Insulating floors is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to lower energy bills, potentially saving up to PS65 on heating expenses depending on the floor type.
In England and Wales, Energy Saving Trust recommends that floors attain a U-value of 0.25 W/m2K or less to maximize energy savings.
Multi-foil underlays
Multi-foil underlays are versatile floor insulation blankets that can be used in different situations. Their purpose is to combat cold bridging and meet or surpass building regulations in new and refurbished properties alike, suitable for solid floor constructions as well as suspended timber floors – easy installation doesn’t require special tools or protective gear!
Foil insulation underfloors help reduce heat loss and stop drafts in homes and buildings, saving money in heating bills while increasing comfort levels and comfort levels. They also reduce noise levels while improving air quality; made of closed-cell polyethylene foam insulating material covered in reflective foil on either side for improved vapor permeability resistance – an added advantage over similar solutions such as rubber underlayment.
TLX Silver Multifoil Insulation Product from BBA provides highly flexible BBA certified insulation that offers an 0.18 U-value. It effectively prevents air leakage between its layers while restricting movement between them, making it suitable for applications including barn conversions and loft conversions.
Insulation slabs
When building on a concrete slab, insulation should be included to minimize heat loss through the floor and keep your home more comfortable while simultaneously decreasing draughts.
Installing a vapor barrier between concrete and insulation is essential when using a concrete floor; otherwise moisture could penetrate both materials and cause irreparable damage. This should be placed over the entire slab prior to installing flooring on top.
Vapor barriers can be constructed using extruded polystyrene (EPS), Rockwool, or high-density spray foam – with EPS being the most economical and user-friendly option. Unfortunately though, this material has poor water resistance, making it less than ideal for slab-on-grade applications – for this reason XPS or Type IX EPS would be preferable as the solution.
Mineral wool
Mineral wool insulation is an effective choice for walls, floors and ceilings due to its noiseproof properties and thermal insulating capabilities. Furthermore, its air spaces in its fabric prevent heat transfer through easily; its nonflammability also means it won’t present fire hazards in a situation.
Mineral wool stands out from fiberglass batts by being dense and sturdy, not subject to slumping during installation and cutting/adjustment without losing its insulation properties. Furthermore, decorative designs such as knurled, relieved or textured structures are readily available in mineral wool products.
Mineral wool batts offer many advantages, yet some drawbacks should also be considered. Manufacturers traditionally used volatile organic compounds (VOCs) containing chemical binders to hold fibers together; this chemical off-gases into homeowners’ indoor environments and causes irritation; however, recent advancements by manufacturers has reduced this problem significantly.
Rigid foam
If you live in an older property with solid floorboards, insulation could be an easy and affordable way to improve its energy efficiency. Insulating floors is one of the cheapest ways of improving overall home energy performance.
Rigid foam board insulation comes in many varieties and thicknesses, the most popular types being polyisocyanurate, EPS, and XPS insulations which offer different R-values and compressive strengths.
Hardware stores typically carry rigid foam boards made of hardened and flexible foam plastic sheets that can easily be cut on site for use as insulation for foundation walls, as well as for floors within your home. They’re often used as foundation wall insulation but may also be laid on floors to increase soundproofing capabilities.
Opt for products made of polyethylene and granulated cork, such as Eco Cork Foam with its R-value of 0.47. This lightweight and breathable solution will help reduce moisture build-up within floorboards and help avoid mould.