Underfloor insulation can sometimes be overlooked when considering DIY jobs that can improve your home, but it can make a real difference to how comfortable your home is naturally year-round. It helps to reduce the flow of heat from and into your home, reducing the need for heaters in winter and air-conditioners in summer. This can reduce your energy bills significantly.
Premium underfloor insulation also helps to regulate your home’s temperature. This can be very important if you have children or elderly people in your home who are vulnerable to the cold. It also offers an extra layer of protection for asthma sufferers and those who have allergies as it can help to reduce thermal variances which often trigger these conditions.
Insulation can be made from a range of materials including glasswool, cellulose, and polystyrene (extruded or expanded – XPS) in rigid panels or as loose-fill beads. Some insulation is also hygroscopic which means it absorbs and retains moisture, which can be very beneficial to homes that experience dampness. Other options such as a natural fibre like wool or sheep’s wool are very breathable and help to control humidity levels in the space under your floorboards.
Underfloor insulation is an investment in your home that can pay for itself in around 5 years in terms of reduced energy bills and reduced carbon emissions. You could even be eligible to receive your underfloor insulation for free through the government’s Boost Your Energy Grant. marine insulation