The Best Flooring for Keeping Domestic Homes Insulated
Energy efficiency has been a touchstone issue in the wider construction industry over the past three years, for a multiplicity of reasons.
Firstly, the climate crisis has worsened significantly, with areas of Europe now experiencing increased instances of unnatural weather patterns and ecosystem instability.
The public appetite for cohesive action on climate is larger than ever, and the UK government has stepped up its pace in the institution of new laws and regulations to limit carbon emissions, with the ultimate ambition of a net-zero nation by 2050.
Choosing the right flooring is crucial for home insulation as it affects both comfort and energy efficiency," says Mike Jones from Simply Underlay. "It's important to consider not just the aesthetic appeal but also the insulating properties of these materials to create a cozy, energy-efficient living space."
But a more prescient concern has emerged, which has seen energy-efficient home solutions become not just a regulatory preference but also an intrinsically valuable addition.
The UK’s economic situation is dire, as a national cost-of-living crisis nears its first anniversary. One of the leading precipitators of the double-digit inflation rate was the cost of energy; domestic energy bills rose steeply in price on three consecutive occasions as the Ofgem price cap, previously designed to prevent consumer exploitation, became a key instrument for protecting all consumers from market instability.
As prospective homeowners face another winter of financial difficulty, well-insulated and energy-efficient homes become all the more attractive as long-term money-saving investments and comfortable living environments.
Cavity wall insulation and double-glazed windows are now industry standard but other smaller interventions can be utilised to improve the energy efficiency and comfort of new builds – particularly about flooring. What flooring materials are best for home insulation?
Using tiles to insulate a home
The layman might think tiled flooring is a poor choice for home insulation and comfort. While it is true that tiled and stone flooring can feel uncomfortably cold underfoot, these kinds of floors can have an overwhelmingly positive impact on home heat efficiency.
Ceramic and stone flooring are poor thermal conductors; rather than wicking heat from a room, they will naturally release absorbed heat back into the environment as it cools.
Installing tiled flooring for insulative purposes requires a fastidious approach though. Proper tile adhesive should be used to reduce the risk of gaps, and create an airtight floor that minimises draught risk.
Homeowners might then add textile rugs for personal comfort when navigating the finished space.
Laminate flooring to keep your home warm
Laminate flooring solutions are not inherently an effective choice for insulated flooring, though bespoke designs and products do exist that boast relatively strong insulative qualities.
Rather, laminate flooring is an inexpensive and modular solution that complements well under-floor heating systems. Laminate floors are useful conduits for heat, and system maintenance is made easy.
Using carpet as inexpensive home insulation
Carpets are an evergreen solution for inexpensive home insulation. Their insulative properties are formidable for the price point, and, in combination with underlay, can make living spaces much more comfortable to live in.
Not only is heat loss mitigated, but the ‘feel’ underfoot reduces individual compulsion to turn any heating systems on or up.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about travel. She launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she loves traveling around the world.
Read about her travel recommendations here.
