Insulating Suspended Timber Ground Floor

At the turn of the 18th century when construction techniques moved from boarded floors installed directly on the ground to suspended timber floors over a ventilated chamber the innovation solved a significant problem.

Insulating suspended timber ground floor.

If the ground floor in question is of a suspended timber construction and whether this is a renovation or new build project then the insulation would normally. I can t get a definitive idea of the best way to do it. Insulating a suspended timber floor can eliminate floor draughts and reduce heat loss through the fabric of the floor at the same time. All ground floor constructions unless very large commercial floors will require some insulation to be included within the floor zone to comply with building regulation requirements.

The simplest way of insulating suspended timber ground floors is to fit insulation boards between the joists and support battens. From a thermal comfort perspective it does appear that feet are particularly sensitive to colder temperatures so addressing floor draughts can help improve comfort levels. This floor insulation method is commonly used for upgrading the thermal performance of existing timber floors as it has no impact on floor levels. I m 70 of the way through an eco retrofit of a 1940s bungalow windows already in place but still have about 30 m 2 of suspended timber floor to insulate and air seal.

Polypropylene or timber battens. Previously floor timbers had been prone to damp and rot thanks to their direct contact with the moist ground. Insulation is placed between the joists and supported on netting e g.