What is the Cheapest Way to Insulate a Floor?

Insulating your floor will reduce the cost of heating and cooling your house since it helps keep you warm in winter and cool in summer. It will also help you sell your property for more cash down the line.

If you are considering investing in new floors, it is wise to use the most energy-efficient product possible to save money on your utility bills.

Deciding which type of floor insulation is best depends on various factors, including the amount of insulation needed, the accessibility to the area you need to be insulated, and cost. Star Spray Foam will help you have your best floor insulation.

You should also take into account what your climate is like and the methods you use to heat and cool your home when making a decision about insulation.

Types of Floor Insulations

Rigid Foam

This is just one type of foam insulation. It is not the same as the foam sheets that some people use to line the inside of their homes. This type of insulation is usually installed with adhesive.

It can also be glued with a contact adhesive. It provides a high insulating value to floors and ceilings.

Rigid foam insulation can be made of either polystyrene or polyurethane.

Both materials are flammable, so it’s important to make sure your home is safe by covering the house in fire-resistant material (ex: gypsum board). It is important to cover the foam with fire-resistant material to meet fire safety standards.

There are three main types: polystyrene (PS) and expanded polystyrene (EPS and XPS). The third type is polyisocyanurate rigid foam, known as ISO board in the industry.

• Polystyrene (PS) is often used as a foam. It is fire-retardant and has good physical properties. Polystyrene is cheap, but it does not have an insulating quality.
• Expanded polystyrene (EPS) has the same physical properties as polystyrene, but it has an insulating quality.
• Polyisocyanurate rigid foam (ISO board) has better thermal insulation than polystyrene or expanded polystyrene.

The Value of Rigid Foam Insulation

Rigid foam insulation is lightweight and easy to work with, making it cost-effective. It also provides good insulation per inch of thickness. Rigid foam boards are easy for DIY installers to work with.

Depending on the insulation, one can install it using adhesive, and finish by caulking and taping the seams. Rigid insulation can be cut to fit small spaces.

Locations for Rigid Insulation

Rigid foam insulation is often used to insulate the area between the oriented strand board (OSB) or plywood sheathing and beneath the home’s siding. It can also be used on floors when space is limited.

Loose-Fill

For people who have difficulty accessing certain parts of a building or who have access restrictions, loose-fill insulation is worth considering. Installing this type of system can be more difficult, but it is possible if you get help from qualified professionals.

Loose-fill insulation is made of small fibers, foam, or other materials. Spray foam insulation provides a flexible and adaptable insulation solution that can conform to any shape or size without disrupting the construction or decoration.

Though loose-fill insulation isn’t as effective as other types, they’re better suited for certain situations that may be difficult to work with.

When it comes to insulation, there are two options: cellulose or fiberglass. Cellulose insulation is made of recycled paper products like discarded newspapers, cardboard, and paperboard. These materials are treated for fire resistance.

Fiberglass insulation, on the other hand, is made of glass fibers that are woven together in mats.

Proper installation is fast and straightforward and the cost is comparatively lower. Make sure to have all your equipment for this beforehand!

Leaving the attic too full of insulation can make it difficult to seal up; it may lead to air pockets, which deteriorate the insulating quality of the surface.

Maintaining a sufficient attic temperature as well as moisture levels can help avoid clumping and the “holes” that this leaves in the insulation layer.

Rolls and Batts

Rolls and batts of insulation are a good way to install insulation on floors. They’re made of fiberglass, mineral wool, natural fibers and designed to work with standard spacing among studs and joists.
And they’re sold in widths that will seal the entire length of the cavity you want to be filled. This is an economical way to do it yourself.

Insulation rolls

Insulation rolls are typically longer than batts of the same thermal rating. This means they are often delivered in long pieces, rather than flat like batts.

This can make it difficult to install them, but if done correctly you will get optimal insulation performance.

Insulation batts

Batts are polyester & glass wool insulation panels that have been precut in the factory. These easy-to-install insulation pieces can be joined together in a snug manner in a space between a stud and a truss, limiting airflow and fire risk.

Reflective Systems

Reflective systems are made of aluminum foil with a backing material such as plastic film, cardboard, or polyethylene bubbles. They’re good for floors because they do a great job of cutting down on heat loss.

Reflective Systems are fairly easy to install. You can use the Bubble-form Reflective System if you have obstructions in your insulation space.

Advantages

• Reflective Systems are an effective solution in warm climates for keeping buildings cool. Unlike other insulation, it lasts so long because it doesn’t degrade over time, absorb moisture or break down.
• Reflective Systems is thin and lightweight, which means you can use them easily and fit them in tight spaces.
• They also provide a strong signal so you’ll get the best results. It can also be used as a vapor barrier because it’s relatively waterproof and doesn’t rot like wood.
• Unlike other forms of insulation, it is also non-toxic and non-carcinogenic, making it safer to install. All you need are common tools & protective gear.

Disadvantages

• Reflective insulation is more expensive than other forms because it uses metal.
• It’s more efficient in warmer climates but will need to be combined with other forms of insulation in colder weather.
• The reflective insulation could pose a fire hazard because it is an electrical conductor.
• Reflective insulation must be clean to work effectively. Dust & other items must be cleaned off the insulation to make it work well, for example on roofs. It’s important to keep it clean.

Related: What is a Floor Insulation and How Does It Work?

Summary

When budgeting, spend a little more on insulation. This will save you money on your energy bill and make up for it quickly. Without insulated flooring, the cold from the ground will seep into your house and make you colder. In turn, you’ll have to put on a heater for warmth which will cause your electricity bill to increase.

The ways you can increase insulation (and the return on investment) in your home are many. Innovative techniques make investing in insulation very interesting.

More From Ecostar Foam

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Star Spray Foam insulation in the New Orleans community is proud to provide affordable, efficient insulation services. We have built a reputation in the NOLA area for efficient, high-quality insulation at an affordable cost.

We use quality materials to maximize the amount of heat retained inside your home – and we install them for you hassle-free. Contact us today!