How Is Underfloor Insulation Installed?

What Is Underfloor Insulation?

One highly effective way to increase your home’s comfort and energy efficiency rating is through high-quality, underfloor insulation. Perhaps commonly, a house’s walls and ceilings receive more attention, underfloor insulation is just as important, particularly in homes with suspended timber flooring.

Installing insulating beneath a home’s floorboards, usually in the space between the joists of suspended timber floors, is known as underfloor insulation.

By reducing heat loss through the floor and keeping cold air out of the living areas above, this type of insulation serves as a thermal barrier in the floor. Polyester insulation and polystyrene panels are most commonly used; chosen according to particular property requirements and environmental factors.

The Benefits of Underfloor Insulation

There’s no debate that underfloor insulation has many benefits, however, some top ones include:

Improved Thermal Comfort: During the colder months, indoor temperatures stay more consistent when heat loss through the floor is reduced.
Energy Efficiency: Heating systems operate less when there is less heat loss, which lowers energy use and utility costs.
Moisture Control: By serving as a barrier against ground moisture, properly installed insulation can lower the likelihood of mould growth and dampness in the house.
Soundproofing: Certain insulating materials, such as Premier 100% Polyester Underfloor also have acoustic properties, which reduce footfall and outside noise.

Does Underfloor Insulation Make a Difference?

Of course. Up to 20% of all heat loss can be attributed to uninsulated floors. Homeowners can considerably lower this loss by putting in underfloor insulation, which will warm interior spaces and lessen the need for heating systems. In addition to improving comfort, this lowers greenhouse gas emissions and uses less energy.

Can Every Home Have Underfloor Insulation?

Not all homes are suitable for underfloor insulation. The feasibility depends on factors such as:

Floor Type: Homes with suspended timber floors are ideal candidates. In contrast, homes built on concrete slabs may require different insulation approaches.
Subfloor Access: You need enough crawl space, usually around 450mm, for a safe and smooth underfloor setup.
Moisture Levels: If the ground is pretty wet, you might want to add some moisture barriers to keep the insulation working well and lasting longer.

What Are Underfloor Insulation Requirements?

The New Zealand Building Code and the Residential Tenancies (Healthy Homes Standards) Regulations 2019 set the rules for underfloor insulation in New Zealand.

R-Value minimum: Depending on the climate zone, insulation for existing homes must have an R-value of 1.3 or higher.
Installation Guidelines: NZS 4246:2016 requires that insulation be installed securely, without gaps, and without compression.
Condition: The insulation that is already there needs to be in a reasonable state; any that is damp or deteriorated needs to be replaced.

What Should the R-Value Be For Underfloor Insulation?

The R-value measures the thermal resistance of insulation materials. In New Zealand:

Minimum Requirement: An R-value of 1.3 is the baseline for existing homes in most regions.
Enhanced Performance: For improved energy efficiency, higher R-values are recommended, especially in colder climates .

Selecting the appropriate R-value depends on the specific climate zone and desired energy performance of the home.