In order to ensure reliable thermal insulation of the attic floor and comfortable living conditions on its premises throughout the year, it is necessary to insulate the roof and the floor. Using insulation for wooden floors also prevents excessive moisture and condensation, thereby prolonging the service life of the log house structures.
Given a wide range of technologies and materials offered by manufacturers, It is possible to find thermal insulation that corresponds to the structural features of the building, the material of the subfloor and the ways, in which the room will be used in the future.
Insulators for a wooden house floor
Let's take a look at the most common materials.
- Glass wool or mineral wool
These materials have excellent thermal insulation and soundproofing properties. Such insulants for wooden floors are used for joists (wooden structures) and laid on the subfloor. Thermal insulation is spread in one layer. When choosing from rolls and mats, people often prefer the latter - they are more durable and elastic. The disadvantages of these types of insulation for wooden house flooring are their substantial thickness and low mechanical strength. Mineral wool has high water absorption capacity - when it gets wet, it shrinks, losing its insulating properties. Glass wool absorbs half as much water as mineral wool does and restores its properties after drying. - Penoplex or extruded polystyrene foam
The main advantages of these materials are their high thermal insulation properties, long service life and reasonable price. These materials serve as insulators for on-grade floor and are used for organising underfloor heating, insulating balconies and concrete floors above the basement.You should not lay these materials onto the finished wooden base. In case of contact with moisture, mould and fungi may appear on the surface of the extruded polystyrene foam. Both insulants are flammable, quite fragile, and, when installed, form seams that need to be insulated.
- Polyurethane foam
Spraying floors with polyurethane foam is a cost-effective and fast way to insulate flooring. The technology can be applied to any surface (this insulator is suitable for wooden house flooring and can be sprayed on wood, concrete, ceramics, etc.) and is also used as thermal insulation for the foundation and the basement of the house. The material has low water absorption capacity, does not need additional waterproofing and vapour barriers.The downside of this method lies in the fact that you cannot apply this material yourself - you need to call in specialists.
- Gypsum fiber
Drywall is a gypsum-fibre panel with a thickness of 20-25 mm. This versatile technology is compatible with any material and electric underfloor heating. Its main advantages are fast installation and applicability to any surface (wood, concrete, metal, etc.).The disadvantage of this floor insulation is its relatively high price.
- Liquid screed floors
The Thermo Plast compound for leveling and insulating floors is used for leveling flooring on a concrete surface. The layer of material ranges from 20 to 50mm. However, it has low thermal insulation capacity. - Expanded clay
This material is characterised by high thermal insulation capacity; it is capable of absorbing moisture without losing its properties. The price of this floor insulant is relatively low. The downside of such insulator is its thick layer — 10-20 cm.
When choosing insulation for wooden floors of the mansard floor, it is necessary to determine the allowable height of the structure with insulation layer and finishing taken into account, and consider service and maintenance conditions for attic rooms, including humidity levels, temperature requirements and changes.
Insulation of the subfloor sheathing
Insulation of subfloor sheathing is the most common type of floor insulation. Wooden joists are embedded into log house walls by means of tee halving joints with a step of 0.3-1m. Underneath boards and panels are fastened or affixed to putlogs. Then insulation for wooden house floors is laid onto these subfloor structure.
If the chosen insulation (for example, mineral wool) requires it, a waterproofing layer and a vapour barrier are installed. Their sheets are laid with 10-15cm overlaps, and metal foil tape is affixed to the joints, the edges are folded by 10cm from top to bottom and fastened with a staple gun. Thermal insulation is installed above and, if necessary, is covered with another waterproofing layer, followed by floorboards. As a rule, a gap of at least 4cm is left between the insulation layer and the floor covering to ensure ventilation
Insulation of the subfloor
Joists are installed onto the subfloor in order to insulate it. Insulation is laid into these newly formed cells between the joists above the subfloor, and, if necessary, is protected by a waterproofing layer and a vapour barrier from both sides. Finally, floor covering is installed onto the joints.
Such insulation technology is notable for easy installation. The insulation in the cells between joists is not under pressure, so you can effectively use any material.
You should choose optimally priced floor insulation, which will provide reliable thermal insulation, environmental and fire safety in a wooden house