Floor Insulation

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Floor insulation is an efficient way to improve energy efficiency and home comfort. By installing floor insulation, you can significantly reduce heat loss. The floor is an area often overlooked in favour of insulating ceilings, roofs, and walls. Proper floor insulation helps eliminate draughts caused by gaps between floorboards, skirting boards, and around pipes, creating a warmer and more energy-efficient living space. On our website, you can find a huge range of floor insulation products.

Insulation For Floors

The best time to insulate a floor is when a new floor is being put in place. Floor insulation can ensure the floor system in its entirety is high-quality and extremely long lasting. Once floor insulation is installed it should last for as long as the building does. Generally speaking, floor insulation is essential for ground floors or floors above unheated spaces such as an outhouse or a garage.

Pros of Floor Insulation

  • Correct insulation will save money on your energy bills by reducing heat loss
  • Compatible with many floor types and underfloor heating systems
  • Floor insulation can provide soundproofing benefits by reducing noise levels transferring between floors
  • Reduced levels of heat waste/loss will reduce your carbon footprint
  • Floor insulation is long-lasting and durable, requiring little to no maintenance
  • Reduced impact on global warming and climate change
  • Insulating floors will stop freezing cold wood floors and tiles, maximizing comfort
  • High-quality and well-installed insulation will increase property value
  • High compressive strength means floor insulation will not be affected by weight or pressure

Cons of Floor Insulation

  • Installation costs can be high, particularly if floors need to be lifted
  • Floor insulation can be inconvenient and disruptive, as it may require lifting the floor and removing all furniture and fixings including skirting boards
  • Can be difficult to install due to limited access
  • Improper installation can lead to issues with mold or damp, which is difficult to correct due to insulation being under the floor
  • Insulation can raise floor height, which may cause issues with doors and plumbing

Screed Insulation

Screed is a thin layer of compound made of concrete and sharp sand, poured over a slab of concrete base to form a smooth surface above the subfloor of the building. Screed insulation is applied below the floor screed, providing a flat, level, and strong base that will not crumble under pressure. This method is typically used in new builds or larger renovation projects.

Installing screed insulation offers a solid and smooth surface, ideal for finishing flooring such as tiles, carpet, or wood. It is a perfect solution for those looking to achieve a modern, energy-efficient design.

Screed insulation materials are rigid foam boards with either a polyisocyanurate (PIR) core or a phenolic core, designed to be strong and compatible with underfloor heating systems.

Benefits of Screed Insulation

  • Works well with underfloor heating systems, ensuring heat is evenly distributed across the floor space
  • Can provide protection against damp and moisture build-up from the ground
  • Gives a solid and level base, structurally secure, ready for floor materials
  • Modern screed methods can be quicker to install and cure, speeding up the construction process

Disadvantages of Screed Insulation

  • Installations can be expensive, particularly with high-performance insulation or thicker layers
  • Screeds require time to cure, potentially delaying further construction work
  • Once installed, it can be difficult and expensive to access if any problems arise
  • Improper installation can lead to issues such as cracked floors
  • Requires skilled labor, which can be costly

Concrete Floor Insulation

Concrete floors are commonly found in basements and ground-level areas. These floors consist of a flat concrete slab reinforced with steel or mesh, solidified beneath a damp-proof membrane, rigid insulation, and screed. Concrete floor insulation is typically placed above or below the concrete level.

For existing buildings, insulation is often installed above the concrete during floor replacement or when laying new flooring. Rigid boards such as Phenolic or PIR materials are ideal for ensuring a strong, solid, and level surface capable of withstanding compression and weight.

Benefits of Concrete Floor Insulation

  • Enhances underfloor heating systems by preventing heat loss through the ground
  • Keeps the floor space warmer
  • Improves energy efficiency and sustainability of the property
  • Prevents heat from radiators being lost through the floor

Disadvantages of Concrete Floor Insulation

  • The initial cost of installing a concrete floor can be expensive
  • It may take years to see energy savings reflected in bills
  • Accessing wiring, plumbing, or other systems can be costly and inconvenient after installation
  • Floor insulation requires careful planning and organization

Suspended Floor Insulation

Suspended floors, often found in older homes, consist of wooden joists that create a gap between the ground and the floorboards. Insulating these floors helps prevent draughts and heat loss. Insulation is measured, cut, and fitted between the joists and sealed to prevent draughts from entering the building.

Mineral wool and rigid foam boards are commonly used insulation materials for suspended floors. These materials are cut to size and fit into the timber frame between the joists.

Benefits of Suspended Floor Insulation

  • Acts as a barrier against ground moisture, helping to protect joists from rot and decay
  • Cheaper to insulate compared to solid floors like concrete, which require more materials
  • Reduces energy consumption and improves sustainability

Disadvantages of Suspended Floor Insulation

  • Improper installation can block ventilation, leading to moisture build-up and increased risk of rot
  • If not sealed correctly, floor spaces can pose a risk of rodents and pests entering the property
  • Installing incorrect insulation materials can damage joists, potentially harming the building's structure over time

FAQs

What Type of Floor Insulation Do I Need?

Different flooring types and insulation materials require specific installation methods. Consider factors like building regulations, structural requirements, moisture levels, and energy efficiency when selecting an insulation material.

How to Insulate a Concrete Floor?

A common method involves laying a damp-proof membrane on the concrete, followed by insulation. This is then topped with a concrete screed or chipboard and finished with flooring materials such as underlay, carpet, or wood flooring.

How to Insulate a Shed?

Lay insulation on the shed floor, either between rafters or over a concrete base, and seal all gaps. Protect the insulation with plywood, then install flooring over the top.

How Can I Soundproof a Room?

Acoustic insulation can be applied to walls or within a stud wall system. Insulation can also be installed beneath floorboards between joists and paired with soundproof underlay or acoustic floor panels.

What Insulation is Best for Floors?

The most popular floor insulation materials are rigid foam boards like PIR insulation boards and mineral wool slabs.