The Basics of Floor Insulation
As colder weather approaches and you start to think about ways to winter-proof your home, you may be overlooking an important area to insulate: your floors. While insulating your walls, ceilings and doors are important, uninsulated floors can have just as large of an impact on the temperature of your home. Insulating your floors can be easier and more beneficial than you may think. Read on to learn about how floor insulation can benefit your home as you prepare for winter.
How Floor Insulation Works
Insulating your floors can keep your home cozy during the winter months in a variety of ways. First, like other types of traditional insulation, it prevents heat from escaping. This allows warm air to stay inside your home and stops cold air from leaking out, making your home feel less drafty.
Because floor insulation prevents heat flow from leaving your home, it can also reduce your energy bill during winter. You can also reap the benefits of energy efficiency during the summer months.
In addition, floor insulation can prevent your pipes from freezing when the temperatures fall. Many homes have pipes beneath their floors that can fall victim to icy temperatures, causing them to crack or bust and cause issues with your water supply. Floor insulation creates a barrier between pipes and the outside of your house, which can stop pipes from freezing.
Floor insulation can also create a vapor barrier. A vapor barrier stops moisture from making its way to the bottom of your floors, which can cause damage. It is especially important to have a vapor barrier if you have hardwood floors since they are more prone to warping and staining.
Types of Floor Insulation
There are several different types of insulation materials that can be used to insulate floors. One of the most common types of floor insulation is simple carpeting.
Wall-to-wall carpeting, specifically, is an excellent way to prevent warmth from escaping your home. Carpets are an easy way to insulate your floors because they are poor conductors of heat, which allows them to hold onto warmth and prevent cold air from seeping in and causing drafts. If your existing flooring is carpeting, replacing it can boost insulation.
If your home has hardwood floors or you prefer a hard surface over carpeting, you’ll want to make sure the underlayment under the floor is in good shape. Underlayment is a layer of insulation that is placed between the floor and the exterior of the home. This can be made of a variety of materials, including fiberglass, different types of spray foam, or even rubber. Underlayments need to be replaced regularly since they tend to wear easily and are easily affected by moisture.
Another option is rubber flooring. Rubber is a substance that holds heat extremely well and can be used both indoors and outdoors because of its durability. For this reason, rubber flooring is a very popular option for patios and other areas that may be exposed to the elements.
Though rubber flooring can be more expensive than other types, its durability makes it worth the investment because you won’t need to replace it for many years. Rubber flooring is also easy to install, making it a great choice for those who want a quick yet long term insulation fix.
Final Thoughts
Adding floor insulation is one of the best home improvements you can invest in. Installing insulation under the floors of your living space can make a big difference when the temperature changes. Floor insulation can save you money and make your home feel more comfortable no matter the temperature outside and prevent heat loss. If you think it’s time to add insulation to your floors, contact us today for a free consultation.