What Is Suspended Floor Insulation

Suspended timber floors located above an unheated space where the insulation is installed below the floorboards or timber decking.

What is suspended floor insulation.

If you have air bricks or ventilation bricks on the outside wall s of your house that are below floor level you probably have a suspended timber floor. From a thermal comfort perspective it does appear that feet are particularly sensitive to colder temperatures so addressing floor draughts can help improve comfort levels. It is important that the underside of a suspended floor is ventilated to avoid the build up of moisture. They are needed to help ventilate the space under your floor and stop your floorboards rotting.

Suspended timber floors all ground floor constructions unless very large commercial floors will require some insulation to be included within the floor zone to comply with building regulation requirements. A suspended timber floor tends to be cold and draughty because of the air circulating beneath it. How to insulate suspended timber floors there are a few ways to insulate a suspended floor but the best most breathable way is to hang insulation under the floorboards. Do not block up air bricks in your walls.

It is advisable to seek professional advice and you must use an approved installer. Insulating a suspended timber floor. Suspended timber floor with floorboards removed for most heritage properties the most effective and appropriate way to insulate a suspended floor and improve its airtightness is to retrofit insulation beneath the floorboards between the supporting joists figure 2. Ideally a fibrous insulation such as mineral wool or sheep s wool performs best between timber because it will take up thermal movement and cut down air movement around the insulation.

Installing any amount of insulation will warm the floorboards and go a long way towards eliminating draughts. The effect is a greater sense of comfort and that in turn allows the homeowner to turn the thermostat down. This insulates the floor but still allows some air to circulate preventing the timber from getting damp and rotting. Detailing for suspended ground floor for west yorkshire victorian mid terrace house.

Floor insulation for a suspended floor adding insulation to a suspended wooden floor is an effective way to reduce the heat loss of your home especially if you have already installed loft and wall insulation.