Insulation Boards

When it comes to insulating your floors, there are a range of options available. From the traditional polystyrene insulation board that people put down to far more hi-tech options, each have their own specific benefits. It is best to see what suits your own needs before deciding on the style of insulation that you plump for. Why insulate your floors? Most of us probably remember from science lessons at school that heat tends to rise, which is why roof insulation is incredibly important, so it may seem at first somewhat counter-intuitive to insulate your floor. Whilst the fact that heat rises is definitely true, around 15% of the heat lost from a room is through the floor. Insulating the floor can not only combat this heat loss, but it can also help to prevent drafts. First or second floor rooms do not usually need to have floor insulation, but anywhere above an unheated space, such as a garage, may benefit from this.

Polystyrene boards. The traditional choice for insulating a floor is the use of polystyrene boards. These come in a range of sizes and densities to suit different spaces and needs. These boards are compliant with building regulations, and can be used in both commercial and residential properties. This sort of insulation is usually placed below chipboard, screed or concrete slabs. The insulation is available at a range of thicknesses, from 25mm to a substantial 150mm thick.

Bubble foil insulation. The relatively new player to the insulation market is bubble foil. This is far thinner than the traditional polystyrene insulation, whilst maintaining the thermal insulation properties. This aluminium foil has a surface filled with tiny bubbles, making the foil look like a silvery bit of bubble wrap. The bubbles trap air, which helps to keep air from moving from one space to the other, keeping your rooms from losing hot air. This material can also be used within walls if required. Eco-versal foam. This high tech foam can be used in walls, floors, pitched roofs, in new and refurbished builds. In addition to reducing heat loss, this material can also lower the carbon footprint of the building in which it is installed.