor insulation, this article’s for you. We’ll talk about the benefits, installation methods, and materials. Keep reading to find out more!

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Introduction and benefits

Did you know that floors are responsible for around 10% of the total heat loss in a house? When cold air comes from the ground, the temperature in the room lowers, causing you to use heating appliances more often.

Insulating your floors can limit the wind and the cool air from flowing through openings and cracks. With the right floor insulation, you won’t have cold floors anymore. Plus, if footfall noise is an issue, high-quality insulation products can help reduce it.

Comfort during all seasons

Installing floor insulation brings comfort during all seasons. Without it, the floor can be as cold as 11°C, making it uncomfortable to walk barefoot or sit on it. Insulation can raise the temperature to around  20°C, making the entire room feel warmer and increasing energy efficiency. Also, you won’t need to use so much extra heating.

Energy efficiency

Floor insulation creates a barrier between the cold ground and your home. 

Decreasing the amount of heat that escapes through the floor will help your heating system so it doesn’t have to work so hard. Thus, it reduces energy consumption and lowers the bills. 

Mineral wool and rigid foam insulation are excellent for keeping your home warm as they offer constant thermal performance and maintain a perfect temperature.

Savings

Insulation installation can lead to energy savings of up to 10%. This will undoubtedly make your home more cost-effective. 

A well-insulated floor reduces heat loss, meaning your heating system will work more efficiently. You can achieve all of this by choosing the right materials.

Soundproofing and acoustic benefits

One of the easiest ways to stop noise from spreading and improve acoustics is by insulating the floor. That way, you won’t hear sounds from one room echoing throughout the rest of the house.

Reducing noise

Think of the noise of footsteps coming from upstairs or chairs being dragged around. Adding floor insulation boards is the perfect solution for absorbing the sound. 

This is particularly useful in multi-family homes where sound can travel through the floors. Materials like fibreglass batts and mineral wool are excellent for soundproofing and can help you keep your home more quiet and peaceful.

Improving acoustics

Floor insulation deals with loud noises and improves the sound quality of a room. 

You can use rigid foam insulation or mineral wool between floor joists. This type of insulation helps conversations, music, and other sounds be clearer and even more enjoyable. 

Good insulation creates a more pleasant space for playing instruments, singing and creating music in general.

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How do you choose the right materials?

The ability of materials to reduce heat loss depends on their capacity to store heat. Heat loss can be measured by conductivity (K-value), conductance (C-value), transmittance (U-value), or resistance (R-value). 

The R-value represents the thermal conductivity, indicating how well a material insulates based on its thickness. The higher the R-value, the lower the heat loss. These parameters are commonly used in the renovation and construction industries. 

Here are the R-values for different comfort levels:

• 2 to 3 – suitable for the three warm seasons, mild nights
• 3 to 4 – cool nights, winter huts
• 4 to 5 – all seasons in temperate conditions
• 5 to 6 – high alpine weather
• Over 6 – alpine and arctic regions, long winter season in permanent frost.

Every person perceives comfort and cold temperatures differently, so the information we gave you above is only a guideline. 

Floor insulation materials

There are several different underfloor insulation materials available and the most suitable one for you depends on your floor’s type and space configuration.

The list of materials available on the market includes panels called insulation boards. These panels are commonly made from mineral wool, which makes them excellent thermal and vapour barriers, but there are other common types of floor insulation.

Fiberglass batts

Fiberglass batts are a popular choice for floor insulation due to their effectiveness and affordability. 

These batts fit between floor joists and provide good thermal performance. They are relatively easy to handle and install, making them suitable for both concrete and suspended floor insulation. 

It’s very important to make sure there’s a tight fit to avoid air gaps. Otherwise, it can lead to wind washing and reduce the effectiveness of the insulation.

Rigid foam boards

Rigid foam boards are another excellent option for insulating the floor in your home. 

They are made from materials like extruded polystyrene or polyisocyanurate and offer a high compressive strength. They are moisture-resistant due to their closed-cell structure, which makes them perfect for humid conditions. 

Rigid foam boards can efficiently insulate and shield your flooring from moisture damage when combined with a damp-proof membrane.

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What is the installation process for floor insulation?

Before starting your underfloor insulation, you should prepare the area. 

For concrete floors, remove all dust and debris and take care of all major imperfections. For timber floors, check for exposed nails and loose or uneven boards and make repairs if necessary. 

All of that ensures a smooth surface for the insulation and helps avoid issues like air gaps or structural damage. Make sure you are using protective gloves and a dust mask to keep yourself safe during the process.

This is our step-by-step guide for effective insulation:

1. Prime your solid floors – if you’re working with a concrete floor, apply a thermal primer to seal the surface. This step helps with adhesion. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the primer you choose to ensure you are applying it the right way.
2. Lay the floor insulation boards – lay insulation boards in a staggered pattern to strengthen the insulation layer and avoid unevenness. Use a sharp craft knife to cut the boards to size. Secure them with a quick-setting flexible tile adhesive for solid floors or screw them down for timber floors.
3. Tape up – seal the joints between the insulation boards with waterproof tape. For added protection, apply a bead of acrylic sealant along the joins before taping. This prevents heat loss and ensures a tight fit.
4. Lay the membrane – no matter if you’re using liquid screed or concrete, we advise you to lay a damp-proof membrane to protect the insulation from moisture. Seal all joints with waterproof tape to create a complete barrier.
5. Install the expansion foam – apply expansion foam around the room’s perimeter to allow for movement and expansion of the screed. Secure the foam with tape or a staple gun, depending on the wall material. This allows for movement on the floor and ensures a smooth finish.

Following these steps and using high-quality floor insulation materials will help you create a cosy and energy-efficient home.

Of course, it’s always best to find a professional insulation contractor with good reviews to guarantee the best for your home or business.

Source: elements.envato.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I add floor insulation to existing buildings?

Yes, you can install floor insulation in an existing home. Depending on your floor type, insulation can be from above or below the floorboards. For suspended timber floors, you can fit insulation between the floor joists. If you work with concrete floors, you might need to remove the existing flooring to install floor insulation boards.

How much does floor insulation help with saving energy?

Floor insulation can cut down the consumption of energy of your household by approximately 7-10%. This, of course, leads to savings on your energy bills. Also, properly insulated flooring helps your heating system work more efficiently and use less energy.

What is the best material for insulating floors?

The best material you can choose depends entirely on your needs. Fibreglass batts are affordable and effective. Rigid foam insulation, on the other hand, provides excellent thermal conductivity and resistance to moisture. Both materials work well in different floor types, from suspended timber floors to concrete ones.