The suspended timber floors found in many older homes are inefficient heat retainers. Heat escapes through spaces between the floorboards and possibly even through the wood itself. Additionally, wood will naturally decay with time and is vulnerable to rot, moisture, and rodents, all of which can harm the wood's integrity. This essentially implies that its already inadequate energy-saving potential would further decrease with time, resulting in even greater waste.

These days, the majority of home builders choose to use concrete flooring in their constructions for these reasons, among others. Since concrete is a more substantial material than wood, heat loss is quickly decreased. However, concrete flooring's biggest advantages gradually become apparent. Not only do concrete floors typically last much longer than timber floors and don't deteriorate, but they also require less maintenance, which makes them more cost-effective over time. However, without proper insulation, concrete floors can result in significant energy loss and increased heating or cooling costs!

Here are some key reasons why insulating concrete floors is essential…

Energy Efficiency:

Concrete is a good conductor of heat, meaning it can easily transfer heat to the surrounding environment. Without insulation, concrete floors can result in significant energy loss. Insulation helps reduce heat transfer, making the building more energy-efficient by minimising the need for heating and cooling.

Cost Savings:

Improved energy efficiency leads to cost savings. Buildings with well-insulated concrete floors require less energy to maintain a comfortable temperature, resulting in lower utility bills for heating and cooling. Over time, these cost savings can offset the initial investment in insulation.

Comfortable Indoor Environment:

Insulating concrete floors contributes to a more comfortable indoor environment. Cold floors during winter can be uncomfortable, and insulation helps maintain a more consistent and comfortable temperature. It also prevents drafts and cold spots, enhancing the overall livability of the space.

Condensation Prevention:

Insulation helps prevent condensation on the surface of concrete floors. Condensation can lead to moisture-related issues, such as mould growth and structural damage. Insulation acts as a barrier, reducing the likelihood of condensation and associated problems.

Thermal Bridging Mitigation:

Uninsulated concrete floors can act as thermal bridges, allowing heat to bypass insulation and escape or enter the building. Insulation helps mitigate thermal bridging, ensuring that the building envelope performs efficiently and maintains a more stable indoor temperature.

Compliance with Building Regulations:

Many building codes and energy efficiency standards mandate the insulation of floors to meet specific performance criteria. Compliance with these codes is essential for legal and regulatory reasons and ensures that the building meets minimum energy efficiency standards.

Long-Term Building Durability:

Insulation helps protect the structure of the building by minimising temperature fluctuations. This can contribute to the long-term durability of the building materials, reducing the risk of cracks and other structural issues associated with temperature-related stress.

Environmental Impact:

Reducing energy consumption through insulation has positive environmental implications. It aligns with sustainability goals, as lower energy usage means fewer greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production. Insulating concrete floors is a sustainable practice that contributes to a more environmentally friendly building.

Increased Property Value:

Energy-efficient buildings with proper insulation are often more attractive to potential buyers or tenants. Insulating concrete floors can add to the overall value of a property, making it a more desirable investment

When insulating concrete floors, there are a few methods you can consider…

Rigid Foam Insulation:

Placing rigid foam insulation panels directly beneath the concrete slab can be an effective method. This is often done during the construction phase.

Subfloor Insulation:

If adding insulation beneath the concrete slab is not practical, you can consider insulating above the slab by adding a layer of rigid foam insulation between the concrete and the finished flooring.

Crawl Space or Basement Insulation:

If your concrete floor is above a crawl space or basement, insulating the walls of these spaces can also contribute to overall energy efficiency.

Within our own range of flooring insulation products, there are some very effective options. You can choose from >>

EcoTec FloorFoam

EcoTec Floor-Foam Insulation Kit is perfect If you do not have access to the underside of your Floor or don’t want to remove floor boards then EcoTec Floor-foam is the solution for you. FloorFoam prevents cold air penetrating rooms through concrete and timber floors. It prevents condensation and drafts, while helping dampen any sound. Floorfoam consists of 4mm of high density foam with a Highly Reflective True Aluminium Foil on either side.

YBS SuperQuilt

YBS SuperQuilt Floor Insulation is fully certified for Building Control by BDA, BBA, and also LABC. It’s often used to insulate above concrete floors and within timber floors. It’s perfect for any project whether it’s a new build, retrofit, or DIY project.

QuietWalk

QuietWalk Underlay is a quality certified underlayment, designed for use alongside SPC-Lux Flooring although also compatible with Laminate, Rigid Core Vinyl (5mm or Thicker), LVT (5mm / Thicker), and Floating Engineered Wood. Suitable over both Concrete or Wood Subfloors.

Why Insulating Concrete Floors Is Essential for Energy Efficiency