Underfloor and Cellar Insulation
Sub-terranean cellar and floor insulation is the system or systems under your floor and using this this space to increase the thermal performance of your home.
There are many materials available for this process including mineral wool, collated and sprayfoam. Floor insulation is regularly applied retrospectively especially with older properties. Occasionally it's already installed in new build homes, but even the in the UK it's rare. This page will give you everything you need to make a decision on the best system to use to protect your home and improve its thermal performance.
What is Underfloor and Cellar Insulation?
As mentioned above, underfloor insulation works in a similar manner to cavity wall or loft insulation. The difference is its attached directly to the underside of the floor. This form of insulation has gone under the radar somewhat compared to more popular areas of the house. However, it has significantly gained coverage since the Government has brought it into focus. It certainly should be given the same importance as other heat saving techniques.
In fact, there are many cases why you need to carry out this work, from reducing your costs to increasing the security of your home. The benefits of floor insulation should not be underestimated.
How does Underfloor and Cellar Insulation work?
Underfloor and Cellar Insulation is a straightforward, effective and simple process. As with all home insulation the objective is to keep the home warm in the depths of winter. It achieves this by creating a membrane that protects your home from the cold air that flows underneath. The insulation eliminates cold air from getting into your property and effecting the temperature of it. Many timber floors have intermittent gaps and weak spots throughout. Cold air ingress is therefore a very common and costly problem. With technology this can now permanently be a thing of the past.
You could use pre cut blocks of Kingspan or mineral wool but this would need to be attached by glue or chicken wire which is a bit outdated and not very effective if it falls down. Most timber floors have crawl spaces or cellars underneath. This means sprayfoam is a far more effective and permanent, seamless solution. It can be applied directly to the timber and it prevents condensation and sticks to all nooks and crannies. It's Class 1 Fire Rated and completely non toxic so it's completly safe for use in your home.
The Advantages of Underfloor and Cellar Insulation
As you now are aware how underfloor insulation works, let's examine the need for it. As described earlier, insulation of this type brings a host of advantages that will improve your comfort and costs. Now let's look at the detail.
Eliminate Heat Loss
Your home loses 15% of heat through the floor, possibly more on older properties. It's face that your unprotected floor is costing you money in real terms. Underfloor insulation enables you to retain heat better and reduces the need to constantly have your heating on at a maximum or for too long to heat your home. If cold air is flowing underneath the ground level your heating is having to work very hard to keep you warm.
Environmental Benefits
Putting less emphasis on heating systems is good news for your carbon footprint. Polyurethane thermal insulation has a global warming potential of 1 out of a possible 100. It dramatically upgrades your homes EPC.
The lessening of CO2 emissions will contribute massively to your green credentials. Many homes are now making a focused plan to reduce heating by insulation the of floors. Sprayfoam technology allows you to apply a seamless blanket of insulation to the underside of your floor. It's tough, durable and doesn't need attachment or maintenance. It will last as long as the floor and will eliminate cold air flow.
