Using underfloor insulation to minimise heat loss

When we think about heat loss in the home, we immediately think of walls and roofs as the main problem areas. And while these can account for up to 40% and 25% of heat loss respectively, they’re not the only culprits.

It’s estimated that around 15% of heat in the home escapes through the floor. As our feet are in nearly constant contact with the floor, it’s important to ensure we minimise heat loss and maintain a comfortable temperature for our overall sense of thermal comfort. If the floor feels cold, we may be more likely to turn up the heating – even if the rest of the building is a comfortable temperature – resulting in even more heat loss and higher energy bills.

One way to help minimise heat loss and maximise thermal comfort in school buildings through the floor is by installing efficient insulation. Here, this Celotex case study explains how there are suitable flooring insulations solutions for even the most unique of building renovations.

Thermal comfort in a barn renovation

Husband and wife James and Claudia Gray wanted to transform 30 acres of farmland in North Essex into a timber home for the family, which was not only sympathetic to the land and existing building’s heritage, but also energy efficient.

The land was once home to a Second World War airbase, occupied by the USAF 381st bombardment group and complete with one of the finest Nissen hut complexes still standing in the UK.

As well as approaching the design of the home so it would integrate with the land and building’s historic past, the owners wanted to ensure it was highly energy efficient and comfortable.

By using dynamic thermal modelling to predict the home’s performance, the designer was able to fully optimise the use of floor and glazing construction to help the building maintain the right temperature all year round.

Flooring insulation to help thermal comfort

A key part of maximising the energy efficiency and thermal comfort of the timber barn renovation was choosing and installing a high-performance floor insulation.

For this particular project, 175mm of Celotex FI5000 was specified for the flooring insulation. As a premium value-added product, with a lambda value of 0.021W/mK, this made it the best possible thermal performance choice for the specification.

Celotex’s flooring insulation product also eliminated the need for an additional separating layer, as the product features an innovative cement compatible composite facer with a built-in vapour control layer. Due to its high compressive strength rating of ≤175 kPa and excellent dimensional stability, the installers were also able to walk on the insulation directly during the entire installation process.

The completed barn renovation succeeded in creating an energy efficient home, thanks in part to the use of a suitable floor insulation, which is comfortable for the whole family while remaining a point of interest for history-lovers. Also, read our article about achieving thermal efficiency without compromising on light.

Thermal comfort from the floor up

When it comes to achieving thermal comfort, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution. While insulating the building envelope and floor can help reduce heat loss in winter and conduction heat gains in summer, there are several other factors to consider.

Whether designing and constructing a new build or renovating an existing property, attention needs to be paid in selecting the right systems and materials that can be adapted to the local climate, type and function of the building.

As well as focusing on the floor, as the owners of the timber barn renovation did, other features such as the roof, windows, air tightness and ventilation also need to be considered.