Does underfloor heating work? Does underfloor insulation work? It is easy to overlook underfloor insulation when building or renovating a home, but this can be a vital part of preventing heat gain and loss. You could lose a lot of heat during winter, and experience uncomfortably high indoor temperatures in the summer without it. Insulating your floors can help you improve your indoor comfort and increase the energy efficiency of your home. You will also save money each year on your electricity bill. This guide explains when it’s worth it to invest in underfloor insulation, its effectiveness, and how to make the most out of your investment.
Does Underfloor Insulation Work?
Insulation underfloor is made from materials that slow down the energy transfer. Heat will easily pass through flooring materials without any resistance if they are not insulated. It is difficult to maintain a comfortable home temperature when the weather outside is particularly hot or cool. Installing insulation in your home will help to slow the heat flow, allowing you to maintain a more comfortable temperature inside. Insulation helps air conditioners and heaters operate more efficiently. Underfloor insulation must be installed correctly to work. The R-Value should also be chosen according to the local building codes and climate. Learn more about how insulation works: What is the science behind it?
Is Underfloor Insulation Effective?
According to Your Home, Australia’s guide for sustainable homes, installing high-quality underfloor insulation can reduce your energy consumption by 10% to 20%. The right floor insulation can reduce your energy costs by up to 20%. Home insulation can be a long-term investment that pays for itself in 3 to 5 year. Modern insulation products have been designed to last a lifetime and come with warranties up to 50 years. Popular brands like CSR Bradford or Knauf Earthwool offer these.
Does Your Home Need Underfloor Insulation?
All homes, whether they have suspended timber floors, concrete slabs or suspended concrete floors, need underfloor insulation. The best time to insulate concrete slabs that are in direct contact with the earth is during construction. Foilboard Slabmate or Slabmate Pro are two popular underslab insulation products. Insulating suspended floors is possible during construction, or retrofitting existing homes. Underfloor insulation is needed in your home if you notice the following signs:
- Your home is uncomfortable even when you have the heater or air conditioner on.
- You can feel air draughts coming through the floor.
- If your floorboards are noisy, underfloor insulation can help to dampen the noise of foot traffic and give them a more solid feeling.
- If your floorboards or tiles are damaged, you can save money by installing underfloor insulation when replacing the flooring.
- Your home is old or the insulation in your home has been damaged and is no longer effective.
Why you should invest in underfloor insulation
Both new homes and older houses can benefit from underfloor insulation. Underfloor insulation is a good investment for many reasons.
- Improved temperature regulation at home. Enjoy more comfortable temperatures indoors all year long.
- Air draughts can cause unwanted heat gain and loss.
- Savings – a properly insulated floor could lower your electricity bill by as much as 20%.
- Energy efficiency is improved – the air conditioners and heaters will not have to work as much and use less electricity.
- Reduced environmental impact. Underfloor insulation is a key component of passive home design. It’s also a great way to lower your carbon footprint.
- Underfloor insulation is a great way to improve the sound quality of your home and reduce noise transfer.
- Underfloor insulation is easy to install in most houses.
- Modern underfloor insulation is designed to last for the life of your home. This means that you can continue saving in the future.
Does Underfloor Insulation Work in Summer And Winter?
Yes, absolutely. The thermal insulation is effective in both directions. Insulation will keep the heat from outside from entering your home when it is hot. Insulation will keep the heat inside your house from escaping when the weather turns cold. You can improve your home’s energy efficiency and temperature regulation all year round by investing in underfloor heating.
Can Underfloor Insulation Cause Problems?
Many people are concerned about moisture when deciding whether or not floor insulation will be worth it. Common questions include:
- Underfloor insulation can cause dampness.
- Can too much insulation lead to condensation?
- Is it possible to have too much insulation?
If you don’t have enough ventilation or excessive moisture, your home is susceptible to mould and dampness. It’s crucial to fix these problems before installing insulation. It is vital to inspect the underfloor insulation in an older home that has insulation. We recommend removing the underfloor insulation by yourself or hiring a professional, and then dealing with the ventilation problems.
Can Underfloor Insulation Cause Condensation?
Underfloor insulation does not cause condensation. If you plan to install insulation in your underfloor space, you will need adequate ventilation. If you don’t have adequate ventilation, the air can become stagnant. This moisture is trapped and can cause dampness and mold growth. Installing small vents around the walls of your basement can help you plan ventilation for your underfloor space. It will also help to reduce the likelihood of mold growth. It is important to ensure that your home has adequate ventilation. We recommend speaking to your builder about installing a whole-building ventilator.
How to get the most out of your insulation investment
Here are some tips on how to maximize your return on investment.
1. Underfloor insulation: Choose the best type
Under the floor, you will need to choose an insulation that is suitable for your home’s design and age. Choose high-quality products from trusted brands for the best durability and performance. Bulk insulation, such as rolls or batts, is ideal for suspended or raised floors with subfloor access. Rigid foam board insulation is ideal for concrete slabs. It can be installed directly under the finished floor if subfloor access is not available. Foilboard Slabmate or Slabmate Pro are two popular options for under slabs insulation. Learn more about the best underflooring insulation for Australian homes.
2. Upgrade to a Higher R Value
The R-Value of an insulation product will tell you how well it is going to prevent heat loss or gain. The greater the R value, the better it is at insulating a home. We recommend a minimum R2.0 in Perth, Brisbane, and Northern NSW. We recommend R2.5 for cooler climates such as Sydney and Adelaide. You may upgrade to a higher value R if your budget permits.
3. Calculate the amount you will need
Calculating the amount of insulation required for your project is important in order to avoid over- or under-buying. Multiply the length and the width of the area that needs to be insulated to arrive at the required m2. There are a variety of batt sizes that will fit most Australian homes. To determine the size of batts you will need, measure the distance between floor studs. The batts must fit tightly between the floor joists, without being compressed. Plan your project using our insulation calculator.
4. Follow the installation instructions – or hire a professional installer
Installing underfloor insulation correctly is essential for it to function properly. Before you begin installing the insulation, make sure to watch our DIY videos. You can also hire a professional installer to guarantee a quality job. Professional insulation installers can advise you about the best insulation materials for your home and how to insulate it.
Can You DIY Underfloor Insulation?
You can save money by installing underfloor insulation on your own. Underfloor insulation is not difficult to install, as long as you have enough time and safe access. It is best to install floor insulation during the construction phase of a home. However, it is also possible to retrofit or install this insulation into older homes. Do your research and view our DIY videos to learn more.
So, Is Underfloor Insulation Worth It?
Don’t underestimate the importance of floor insulation when it comes to improving your home’s efficiency. Underfloor insulation, along with wall and ceiling insulation, is a great way to reduce your energy usage and save money all year long. Start today by choosing from our affordable, high-quality underfloor insulation in Wellington.
