What is floor insulation of your home can lose a lot of heat, especially if it is made from wood and it is not properly insulated. Fortunately, floor insulation can prevent this loss and also stop drafts coming through the gaps in your floorboards. Insulating your floors is a great investment and can save you money on energy bills whilst improving the comfort of your home.
Whether you are renovating your house or building a new one, installing floor insulation is important in most buildings and is required by building regulations in Northern Ireland and Scotland. The good news is that you can insulate your solid or concrete floor, even if it does not need replacing, as long as it meets the minimum energy efficiency standards and you do not place any hot water pipes or radiators underneath.
What Is Floor Insulation? Understanding the Basics
There are a variety of different floor insulation options available, depending on the type of flooring and the climate you live in. For example, EPS sheets (full name expanded polystyrene sheets) are an inexpensive option that is very easy to install. They can be fixed to the ground and are pressure-resistant, meaning that your floor will not crack or collapse.
Another option is to use an insulation screed, which is a combination of cement and insulation material. This can be laid over an existing floor and is usually combined with a vapor barrier to protect the floor from moisture.
Spray foam and rigid foam board are two other popular options for insulating floors. Both provide high R-values and are relatively quick and simple to install. If you are in a warm climate, it is recommended that you choose a foam insulation with a foil layer, which will reflect radiant heat and further reduce the amount of energy your home consumes.
