DIYers commonly ask how to insulate under floorboards without removing them. Insulating a floor has many benefits, which we will outline below. This guide can help people who want to know how to install insulation without removing the floorboards. Please note that we advise you to contact a building professional for their opinion before conducting any work.
Did you know that not having effective floor insulation may cost you more in energy bills? By installing floor insulation, you can reduce the energy usage required to heat or cool a home. Installing floor insulation can also make your home more comfortable by reducing heat loss. The good news is that you can often insulate the underside of floorboards without tearing them up. Another benefit of floor insulation is that it can help a building comply with Building Regulations Part L, which sets the standard for energy efficiency.
What is underfloor insulation?
Underfloor insulation refers to insulation materials placed under the floor structure of a building. Underfloor insulation can be applied between floor joists in a suspended timber floor or directly underneath concrete slabs. Products such as Kingspan Greenguard are often used beneath concrete slabs as they boast high compression strength. The advantage of underfloor insulation is that it can improve the thermal performance of a property whilst lowering heating costs and increasing comfort.
Insulating floors from below
In some cases, you can insulate your floors from below. Insulating below is applicable if you have a cellar, basement or crawl space below your timber floor. Working from underneath is often easier than lifting your floorboards.
Before adding any insulation, ensure that the crawl space is ventilated or sealed appropriately, as this can help prevent condensation and dampness. Preventing condensation and dampness can stop rot in your timber joists. Another thing to consider is inspecting for draughts around pipework, perimeter walls, and wiring penetrations. You can use sealant to keep some of the cold air out.
Selecting your insulation material
When installing floor insulation, ensure you have purchased the correct insulation. If you are unsure of what you need, contact a building professional or architect for advice on your project.
You can staple netting to the joists to support the insulation before using mineral wool or fibreglass batts. The netting can enable you to slot the batts in place.
If you are fixing rigid boards, you can use mechanical fixings to secure the boards in place. In addition to this, you can tape the seams to minimise air leaks.
If you are due to replace your carpets, some people add XPS (extruded polystyrene) on top of the floorboards to act as a thin underlay. XPS can provide added insulation. Please note that simply adding extruded polystyrene does not fill the joist cavities. It will, however, in most cases, boost thermal performance.
Final considerations: insulating under floorboards without removing them
Installing insulation should be stress-free if you can access a crawl space safely. However, we always recommend that you reach out to a building professional on your bespoke project. Ensure adequate airflow under timber floors to help prevent rot or mould. Adding insulation may create changes in the temperature profile. You may require professional advice regarding moisture control. In addition to this, you must stay on the right side of building regulations (Part L). Your local authority can also help with this.
We must stress that if you do not feel comfortable installing insulation, you should consult a professional. There may be health and safety risks as well as compliance issues. A trained professional can identify pitfalls and suggest the most suitable insulation materials required for your job. Furthermore, a professional can help maintain the floor’s integrity.
By carefully planning your project and execution, you could end up with a cosier home, which is more energy efficient. Lastly, you can have peace of mind knowing that your underfloor insulation is effective and meets all the required building standards.
If you are looking for underfloor insulation, browse our wide range online. All of our product pages come equipped with technical specifications and datasheets. Order your insulation in minutes with Trade Insulations.
We strive to be the UK’s most loved provider of insulation. At Trade Insulations, we sell top brands at trade prices. You need not be a tradesperson to benefit from great trade prices. So, what are you waiting for? Place your order today and join the thousands of homeowners saving on their floor insulation.
