Home & Garden Improvements

Is underfloor heating insulation expensive?

Yes it can be – especially if you are using tile backer boards. However, the use of underfloor heating insulation results in long-term savings that far outweighs the initial costs of the insulation board itself.

What kind of underfloor heating insulation provides the best performance for all-round use?

While certain underfloor heating insulation works better in specific situations than others, when it comes to all round performance, extruded polystyrene foams are best. Polystyrene has high compressive strength and good insulation properties. It is waterproof, rot-resistant, lightweight, easy to handle, and easy to cut and shape. It is also low cost, and available in a wide range of depths.

How much underfloor heating insulation do I need?

The rule of thumb is: the thicker your insulation board, the better the performance. For new-build homes, this is easily accomplished during the design phase. However, when re-fitting an already existing home, it is not always possible to use thicker boards due to height restrictions. But for the best results, always go with the thickest you can get away with.

Can underfloor heating insulation boards be used without an underfloor heating system?

Yes. Even if you do not choose to install an underfloor heating system straight away (or ever), affixing underfloor heating insulation boards to your sub-flooring will keep your floors warmer.

Can I install underfloor heating without using insulation boards?

Yes you can, but it is not advisable. The short-term cost savings will not outweigh the long-term loss because, without insulation, heat will continually dissipate into the sub-flooring.