Floors

The amount of heat lost through the ground floor will depend on the size and shape of the floor. Generally it is not cost effective to insulate a ground floor unless other works are being carried out, such as the complete replacement of floor boards in a timber suspended floor. Insulation to a timber floor can be placed within the floor thickness and supported on battens or netting, or placed above the floor when the level of the floor is being raised.

If the floor is a solid concrete floor the only option is to place the insulation above the floor. The insulation used must be rigid to be able to support the loads put onto a floor. The insulation can be finished with either concrete screed or a timber board finish. Raising the floor level maybe undesirable where it disturbs original features such as a stone floor, or involves altering existing doors.

Intermediate Floors

Where there is a floor over an un-heated space, such as a garage heat losses can be reduced by insulating the floor. Where there is access from below this can be cost effective. Mineral fibre insulation can be placed between the floor joists and supported on netting fixed to the underside of the joists.

Further Information

• CE83 - Energy efficient refurbishment of existing housing
• CE97 - Advanced insulation in housing refurbishment
• GPG171 - Domestic Energy Efficiency Primer