Insulation is perhaps our most recommended energy saving measure. The investment is worth it to regulate the temperature of your home and it normally pays for itself in the savings it can makto energy bills. Floor insulation is an often-forgotten type, which can actually have a big impact on the comfort and energy efficiency of your home. There’s an in-depth guide here, but first of all let us give you an introduction….
How does insulation work?
In short, insulation slows movement between building materials. It uses dead air space or cells to trap air and slow heat flow between objects of differing temperatures. In the winter, it keeps warm air in your house, and in warm weather, it prevents hot outside air from entering through your walls. This saves energy on both heating and air conditioning.
Why should I insulate floors?
Typically, 10% of heat is lost through the ground floor of properties. Stops draughts and prevents heat disappearing into the ground. You don’t need to insulate floors of rooms upstairs if they’re above heated spaces. However, if the room is above a garage or largely unused space, it could well be worth doing.
Can I insulate floors myself?
It depends how accessible your floorboards are.
What materials are used for floor insulation?
The insulating materials you can use will depend on the style of flooring.
Suspended timber floors can be lifted and insulation placed underneath. This can be sheep wool, fibreglass wool, rock wool or polystyrene.
If your ground floor is solid concrete, it’ll lose much less heat. It could still be worth insulating, however. In these cases, rigid insulation can be laid on top.
A couple of things to bear in mind:
- Rugs and carpets can also make a difference. As well as keeping your feet warm, they slow heat transfer through floors.
- Also remember that with all insulation, ventilation is important. Ventilation grills should be left uncovered to allow air to circulate.
Floor insulation pros
- Keeps your home warm
- Can help prevent against fire
- Can help prevent pipes freezing
Floor insulation cons
- Can be expensive
Think we missed something? Do you have a different opinion?
Comment below to get your voice heard…
Floor insulation might not be the biggest saver when it comes to the heating bills, but at least my feet aren;t frozen when I make my breakfast. Floor insulation is much maligned in my opinion – if you are getting a refurb, make sure you do floor insulation!