How To Insulate Under An Existing Concrete Floor

Insulate existing concrete.

How to insulate under an existing concrete floor.

Where floors do include a dpm and show no evidence of moisture laying a floating wooden floor or thermal underlay with a carpet on top is often the easiest means of improving their thermal performance. Where concrete floor slabs have replaced earlier floors they may include a damp proof membrane dpm but unless laid comparatively recently they might not be well insulated. Dealing with the edges the foam insulation and two layers of plywood can add as much as 2 inches of height to the garage floor. Up to 80 of heat loss in a floor slab occurs around the edges.

The method shown above is the best way to insulate a concrete floor without digging it up and laying it again with insulation added below the finished surface. If your concrete floor is for industrial or heavy duty applications then any insulation you use needs to have a high compressive strength to take the weight of whatever is above. The panels can be applied to every surface from floors to walls to ceilings. Insulation is laid on the concrete and covered with a screed.

Adding insulation under the concrete floor requires the same skill set and equipment as forming and pouring the concrete slab. But when adding insulation to an existing slab the vapor barrier is laid over the top of the slab before the foam insulating panels are installed. The first thing to consider when looking into different types of concrete floors is why it s so important to insulate the floor slab. Most modern homes have a solid floor for example.

There will be a damp proof membrane under the insulation and possibly a second membrane on top depending on the type of screed. But it isn t cheap and it can cause additional problems such as raising the floor level too much. Add wire insulation hangers as needed to ensure a more secure hold. Insulating a concrete floor alternative options.

This allows an area for insulation and fill material under the slab. Insulating a solid floor. Check out this article for a list of slab edge insulation solutions and episode 125 for my interview with henry edney of maxraft. Typically the insulation would be situated below the slab and below the damp proof membrane for heavy duty use whilst normal domestic buildings would have a higher performing lower compressive strength material.

Insofast is a diyers dream a simple way to install insulation needing only a hand saw utility knife and caulking gun. Insulating a concrete floor can save you money on your heating bill making an attached garage or basement warmer and by extension the rest of your house. In addition to offering insulation and energy savings the plywood subfloor described here can provide the perfect foundation for finish flooring such as carpeting adding warmth in look as well as in feel.