Floor insulation can make a big difference in keeping your home warm, whilst also saving you money by cutting energy costs.
The process involves adding an insulating material beneath floorboards and/or concrete at ground level, stopping heat escaping as well as preventing draughts.
What are the benefits?
- Cost-savings. Save at least £65 per year!
- Hassle-free installation. With the right contractor, floor insulation can be laid quickly with minimal disruption.
- Draught-proofs your home. Not only will the insulation prevent heat from escaping, but unwanted gaps will be blocked up, meaning no more draughts in the winter!
- Benefit from a new boiler – fitted for free! Homeowners taking advantage of the Government’s Eco Scheme may also be eligible to get a new boiler fitted for free, equating to around £3,000 worth of savings each year!
Floor insulation is very much the Gareth Barry of insulation. Often overlooked, it combines well with other forms of insulation and makes a big difference when used! Homeowners may also be eligible to get a free boiler installed as part of this work, as many of our customers have found to their delight.
Zing’s energy expert, Chris Jenkins
How does floor insulation work?
Heat escapes from your home via a process of heat transfer. If you insulate your walls, heat will try and escape via the floor, so it is recommended to insulate both your property’s cavity walls, the roof as well as your floor.
Using an insulating material in the floor allows air bubbles to trap heat molecules that would otherwise escape, effectively sealing your home. Complementing the insulation, ventilation is key to stop moisture building up.
What sort of floor does my property have?
Solid concrete – common in modern homes
Insulation would be installed when the floor is replaced, or alternatively, an insulating material can be placed on top.
Suspended timber floors – common in older homes
Floorboards often need to be taken up in order to lay the insulating material, or a spray foam can be applied to the underside of the floorboards as an alternative.
What floor insulation material is best?
Insulation boards – EPS sheets
Expanded polystyrene foam sheets, fixed to the floor. These pressure-resistant boards are very effective and will prevent the floor from cracking or collapsing.
Polyurethane spray
Has a particularly good seal and offers a clear, durable layer of protection. Benefit from the free choice of insulation thickness, plus quick installation. An expert contractor such as Zing Energy would need to be employed in order to carry out the work.
Insulating screed/concrete
Made of a combination of insulation material and cement – suitable on almost any floor type and needs to be combined with another form of insulation. Failure to lay floor insulation correctly can cause problems in the long run, so it is best to speak to a trusted contractor about your individual needs.
Can floor insulation get wet?
There are many ways that water can penetrate insulation. Holes and cracks can let moisture in when it is wet, and flooding can also then lead to water absorption. If your insulation material gets wet, it can no longer perform effectively, so knowing what kind of insulation your property is using is a critical part of protecting and caring for your home. During installation, a damp-proof membrane should be placed over the insulation to prevent and avoid water damage.
Floor insulation grants and funding
Homeowners can choose from a range of options, including:
- Finance Plans – Costs are spread over a period that suits you.
- Government ECO Scheme – If you commit to getting your floor insulated as part of the Government’s Eco scheme, you may also be eligible to get a new boiler fitted free of charge!
One of Zing’s expert consultants can advise you on the best grants and funding available for your property.
Speak to a specialist
Contact our friendly team for more information on floor insulation. Call 0330 808 4365 or apply for a grant online.
