It can be hard to keep your home warm in the colder months – no one likes stepping onto an icy floor first thing in the morning.
Flooring often isn’t the first thing that comes to peoples minds when it comes to insulation, but it can help with heat retention more than you may think. Poorly insulated floors act as a quick-fire way for heat to escape, especially within older homes.
The good news is that it doesn’t always have to be a big hassle or an expensive task to change your flooring.
How does flooring affect heat loss?
Heat naturally moves towards cooler areas – uninsulated flooring with gaps or draughts are the perfect place for it to escape. Insulation will cover up these gaps, preventing warm air from escaping and keeping your home nice and comfortable.
It’s estimated that in the UK, between 10-20% of heat loss can be attributed to flooring. This could be between £45-£120 you’re losing per energy bill.
When combined with the heat loss through doors and windows, you could be throwing money down the drain each month – but we’re here to prevent it.
How do I reduce heat loss through my flooring?
Luckily, there’s plenty of things we can do to retain the heat in our homes as best as possible. We have various options for all homes and budgets:
Underlay. Underlay is a layer of material placed beneath your flooring, acting as a protective barrier between the subfloor and the finished surface. It’s an essential for most flooring types, and is the best foundation for a floor that retains heat. (There are certain types of flooring where this isn’t necessary, such as certain types of vinyl.)
Underfloor heating. Underfloor heating beats radiators when it comes to heat efficiency. They distribute heat more evenly at a lower temperature, making it a more stable option than your traditional radiator. It’s often seen as a luxury – and whilst it’s not an essential, there are some cheaper options (such as electric underfloor heating) that are starting to emerge.
Carpets. It probably comes as no surprise that carpets are great insulators. The thick material means air is trapped just above the surface, retaining heat for longer. They have a great TOG rating – especially wool carpets. Naturally they aren’t suitable for every room, but they’re a great option for bedrooms, living areas and hallways.
What should I consider when choosing flooring?
Choosing a flooring can be overwhelming if you haven’t done so before. Any reputable company should be able to offer tailored advice with your needs in mind, but here’s some questions you may want to consider first:
- What’s my budget?
- What is my preferred style?
- How much foot traffic do we have in our home?
- Do we have colours/materials in mind?
All these questions can help you narrow down which flooring is best for your home. If you’re looking to improve your heat insulation through your flooring, get in touch with Brookside Carpets on 01858 433 334. Our friendly team can listen to your needs and offer free advice about what will work best for your home.