THE UK is currently experiencing a cold snap with temperatures plummeting below 0C in some areas.
So it’s more important than ever to be aware of the best ways to keep your home toasty to avoid costly energy bills as we navigate through the new year.
Liam Cleverdon, Flooring expert at Flooring King, has revealed the best ways to maintain warm flooring which can help heat your entire home.
He says:“Christmas and New Year may be out of the way, but winter is definitely still here, with cities up and down the UK experiencing snow, floods and horrific drops in temperatures.
“Therefore, it’s important to be aware of the best ways to retain heat, helping avoid skyrocketing energy costs and making the home a more comfortable space to live in.”
First up, Liam pointed out how important rugs and mats can for added warmth around the home.
He says: “Rugs can add additional protection from the cold surfaces for homes with hardwood or tile flooring.
“As these flooring materials naturally radiate cold and absorb warmth, it can be difficult to manage heat retention.
“That’s why I recommend investing in rugs or thermal heat mats, allowing surfaces to remain warm and reducing the need to constantly have the heating on.”
If your budget can afford it, underfloor insulation can also be a lifesaver.
When temperatures drop, this can help people avoid higher energy bills and cold homes.
In fact, the Energy Saving Trust estimates that it can add up to savings of £60-£120 a year.
Liam adds: “With flooring being responsible for up to 10% of the home’s heat loss, ensuring floors are adequately protected is essential for maintaining a comfortable living space.
“To insulate floors, I recommend installing solid insulation boards or fibre to help reduce heat loss during colder periods.”
Finally, Liam has urged people to make sure they seal up draughts around the home to keep heat in.
He says: “One incredibly effective way to boost the warmth of surfaces, and the home entirely, is by taking the time to address any draughts around the home.
“If found, these gaps should be sealed appropriately to avoid heat loss, helping to maintain a constant temperature in the home.
“To do so, I suggest using caulk or sealant designed to target draughts, this can keep warm air in and cold air out, ensuring floors are kept as warm as possible.”
How Cold Weather Can Damage Floors
When temperatures fall, the colder climate can pose a risk to flooring’s lifespan in various ways.
Liam says: “First, it’s normal for natural wooden flooring to contract, changing in size in response to the change in temperature.
“As a result, gaps can appear between floorboards, creating an untidy look that damages the aesthetic of the home.
“Furthermore, with many parts of the UK experiencing bouts of ice and snow, this can provide a further risk to flooring. Moisture can impact hardwood and laminate flooring, creating a warping effect.
“To avoid this, ensure outdoor shoes are removed before stepping on the surface, to avoid walking any moisture into the home.”
He adds: “For vinyl floors, the cold temperatures can weaken the adhesive used to glue down the flooring. This can cause the material to lift, creating a bubbling effect that can leave surfaces looking messy.
Read more on the Irish Sun
“Overall, with cold weather posing so many potential risks to flooring, it highlights the necessity to adequately protect surfaces and ensure they’re kept as warm as possible.
“This can not only increase the lifespan of the floor but also helps maintain a more comfortable living space.”
Read more here: Click Here
