With energy prices at all time highs, it is now more important than ever to improve the energy efficiency of our homes. Insulating lofts, drafts, windows, doors, walls and improving heating systems are top of most to-do lists when it comes to insulation priorities.
However, energy efficient flooring and floor insulation is often overlooked. Considering that 15% of the average uninsulated home’s heat is lost through the floor this is an oversight that could be leading to significant heat loss, and ultimately higher energy bills.
What Is Energy Efficient Flooring?
Underfloor heating also known as radiant heating can be used to simply warm your floor or act as a primary heat source, replacing your radiators. There are two types of radiant, or heated, floors: electric and water-based systems. Both provide significant energy-saving potential.
The ideal way to make sure your wood flooring is energy efficient is to install it over an underfloor heating system. But if you are considering installing radiant floors, you will need to carefully consider the type of floor you’ll be installing on top of it. There are several options to choose from:
- Engineered wood
- Laminate
- Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT)
- Stone
- Porcelain & ceramic tiles
Floors not suitable for underfloor heating
Real hardwood flooring can not be used with underfloor heating as the temperature can dry the floor boards out, causing them to shrink and create gaps in the floor.
Engineered wood flooring
Engineered wood flooring is the most compatible wood flooring for underfloor heating systems, it also has the same beauty as solid wood flooring and feels the same underfoot.
Engineered wood is also good for circulating and conducting heat and it is designed to not warp or cup even with extreme temperature and moisture fluctuations. Making it the perfect choice of flooring to install over an underfloor heating system.
Laminate flooring
Many types of laminate flooring are incredibly suitable for underfloor heating systems as they are hard-wearing and not prone to warping under temperature changes. When shopping our range of laminates be sure to check the product features to check if it is suitable for underfloor heating.
Luxury Vinyl Flooring (LVT)
LVT is another highly durable flooring material making it one of the best options for installing above underfloor heating. It's ideal as it can expand and contract with temperature changes.
LVT is far more durable than real wood, stone or ceramic tile, it can withstand general wear and tear of daily life much more effectively. Plus it comes in a range of colours and styles to bring personality ro your space.
Tips for energy efficient flooring
If new flooring, or underfloor heating isn’t within your budget, there are cheaper ways of improving the thermal efficiency of your home, including:
Draught proof skirting boards and floor boards
You can block cracks in your floor by using a filler to seal the gaps. Floorboards and skirting boards often contract, expand or move slightly with everyday use, so you should use a filler that can tolerate movement.
All cracks and gaps in skirting boards and frame-to-wall joints can be treated with decorator’s caulk or silicone. Standard silicone will dry and shrink over time allowing the draught to return. Specific airtight silicone overcomes this problem, though it is more expensive.
Add Underlay Insulation under floorboards
A quality thermal efficient underlay can make a big difference when it comes to improving your home’s insulation and improving its energy efficiency.
Use an area rug
Sometimes it's impractical to add insulation under a wooden floor, but you can add insulation on top of the floor by choosing the right area rug, rug pad or thermal rug. The warmth of the rug will keep your feet nice and toasty on those cold winter mornings too.
When you’re trying to reduce your energy use while keeping your home more comfortable throughout the winter, every little bit helps. If you’d like to find out more about energy efficient wood flooring, why not get in touch? The team at The Floor Store will be happy to help you make the right decisions for your project and your budget.
