How To Insulate Under Floor Boards
13/12/2024Proper insulation is key to maintaining a comfortable and energy-efficient home, especially when it comes to your flooring. One of the most effective ways to improve thermal performance and reduce energy bills is by insulating under your floorboards. Floor insulation boards are a popular and efficient solution for this task, offering durability, ease of installation, and excellent thermal properties. In this article, we explore the benefits of underfloor insulation and why floor insulation boards are an effective choice. We will also provide a step-by-step guide to installing them.
Why Insulate Under Floorboards?
Uninsulated floorboards can lead to significant heat loss, especially in older homes with suspended timber floors. This results in cold drafts, higher energy bills, and discomfort during colder months. Underfloor insulation offers several key benefits:
Energy Efficiency: Reduce heat loss and lower your heating costs.
Comfort: Create a warmer, more comfortable living environment.
Soundproofing: Minimise noise transmission between floors.
Sustainability: Lower your carbon footprint by conserving energy.
Why Choose Floor Insulation Boards?
Floor insulation boards are a versatile and practical option for underfloor insulation. Here’s why they stand out:
Thermal Performance: High-quality insulation boards such as the Premtool Insulation Boards, are designed to deliver superior thermal resistance, keeping your home warm.
Durability: These boards are built to last, providing long-term insulation without deterioration.
Ease of Installation: Lightweight and easy to handle, floor insulation boards can be cut using a utility knife and fitted quickly.
Moisture Resistance: Many boards come with moisture-resistant properties, ideal for preventing damp issues under floorboards.
Versatility: Suitable for use with a variety of flooring types, including timber, laminate, and tile floors.
If you are looking for which floor insulation board is best for your project, have a look at our popular brands and their key features below:
Premtool | PREMTOOL ThermaHeat XPS Insulation Board  | PREMTOOL XPS Tile Backer Board  |
|
| |
Jackoboard | JACKOBOARD Jackodur CFR XPS Insulation Board  | JACKOBOARD Plano Construction Boards 2400mm x 600mm  |
|
| |
Marmox | Marmox Tile Backer Board 1250 x 600mm  | Marmox Multiboard Tile & Shower Backer Board 1250mm x 600mm  |
|
| |
Warmup | Warmup Ultralight 6mm Underfloor Heating Board 800mm x 1200mm  | Warmup Insulation Tile Backer Board 1250mm x 600mm 6mm and 10mm  |
|
| |
Wedi | Wedi 12.5mm Tile Backer Board 1250mm x 600mm  | |
|
How to Insulate Your Floor with Insulation Boards
If you're ready to tackle your underfloor insulation project, follow these steps for a smooth installation process:
Step 1: Assess Your Floor Type
First, identify whether your floor is suspended (timber floorboards raised above the ground) or solid (a concrete base). This guide focuses on suspended timber floors, which typically benefit the most from underfloor insulation boards.
Step 2: Gather Materials
You’ll need:
Tape measure
Cutting tools (e.g., a scoring knife or utility knife)
Backer board adhesive or mechanical fixings
Protective gloves and goggles
Read more: How Much Floor Adhesive Do I Need? A Comprehensive Guide
Step 3: Prepare the Space
Ensure the floorboards are clear and free from dust and dirt. If you're working in a crawl space, ensure proper ventilation and wear protective gear. Check for signs of dampness or damage and address these issues before installing insulation.
Step 4: Measure and Cut
Measure and cut the insulation board, ensuring the joints are staggered. Precision is key to preventing gaps that could lead to heat loss.
Step 5: Install the Boards
Depending on the type of board, you may need to secure them with adhesive, battens, backer board washers or backer board screws to prevent movement. Some boards are self-supporting and will stay in place without additional fixings.
Step 6: Seal Gaps
Use a sealant or backer board tape to close any gaps around the edges of the insulation boards. This ensures maximum thermal efficiency and prevents drafts.
Read more:
Types Of Floor Insulation Boards
XPS insulation board is a high-performance, rigid insulation material that provides exceptional thermal insulation, making it ideal for use in flooring applications. We stock popular XPS Insulation Boards from brands such as Marmox Tile Backer Board, Premtool XPS Insulation Boards, Wedi Tile Backer Board, Jackoboard and Warmup.
Tile Backer Board provides a strong and stable surface for your floor covering. Our Tile Backer Board products are easy to install and come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses, from commonly used sizes such as 6mm, 10mm and 12mm all the way up to 80mm.
Fibre cement boards provide a tough, moisture-resistant, and fire-resistant layer. These boards are ideal for use in areas where durability is needed, helping to enhance energy efficiency and protect the underlying structure from environmental factors. Fibre cement boards are an ideal choice for various flooring applications. With their versatile nature, fibre cement boards can be used as a stable base for a variety of flooring finishes, including tiles, laminates and vinyl. These boards are good options to use as a solid substrate, but to add thermal properties you would need to add an XPS Board on top such as the Premtool ThermaHeat XPS Insulation Board.
Insulating under your floorboards is a worthwhile investment that improves your home's comfort and energy efficiency. Floor insulation boards are a practical, durable, and effective choice for this purpose. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve a professional-quality installation that keeps your home warm and your energy bills low.
Contact our experienced sales team on 0330 320 1223 or via email at [email protected], and we can help you with all of your flooring needs.