If you are considering installing a thin floor insulation in your home, there are several types to choose from. Some options are Xtratherm Thin-R, insulTop 15, and Aluthermo Quattro. These materials are available in rolls and sheets. You can also consider EPS sheets for a low-maintenance option.
Xtratherm Thin-R
The Xtratherm Thin-R range has been designed to provide outstanding floor insulation. The products are manufactured to conform to strict European standards. They are certified to meet the standards of EN ISO 9001:2008 quality management, EN ISO 14001:2004 environmental management, and BS OHSAS 18001 health and safety management systems. Xtratherm Thin-R floor panels are installed in layers. It is recommended to lay solid under floor at a distance of 150mm to 250mm from the surface. The insulation should be protected from dust, water, and fire by being stored in a dry, clean area. It is recommended to use suitable PPE for handling this material.
Xtratherm Thin-R XT/PR is suitable for sloped roofs and offers the highest U-values with minimum intrusion into valuable living space. This product is particularly suitable for complex, sloped roofs with multiple levels. Xtratherm Thin-R XT is suitable for use in floor and roof applications and is easily cut using a fine toothed saw.
insulTop 15
If you’re looking for a thin thermal floor insulation that fits under a ground floor floating screed, you may want to consider insulTop 15. This product is perfect for applications in basements, industrial floors, and inside walls. It provides excellent insulation properties and is accompanied by an auto-adhesive strip. StickkelTape provides a waterproof solution.
Aluthermo Quattro
Aluthermo Quattro is a multi-layer, thin floor insulation system with two layers of pure aluminium, 30 microns thick. These layers are enclosed in a fire-retardant polyethylene film. The patented product can be installed in a variety of thermal insulation applications.
Quattro is a perfect all-in-one solution that acts as a vapour barrier, floor insulation, and roof membrane. Its ultra-thin design and multi-reflective surface make it ideal for interior applications. Thermally welded across all surfaces, Quattro is extremely thin, but does not compromise performance.
Aluthermo Quattro’s thin layer composition provides exceptional heat distribution. The material’s low density also makes it ideal for high-boarding and screed floors. It also provides excellent acoustic insulation and resists compression. Aluthermo Quattro is available in both standard and custom-cut sheets and can be installed over existing flooring.
EPS sheets
EPS (expanded polystyrene) sheets are easy to install and have high insulation values. They are available in different densities and can be installed in a single or double layer underneath a concrete floor slab. Lighter density sheets are recommended for residential basements while heavier ones are best for warehouses and commercial garages.
The downside of EPS is that it’s difficult to recycle. Local authorities don’t have the facilities to handle this material properly, so enormous quantities end up in landfills and pollute the environment. Also, EPS can be flammable and releases toxic smoke when burnt, so it shouldn’t be used for applications that require fire resistance.
The main advantage of EPS sheets is their versatility and design flexibility. The sheets are available in a wide range of thicknesses and compressive strengths, and they’re easy to handle and cut. Other benefits include their recycled content and low environmental impact. In addition, EPS is an excellent insulator for floors and walls.
Wool-like structure
The wool-like structure of floor insulation enables the material to resist humidity. This property allows it to resist mould and mildew growth. The fibers themselves are naturally mold resistant and moisture-resistant, which is beneficial for human health. Moreover, wool’s outside cuticle cells are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water and prevent it from reaching the fiber surface. This unique property is important for maintaining a comfortable indoor climate.
Another advantage of wool-like floor insulation is its ability to reduce sound and heat loss. A study at the University of Texas found that it can increase indoor air quality. This means that the materials are eco-friendly and can reduce your energy bills. Further, the materials are biodegradable and recyclable.
Many building materials are degrading in quality. They are often made with chemicals and glues to cut costs. Many of these chemicals can cause adverse health effects. In addition, many airtight homes compromise indoor air quality. Fortunately, Havelock Wool is chemical-free and acts as a natural air filter. It blocks the movement of air pollutants, including NOx and SO2.
EPS batts
EPS batts are becoming a popular choice for insulating thin floors. They are known for their moisture resistance and are relatively easy to install. However, these batts are not very energy-efficient and may require multiple layers to be completely effective. In addition, they produce air pollution due to their glass fibers, which can irritate the skin and cause lung damage. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to EPS batts.
Fiberglass is another popular option. Fiberglass is made up of very fine strands of glass and is available in rolls and loose-fill batts. This material is water-resistant and non-flammable, but it is fairly dangerous to handle. Its R-values are usually between R-2.9 and R-3.8 per inch.
Fiberglass batts are available with either an aluminum foil or paper facing. The facing is important because it prevents air from leaking through the insulation. Make sure that the facing is on the exposed side of the batt. Fiberglass batts typically have an R-value of 2.9 to 3.8 per inch, while cellulose batts have an R-value of 4.3 or higher.
EPS rolls
EPS is a type of foam board insulation that is made from closed-cell foam beads and molded into large sheets. These foam boards can be used for flooring, siding, and roofing. Compared to beads, EPS is smoother, denser, and has higher water-resistance. It also comes in a variety of colors.
EPS is a low-cost, easy-to-install product that offers excellent insulating value. Installing these boards is simple, as long as the ground is level. They are also pressure-resistant and will not collapse or crack. They can cost around PS7 to PS10.5 per square metre.
EPS and XPS are similar in cost but differ in their water-vapour-diffusivity properties. EPS has a water-vapour diffusion resistance of 30 to 70, while XPS is 80-250. XPS is less prone to water, making it a better option for use in wet areas. However, EPS can collect water in the space between the beads, reducing its R-values.
EPS sheets with flame-resistant facing
EPS is a well-established insulation material that can be used in a variety of applications for both combustible and noncombustible materials. It has a high thermal resistance, a high load-bearing capacity, and is a good vapor and water barrier. Its benefits include low maintenance, long life, and quick installation. As a result, EPS is the ideal material for many different applications, from thin floor insulation to thick floor insulation.
Traditional SIP consists of a foam core with a wood-based facing. Its disadvantages include being easily penetrated by wind-borne debris and is susceptible to biological degradation. By using a flame-resistant facing on EPS, however, it can significantly improve the thermal resistance of a building’s structure.
The process for phenolic foamed-in-place insulation uses air as the foaming agent, and the foam shrinks up to 2% after curing. However, phenolic foam is not as popular today as other options. The facings are used to protect the surface of the insulation and make it fastenable to other building components. Some types of facings also act as air barriers and radiant barriers.