With
about 10% overall heat loss because of non-insulated floors, you will be paying
your energy expense year in and year out. Your one-time expenditures for your
floor insulation will certainly cut something sizeable from your energy expense
all the way.
If
you’re one of those who are not aware of floors that are not insulated, there
are different ways to know how to invest in your floors. For one, older homes usually
have suspended floors. (There’s a space under it.) That is one way how heat is
lost.
Those
houses constructed around the 30s have concrete floors, which should be a
smaller problem. Concrete insulation is done much easier with about a layer of
solid insulation placed directly on the floor. Some houses today put
polystyrene insulation below the concrete floor to reduce the heat loss.
Insulation
One
of several ways to insulate your floor is using draught-proofing. This is using
a sealant or caulking to fill the gaps in the floorboards of the house. It is
also needed in area between the skirting boards and your floors.
One
other way is putting an insulating layer under your carpet floor covering. You
can use fiberboard underlay or polyfoam boards.
If
you have access that will allow you to get into the crawlspace below the
floorboards, it is easy enough. If it’s not possible, you need to take up the
floorboards and need netting or wooden battens to hold the glass or mineral
wool in place beneath the floorboards.
Choices
Fiberglass
insulation is sold in rolls and batts. Both are available with or with the
Kraft paper facing. Rolls are easy top carry and they can be cut easily to your
desired length and size. Both are good in covering large areas.
The
batts are in pre-cut lengths for faster installation. Every package has more
square feet those in rolls, just perfect for framed cavities.
The
faced insulation that uses Kraft paper which will act as a vapor barrier will
be able to control the moisture transmission between the walls and the floors.
The unfaced insulation without the vapor barriers can be used over existing
insulation in attics where there is no need to control the moisture.
With
the high-performance all-purpose insulation, you also will get the benefits of
improved air quality, fire resistance, sound proofing, and great thermal
performance.
Installation
Getting
the right size (length and width) of your insulation would need some
measurements on the floor joists that you will insulate. You also would have to
measure the width between the floor joists so you will have the correct
insulation joists.
There
is a need to have a continuous contact with the subfloor about the insulation. If
there are gaps between the floors and the insulation, the air movements will
reduce the effectiveness of the insulation. (Always consult an expert, just to
be sure, when you are doing it yourself.)
Floor insulation certainly saves money in the long run as it will cut down on your
energy bills. However, this is not the only form of insulation you should do
for your home.
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