In This Post:
– Types of Underfloor Insulation
– How to Install Underfloor Insulation
Global warming is an existential threat to the planet. The world is now facing record-breaking heat waves during the summer season and cold spells in the winter season. Most homeowners are now seeking ways to insulate their homes to avoid paying hefty energy bills. While it is quite common to insulate the house’s ceiling, the space between the ground and floor is usually not considered a source of draught and is therefore not insulated. Almost 10% of the heat escapes through the floor of the house, which is why most homeowners employ one or two types of underfloor insulation to ensure reduced draughts and dampness. For your convenience, we have put together a complete guide on underfloor insulation where we will discuss the different types available and we will also walk you through the installation process.
So, let’s begin.
Types of Underfloor Insulation
Each insulation material has its specific purpose and properties. Because of this, you will have to carefully choose while selecting one for your home. Here are some of the different types of underfloor insulation in homes.
- Insulation Boards
- Polyurethane spray
- Insulating screed
Let us discuss these common types of underfloor insulation in homes in more detail.
Insulation Boards
EPS sheets, known as expanded polystyrene sheets, are one of the best insulation materials. Not only easy to install, they also have a high insulation value. They must be fixed on any even ground, which is why it is so important to prime the surface first. The insulation boards must be pressure-resistant so the floor won’t crack or collapse.
Polyurethane spray
Another common underfloor insulation material is the polyurethane spray. It quickly seals off any hole or irregularity on the surface. You would need to hire a professional because it requires special protective gear for carrying out the task. This might be slightly more expensive than the insulation sheet or board. Homeowners usually install an insulation board, over which a polyurethane spray is done to completely seal off the flooring. The entire process is explained below.
Insulating screed
Insulating concrete is made of a combination of materials – cement and an insulating material. The insulation material present in the screed comprises polystyrene granules measuring a diameter of 0.1 to 0.25 inches. Usually insulation screed is combined with other insulating material for sealing the floor perfectly.
How to Install Underfloor Insulation in Homes
Not everything can be done the DIY way. You need to hire professional services to install underfloor insulation in homes. But you should know the process so that you can keep an eye out on any missed out steps during the installation. Here is a step-by-step guide on installing underfloor insulation.
- Setting up the foundation
- Waterproofing the surface
- Installing PVC pipes
- Final stage
Let us discuss these steps in detail.
Setting up the foundation
First things first: Make sure the surface is clear off all debris and dust. Once the surface is clean, you then need to apply a primer before installing the thermal insulation boards. One of the most common insulation boards known as Rigid polyisocyanurate board can be placed on the primed surface. This acts as a barrier against moisture and heat.
Waterproofing the surface
Use a waterproof tape to seal the insulation sheet and press it down the floor. This is an important step as sealing the surface ensures no heat escape. After carefully sealing the first layer, a polyurethane membrane is then laid down which prevents any possible seepage.
Installing PVC pipes
PVC pipes are then laid down bending around the corners and closely following a serpentine pattern. Water is heated at about 50 degree celsius, which circulates through the pipes at a low pressure. This allows uniform distribution of heat with minimum loss.
Final stage
The top layer of the floor is then laid down, which is made of concrete. Make sure you follow these tips to stop moisture when laying down a concrete floor. Once the concrete flooring sets, you can then install marble, wood or tile flooring – whichever is your preference. Do your market research before choosing any particular flooring option. Check out different types of marble flooring along with their prices, compare it with various types and rates of wood flooring and tile flooring to help you make an informed decision.
We hope these tips for underfloor insulation would help you through the installation process. You should also read our detailed pieces on similar topics:
- Types of Insulation for Your Home
- Spray Foam Insulation: Types, Uses and Rates
- Tips on How to Insulate Windows for Winter
- DIY Ways of Draught-Proofing Your Home
- Best Types of Heat-Resistant Roofing Sheets in Pakistan
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