In this article we will provide you with all the knowledge and guidance needed to decide whether or not underfloor insulation is for you. We completely understand that the topic is very dull and disengaging. That’s why we have made this article as exciting, direct and interesting as possible. So please bear with us.
What is Underfloor Insulation?
Many homes in the UK are eligible for underfloor insulation. But first you must have suspended floors; a ground floor with a void underneath it’s structure. However, this can be difficult to detect if you have carpet, tiling or laminate floor covering the structure beneath. A good indicator of suspended floor is the noise made when walking on it. The sound is similar to the noise made when walking on the first floor of your home.
Once you have identified whether or not your ground floor can be insulated, the next step is to understand exactly what underfloor insulation does. Beneath your current ground floor surface is a suspended joist structure. Normally the structure has multiple timber joists running parallel to each other. The timber joists are built into the internal and external walls which provide support and stability.
The underfloor insulation is then installed across each timber joist in a continuous layer. This is to ensure no draught passes between each layer. The insulation is fixed to the joist by a galvanised staple every 100mm across, again to eliminate any draught that can pass through between the insulation and the joist.
The underfloor insulation we use in all of our installations and the floor insulation that we highly recommend is Actis Boost’R Hybrid. This specific type of material is made of a breathable membrane which ensures that no damp can occur whilst maintaining its excellent thermal performance.
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Is it a Good Idea to Insulate Under Floorboards?
Underfloor insulation is one of the simplest forms of home insulation. The process of installing floor insulation is relatively simple. In addition to this it’s a great insulator and is a cheaper alternative to cavity wall insulation.
However, many people are skeptical about insulating their floors. This is normally because they fear that the existing floor may be damaged in the process. But this is just a misconception. For most carpenters this type of work is their bread and butter.
In addition to this, a vast majority of people are concerned that their living spaces will be impeded throughout the duration of the install. Again this a misconception. The whole process normally takes about 6 hours, but ranges from 3 to 12 hours. From our experience, most customers are extremely satisfied with the speed of installing floor insulation.
How Much Heat is Lost Through the Floor?
According to 2017 study on Suspended timber ground floors: Heat loss reduction potential of insulation interventions, the amount of heat lost through the floor can be reduced by 35% by the introduction of underfloor insulation.
It was also stated in the study that good installation quality is important when it comes to maximizing heat flow reductions. In addition to this, the study suggested that the benefits of insulating the ground floor might be underestimated.
It’s also widely accepted across the web and scientific literature that heat loss through the floor is a thing. So it’s probably a good idea to insulate the void underneath your floor structure. Not only will this reduce the amount of heat lost via the floor, but it will also reduce the amount of money spent on your utility bills. Why? Because you need less heat to heat your home.
Is Floor Insulation Effective?
The simple answer is yes. But how effective underfloor insulation is depends on thermal performance of the product. This is normally labeled with the symbol ‘R’. Higher R rates mean the thermal performance of the insulation material is better.
But it is not only the thermal performance you should be thinking about when it comes to underfloor insulation. It’s also crucial to consider water vapor transmission. When it comes to floor insulation, moisture control is critical. In terms of the actual insulation itself, look out for an ‘airtight & vapour barrier’ on the packaging (As shown in the image below). This will ensure that no damp occurs in your ground floor.
Aside from the actual insulation itself, the installer must instal the insulation correctly to maximise effectiveness. Not only to ensure thermal performance, but to ensure correct ventilation. Again this is essential when it comes to moisture control and preventing any damp issues. The correct method of installation of floor insulation is shown in the image below.
What is the Best Insulation for Underfloor?
When looking for the best insulation underfloor insulation the first two things to consider are thermal performance, breathability and vapour resistance. These factors are responsible for the effectiveness of the floor insulation. However there are other factors to consider such as product warranty rantee and BBA product approval.
When it comes to product guarantee, really nothing less than a 25 year product guarantee should be accepted. This is because durability is essential when it comes to any type of insulation. Actis insulation guarantees product performance for 25 years on their Boost’R Hybrid and Hybris product range. In addition to this, both the Boost’R Hybrid and Hybris meet all the technical specifications(which can be seen in the table below) needed to be considered one of the best forms of underfloor insulation.
ECO Grant for Free Underfloor Insulation.
Here’s the good news, underfloor insulation is available for free to most homes with suspended floors. Sounds too good to be true? It usually is but not in this case. The energy company obligation scheme covers the costs of floor insulation to those who qualify. The scheme was designed by the government to lower carbon emissions across the UK. Since underfloor insulation directly decreases the carbon output of a home a grant has been provided to cover all the costs included.
But there is more good news. Those who are eligible for underfloor insulation are also eligible for a boiler upgrade. On the condition that their current boiler is fueled by gas and is 6+ years old. So the grant is broken into two sections, the underfloor insulation and boiler grant. We strongly advise if your home has suspended floors you take our survey or contact us directly. From there we’re able to qualify your home for an ECO grant.
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