Timber Floor Insulation

Walking on a carpet feels softer and warmer than on a wooden floor.

Timber floor insulation.

Csr bradford s optimo is the highest rated underfloor insulation for suspended timber floors keeping homes warmer and reducing energy costs through winter. All ground floor constructions unless very large commercial floors will require some insulation to be included within the floor zone to comply with building regulation requirements. The effect is a greater sense of comfort and that in turn allows the homeowner to turn the thermostat down. But even a fitted carpet will not cut out all drafts.

Alternatively foil faced foam or woodfibre insulation boards can be fitted between the joists supported on timber battens. Suspended timber floors located above an unheated space where the insulation is installed below the floorboards or timber decking timber floors situated above an unheated integral. Exposed wood framed floor insulation insulating the exposed floor can make the space more comfortable reduce the incidence of frozen pipes help stop mold problems and help save on overall energy costs. To make sure the insulation boards are flush with the top surface of the joists they should be supported on minimum 25 mm x 25 mm treated softwood timber battens proprietary galvanised steel saddle clips or galvanised nails partially driven into the side of the joists.

Rugs and carpets are a first convenient step in insulating a wooden floor. Thermal bypass affects performance so cutting out draughts is preferable. This can sometimes be achieved by lifting occasional floorboards and sliding the insulation into place. Ideally a fibrous insulation such as mineral wool or sheep s wool performs best between timber because it will take up thermal movement and cut down air movement around the insulation.

If the ground floor in question is of a suspended timber construction and whether this is a renovation or new build project then the insulation would normally be installed in the joist zone that is installed between the joists. Installing any amount of insulation will warm the floorboards and go a long way towards eliminating draughts. Suspended timber floor with floorboards removed for most heritage properties the most effective and appropriate way to insulate a suspended floor and improve its airtightness is to retrofit insulation beneath the floorboards between the supporting joists figure 2. A suspended timber floor tends to be cold and draughty because of the air circulating beneath it.