How To Insulate Your Concrete Floor
Check out this article for a list of slab edge insulation solutions and episode 125 for my interview with henry edney of maxraft.
How to insulate your concrete floor. 3 multiply the total inches of insulation by 3 2 to estimate the existing r value of your floor. Insulating a concrete floor alternative options. How to insulate a concrete floor before pouring. Overlap the seams about 6 to 8 inches and seal the seams with waterproof construction tape.
Most people know the benefits of insulating a home s wall floors and ceilings. Insulating concrete garage floors begins with covering the entire floor with 6 mil polyethylene which will serve as a vapor barrier. 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. Here we look at why insulating concrete floors is so important and offer tips on choosing and installing concrete floor insulation.
Reduced energy costs and greater comfort. Whether you use your basement for storage laundry or a bonus living space or all of the above choosing to insulate a concrete floor will benefit you in a variety of ways. But it isn t cheap and it can cause additional problems such as raising the floor level too much. Up to 80 of heat loss in a floor slab occurs around the edges.
If you live in a cold climate then you re no stranger to cold concrete floors in the winter. 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. The first thing to consider when looking into different types of concrete floors is why it s so important to insulate the floor slab. 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.
If you re planning on finishing a basement or portion of your home that has a concrete floor then it may be a good idea to insulate it before installing basement flooring.