Top tips include insulating the area around radiators and fitting insulation in drier months to help dry out moisture that would otherwise cause dampness
Heat is money at the moment as people try to reduce energy costs by making efficiencies wherever possible. Our homes are generally designed to keep heat in.
There are ways to ensure you are as protected from the bitter British winter as possible and this is where insulation can help reduce energy costs. Whilst insulated floors are usually the norm in new-build homes, older buildings are less likely to be as well protected.
If your floors are not already insulated, you could be losing precious heat. According to Luxury Flooring & Furnishings, the best materials for underfloor insulation are polyester and fiberglass.
These are cheaper options that work well to insulate floors. They also allow wooden flooring to expand and contract in hotter weather without causing damage to the floors, whilst also absorbing damp in the wetter months.
Carolina Hansson, Head of Design at Luxury Flooring & Furnishings has shared her expert tips for laying underfloor insulation yourself.
Don’t wait until winter
Temperatures are already dropping and winter is definitely peeking around the corner. Get organised and start preparing now if you are looking into insulating the floors in your home.
Carolina said: “The leaves may only just be starting to turn brown but winter will roll around soon enough. That is why now is the time to consider how to best insulate your flooring when carrying out a renovation.
“One great benefit of insulating your floor is that it retains heat in the home for longer. This could potentially save you a lot of money on the increased heating bills that are inevitable in the months ahead – on average £75 or more a year.”
She adds: “Don’t wait until it’s colder to fit your insulation. It’s a good idea to fit your insulation during drier months so that it can help to dry out any moisture that would otherwise cause dampness.”
Opt for engineered wood floors
Engineered wood is made up from layers of either plywood or MDF and finished off with a surface layer of solid wood. Carolina said: “If you’re looking for a floor that in itself is a great insulator of heat, an engineered floor is perfect.
“The added layers of lower quality wood help to contain heat and keep your floor feeling warm underfoot. Unlike solid wood flooring, an engineered floor has the ability to withstand changes in temperature.
“This means that it won’t expand and contract dramatically. Ultimately this means that the floor can safely be used with higher heating settings for especially cold nights.”
Measure up and order extra
Being organised and getting your tape measure out is key in ensuring you have ample flooring insulation. Carolina said: “Before you start buying packs of flooring insulation, you will need to measure the flooring dimensions.
“Most flooring insulation comes in sheets or rolls which you can cut at home into the desired shapes for the room. You may find this slightly more difficult if you have alcoved corners or oddly shaped rooms.
“Many people don’t calculate the size of the room versus the amount of material they will have in a pack. So be sure to plan ahead and always order a little extra to close the gaps and any difficult corners of rooms.”
Make sure you have the right equipment (PPE clothing)
Fiberglass is reinforced plastic using glass fiber and exposure to it may cause temporary irritation in eyes, skin, lungs, nose and the stomach. Carolina said: “If using fiberglass insulation you need to be really careful not to touch it with your bare hands.
“It is highly advised to wear work gloves to avoid any discomfort or pain when handling the material. Wear a mask to avoid getting any particles in your mouth or nose.
“Don’t forget to wash your hands if you do come into contact with fiberglass, as the particles could then spread to your eyes or mouth and be potentially harmful.”
Clear the space
Being patient, organised and working meticulously is key. Carolina said: “If you are taking up floors to lay insulation, you will need to do so carefully to avoid damage.
“Take it room by room and make sure to clear all your furniture from the space as it can be a messy job. It may seem obvious but it is also best to start lifting your flooring at the corners and determine which direction the joists go, so that you can see which way to lay the insulation.”
Insulate around pipes and radiators
A special area to focus on is the area around radiators. Carolina said: “In the current financial climate you really want to make sure that you are making the most of the energy you are using.
“Make sure you lay ample insulation around any heating pipes and radiators. This way you will keep them at their optimal temperature and they shouldn’t lose any heat.”
Seal gaps
Solid wood floors are prone to developing gaps over time. Carolina said: “If you have older solid wood floors, you may find that they have shifted and there are some gaps in between planks.
“I would advise filling these in where possible, as they can result in draughts and affect the efficiency of your heating. You can fill these with wood filler or wood glue relatively easily and it can make a huge difference to both the aesthetic of your flooring and the insulation of the room.”
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