Why are insulations often limited to attics and exterior walls? Insulating these parts of the house is important, but as a homeowner, you can save significant amount of money on your heating and cooling needs if you insulate the space under your floor as well. Known as underfloor insulation, it comes as a great deal for houses that do not have any basements or those that have unheated cellars.
The kind of insulation you choose for your home largely depends on your climate control requirements and the design of your building. To say the least, your house can largely benefit from insulation done under the flooring. Although DIY underfloor insulation is possible, it would be best to leave such extensive projects to the professionals. Experienced contractors  will handle the job well, with air sealing, moisture, and ventilation, and complete your project with dexterity.
Here Are A Few Reasons Why You Must Consider Installing Underfloor Insulation In Your Property:
Prevents Loss of Heat: This kind of insulation is highly helpful for your property in retaining heat on the floor. As the hot air goes higher, the cool air outside your house cools down the insulation, without making the floor cool. You will feel a warm sensation all the time in your house with insulated underfloor. With the help of insulation, the temperature of your house will not fluctuate, because of which you will be able to maintain a consistent temperature level that you have chosen for your home.
A large percentage of heat escapes through the floor itself, especially if you have hardwood flooring or any other floor that conducts cold and heat. By preventing heat loss, you can save significantly on your energy bills over the long run.
Eliminates Drafts: Drafts can be eliminated withunderfloor insulation. If there are gaps between the ground and the floor, drafts will not be able to enter through them when there is insulation in place. One trick is placing tough insulation panels in between the joists. The panels need to be cut, so that the insulation panels fit tight and fills any space between the joists and the insulation. Since wood contracts and expands with moisture and temperature change, caulking is an extremely necessary step.
Reduces Moisture: If you have a wooden flooring, it will be particularly vulnerable to water and moisture. An insulation layer between the crawl space and the flooring can form a vapor barrier and prevent moisture from soaking up the wooden floor. Underfloor insulation with tough corners would be the best option to make such kind of barriers. If you have ventilation and drainage issues in your house, then insulation under the floor would be a good way to combat moisture in the crawl space. If you have a damp basement, you will stop relying on dehumidifiers and sump pumps to keep it dry.
Prevents Freezing of Pipes: If you have pipes under the floor, then underfloor insulation will provide them protection and keep them from freezing during winters. Winters may cause your pipes to crack and burst due to frozen water in them. But when insulation is in place, the water does not reach freezing temperatures, and winter bursts are successfully prevented.
Saves Money: As compared to installing ductwork for insulation, underfloor insulation turns out to be much cheaper. When your room stays warm even during the winter months, you need less heating appliances and end up saving a lot on your energy bills. Air sealing also prevents moisture and musty air from entering the home , thereby keeping the structure intact and preventing any repair costs.
As winters are approaching, you must be thinking that underfloor insulation would be the best project for your home. But you have to plan it correctly to get the best out of it. Choose the right contractor who can handle your project in an efficient and responsible way to give you the best results.
