Floor Insulation

What is Floor Insulation

Floor insulation is insulation fixed beneath your home’s floorboards. The main purpose is to minimize the loss of heat through the floor. Note that more than 20% of heat is lost through the floor into the ground.

The right time to install floor insulation boards is during the fixing of a new floor, even though you can install the insulation as a retrofit project.

Is Floor Insulation Worth It?

Floor insulation is one of the most underestimated home renovation projects. Normally, many homeowners focus on exterior walls and loft insulation. Though we are not implying that you shouldn’t insulate these areas, you can gain more if you insulate your floors as well.

First, floor insulation boards will eradicate drafts from your home. Apart from preventing drafts from penetrating via the gaps between the floor and skirting boards, it will prevent heat loss. As such, it is recommended to install rigid floor insulation boards, specifically between the floor joists.

And for the homeowners with wooden floors, you face more problems due to moisture accumulation that can damage the floor. To deal with this issue, you need to install a layer of insulation between the floor and the crawl space. This creates a vapor barrier that prevents moisture from getting on your wooden floor. Solid floor insulation also offers more protection to the piping network under the floor, especially during the winter.

Types of Floor Insulation

Underfloor Insulation 

This is the most common type of floor insulation. The insulation is normally installed a few inches below the floor surface. It is much easier if you can access hatch that takes you to the crawlspace below the floorboards. If you don’t have it, you would need to remove the floorboards and then fit your insulation below the floorboards.

Concrete Floor Insulation

A concrete floor is built of concrete slab, with a moisture-proof membrane and screed on top. This type of insulation is normally done in older buildings because most of them didn’t have an insulation installed.

Suspended Floor Insulation

A suspended floor is made from timber floor panels attached to wooden joists. This leaves a hollow below the joists and it is this void where suspended floor insulation is installed. The insulation is either installed between the joists or from below the joists, depending on the accessible space.

What to Consider When Doing Floor Insulation Installation

Whether you have opted for a professional contractor to do the work for you or you have decided to DIY in order to save some bucks, the carpets, furniture, and the existing floor insulation board will have to be removed. This is also an opportunity to inspect the moisture or dampness on your floor and apply the necessary repairs.

So, make your budget flexible to accommodate for some unexpected work.

Benefits of Floor Insulation

Floor insulation has a lot of benefits. Here is what you get when you insulate your home.

• By sealing the spaces between the skirting boards and floor, you can save up to £30 every year.
• Floor insulation can minimize your carbon footprint up to 240kg every year and an additional 100kg if you choose to fill the spaces between the floor and the skirting boards.
• Floor insulation regulates the heat flow in and out of your home, and this helps your house to remain warmer for longer in the winter and cooler in the summer.
• If you install underfloor insulation for wooden floors, you save up to £100 every year. That implies you can recoup the cost within 24 months.

Costs and Savings

Regardless of how vast your floor is, hiring a contractor shouldn’t break your bank balances. Unless your home shouts, “I am rich, just look at my windows and doors!” your budget shouldn’t be a surprise.

• If you hire a contractor, you will spend approximately £800 to £1,000.
• If you decide to DIY, you will spend roughly £150 on materials for an average home, including materials for filling gaps and skirting boards.

You would also want to put aside £100 in case your floor requires some TLC. However, you can save up to $100 yearly thanks to floor insulation.

Is Insulation Between Floors Necessary?

Generally, insulating between the floors is not economical and therefore not necessary. You only need to insulate your ground floor. Besides, you don’t need to insulate your floor space if you live on the upper floor.

Conclusion

There is no doubt floor insulation will help keep a few bucks in your pockets. Go through our selection and order now for quick delivery!

For any questions or queries regarding floor insulation, or product recommendations, feel free to call our team of experts on 02033 187 316 and they will be more than happy to help.