• For experienced and friendly advice
  • 01768 485050

Natural Insulations

  • Home
  • Our Products
    • Sheep’s Wool Insulation
    • Recycled Insulations
    • Plant Fibre Insulation
    • One Coat Lime Plaster
    • Membranes & Tapes
  • Help & Advice
  • FAQ
  • Blog
  • News
  • Gallery
  • Contact
  • 0 items£0.00
You are here: Home / Archives for insulation

by

Help! How do I insulate a suspended ground floor?

Before suspended ground floor  were introduced in the early 18th century, it was common practice for boards to be placed directly onto the ground, which often led to issues with rot and dampness.

The design of a suspended timber floor structure positioned over this compacted earth with an air space between allowed for the free movement of air. This ensured that the timbers remained dry and free from rot. This void underneath the suspended floor was ventilated via airbricks or other types of vent in the external walls to ensure an effective air flow through the under-floor area.

However, this airflow also created draughts, and with an uninsulated and poorly sealed floor, the result is heat loss and thermal inefficiency.

Insulating a suspended ground floor

Insulating the suspended timber ground floor is a relatively recent solution that helps prevent draughts and saves energy. This results in a warmer living environment.

If you are not sure if you have a suspended ground floor go outside and look for air or ventilation bricks at the bottom of the outer walls – if you have them, then you have a suspended floor.

When deciding on whether to insulate a suspended ground floor there are a number of issues to look for first:

You must be aware of and manage the risk of moisture before you insulate your suspended ground floor

  • This means that you need to find the source of any moisture, including looking for signs of moisture problems between the joists and outer wall.
  • Check whether the space is well ventilated and record whether the humidity levels change depending on the season. i.e. Is the humidity transient or permanent?
  • Measure the moisture content of the timber joists. A moisture content above 19% indicates humidity in the void is high and you should find ways to improve ventilation under the floor as a first step.

Major signs for excessive moisture in the joists would be:

  • Musty Odours. One of the most common signs of crawl space moisture.
  • High Humidity.
  • Insect activity
  • Sagging Floors.
  • Warping of Wooden Floors

Moisture meters can be used to measure the percentage of water in both walls and joists. These readings can be used to determine if the material is ready for use, unexpectedly wet or dry, or otherwise in need of further inspection. Physical properties are strongly affected by moisture content and high moisture content for a period of time may progressively degrade a material.

Once the moisture levels have been determined as suitable, ensure you have a minimum of 150mm ventilated space from the level of the underside of the insulation. It is time to go ahead and achieve a thermally efficient and airtight suspended floor.

How to insulate a suspended ground floor:

Although insulating a suspended ground floor  is not a particularly easy job it is well worth it. If carried out to best practise standards  it will improve the comfort and energy efficiency in your home. However there are a couple of crucial points to be aware of:

  1. All air vents must be clear
    It is critical to make sure that all air vents under the floor are clear. You must not obstruct the ventilation pathway.
  2. Ventilation is still critical
    Installing new windows / doors etc., in conjunction with insulating a suspended floor, will most probably eliminate uncontrolled ventilation. In a house with no ventilation the air stagnates and feels damp. This is as uncomfortable to live in as one which is draughty and cold. It may therefore be necessary to address this by the introduction of controlled ventilation measures.

How to fit suspended ground floor insulation:

Fitting insulation from below ( looking up)
Fit the insulation between the joists ensuring that all joints are close-butted to avoid air gaps. Pay particular attention to the perimeter of the floor, making sure you fill every gap with insulation. For support, use a netting or airtight breather membrane taught across the bottom to keep the insulation in place. A quality netting will keep its condition and stay tight for many years. This ensures  the  insulation stays in place and can do its job of insulating your home, keeping the draughts out.

Fitting insulation from above (having removed the floorboards.)
Start with the netting or breather membrane and hammock it over the joists to provide support for the insulation. Then place the insulation between the floor joists knowing it will stay in place. Prevent debris by laying an airtight breather membrane before replacing floorboards

 

For more information and typical U-Values take a look at the Floor Application Notes on the website.

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: breathability, draughts, insulation, sheeps wool insulation, suspended ground floor

by

The Top 5 Insulation Tips

Tip No 1: Understand What Insulation Does.

Insulation prevents heat loss, but it also does many other things.  Take this into account before deciding what to use.

Indoor humidity and moisture levels vary depending on where we insulate and what we insulate with.  Managing these the right way helps create a healthy building and improves indoor air quality.

Consider how insulation can reduce noise.  Whether it’s reducing the sound of rain on the roof or noise between rooms, insulation plays an important role in creating a more comfortable indoor environment.

Heat gain during the summer often causes more problems than heat loss during the winter.  Reduce heat gain by using natural fibre insulation.  With just the right amount of thermal mass, natural fibre insulation slows the movement of heat into the building.  This prevents heat reaching indoors during the hottest parts of the day.

Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) arising from building products create poor indoor air quality.  VOC’s are potentially harmful chemicals that evaporate from materials.  Choose insulation with low VOC’s to lower sources of harmful indoor air pollutants.  Indeed, insulation such as sheep’s wool actually cleanses the air of harmful VOC’s such as formaldehyde.

Home insulation Tips No 2
Get it right first time

Once insulation is installed it can be difficult to replace or upgrade.  That’s why it’s important to get the best performance you can first time.  Consider what you need the insulation to do and how it will perform.  For example, do you have an older property where breathability is important or does outside noise bother you?

Use insulation materials that are made to last.  These may be more expensive but during their life, cost is not significant.   There is less chance you will need to replace good quality insulation.

You can model insulation performance before you buy.  Insulation suppliers can conduct performance calculations that include U-value and condensation risk analysis.  This service is usually offered free to end users and professionals.  The calculations enable you to compare the performance of different insulation products.

Ensure insulation is properly fitted.  There is no point selecting the best type of insulation and then being let down by poor workmanship.  Make sure you fill the space correctly.  Avoid creases, folds and gaps in the insulation and ensure all joints as sealed correctly.

The area you are insulating should be in good condition.  Before you install insulation check for underlying problems such as damp.  Insulation is not a solution for damp, not even natural fibre insulation.  Sort out damp before insulating.  Installing insulation over damp areas makes the problem worse.

Home insulation Tips No 3
Take time to work out how much insulation you need

You may need different amounts of insulation depending on the type and brand.  Types of insulation behave differently and all brands are not equal.  Insulation manufacturers and suppliers have experts that advise you on what thickness of insulation you need.

Sometimes, insulation is installed between timbers such as joists, studs or rafters.  Work out the width of insulation you need by measuring the distance between the centre of the timbers.  Then measure the total length of insulation you need.  This is known as the linear metres of insulation.  You can work out the quantity of insulation based on the total linear metres of each thickness.  This method allows for the space taken up by timbers and reduces wastage.

Measure accurately and avoid over-ordering.  This saves you as much as 10% or even 20% of the insulation cost.  You also avoid generating needless waste and you’ll also save on the cost of disposal.

Home insulation Tips No 4
Don’t buy the cheapest insulation

Insulation is one of the few products that actually pays for itself so bear this in mind when you look at upfront cost.  Even the most expensive insulation pays for itself.

Use the best performing insulation you can afford and make sure it lasts as long as possible.  Choosing the cheapest option is a false economy.  It is unlikely to last and you will pay for replacement.  Remember, insulation will pay for itself in time.

Compare the cost of insulation based on the same level of performance.  Some products may appear more expensive but you could need less of it.

You might think natural fibre insulation such as sheep’s wool is very expensive but that’s not the case.  Sheep’s wool often costs less than man made materials such as PIR for the same level of thermal performance.  What’s more, sheep’s wool is breathable and great for sound proofing.

Home insulation Tips No 5
Use combinations of insulation types for improved performance

Insulation does many things and different products behave differently.  Some is better for reducing noise whilst other insulation has a very low thermal insulation value.  Using different types in combination is a good way of making the best of each.

Using different insulation in combination can make installing easier.  Use flexible insulation between timbers and rigid insulation against timbers to reduce the need for cutting, saving time and money.

You can also add to existing insulation if it’s in good condition.  This is easiest done in the loft space.  Add a layer of breathable natural fibre insulation to provide additional performance within an existing insulated roof.

Written by Mark Lynn, Thermafleece MD and Vice Chair of the ASBP.

Take a look at our FAQ’s for more information
Our Help and Advice Page has a number of Presentations and Briefing papers for you to read
For more information on Thermafleece Sheep’s Wool insulation visit www.thermafleece.com
Information on SupaSoft recycled plastic insulation can be found at www.supasoftinsulation.com

 

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: insulating the home, insulation, natural fibre insulation, saving money with insulation, sheeps wool insulation, thermafleece, tips for insulating your home

by

Why is insulation important?

You don’t have to think about insulation more than a few occasions in your life so when you do, take some time to learn what it really does and make sure you make the best choice for you and your home.

Why is insulation important?

It’s a fact that insulation saves heat and it’s a fact that heat costs money. So it’s a simple fact that if you’re saving heat you’re saving money. So the more you insulate the more money you save. All insulation saves more money than it costs so don’t think of insulation as costly.

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Blog Tagged With: insulating the home, insulation, natural fibre insulation, saving money with insulation, thermafleece

QUICK LINKS
Payment Options: Card /  PayPal / SagePay Invoice / BACS
Typical Lead Time: 3 to 5 working days
Deliveries / Returns
Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy

Natural Insulations,
Soulands Studios Ltd
Soulands Gate,
Dacre, Penrith,
Cumbria, CA11 0JF
T: 01768 485050
E: enquiries@naturalinsulations.co.uk

© 2025 Natural Insulations · All Rights Reserved · Sitemap · Site Credits: Launch Site

Thermafleece sheep's wool insulation, Thermafleece Natrahemp, Steico wood fibre insulation Thermofloc cellulose insulation made from recycled newspaper, SupaSoft insulation made from recycled plastic bottles  Contact us for Expert Advice, Samples, Best Prices, Fast Delivery