There are many aspects to flooring that you may be unaware of, factors that could impact your levels of space, comfort and productivity, such as insulation. Specifying the correct materials and installation can make a substantial difference to the way in which your space feels and performs. Along with the benefits of cleaner designs and efficient space usage, raised access flooring has another benefit of quick and simple installment of insulation. Choosing the right products and materials to ensure that you receive the highest benefit from insulation is as important as it is confusing, so we aim to answer the questions of ‘why?’ and ‘how?’ for you.
Why you should insulate
Firstly, the more apparent benefit, is heat retention. Flooring is often based upon a circulation of cold air, resulting in the room gaining increasingly cold temperatures, especially in those colder months. Around 10% of a rooms heat is lost through the flooring. By insulating, you are preventing this level of warmth from exiting your space and, in turn, you won’t need to fire up your heating as often, saving you money on those heating bills.
The second benefit, one which is often not considered, is the acoustic insulation. Sound carries through floor, loud and clear. Footsteps, radio, conversations and the use of appliances and electronics could all travel as impact sound. By insulating underneath your raised flooring, you are creating an additional barrier which will absorb these sounds and vibrations, creating a quiet and peaceful environment for your floor level as well as the one below, useful within an office or block of flats. You will also be able to avoid the hefty costs of expensive acoustic fittings.
How to choose your insulation
The level of insulation is something which you can choose to alter and fit your requirements. If you are noticing a level heat loss but have little to no sound travelling through to the floor below, you are able to opt for a lighter level of insulation. Alternatively, you may find that you require protection against heat loss as well as a large amount of impact sound, and the option of heavier, stronger isolation is available for that. However, you will need to consider the location of your premises and consult with a professional before confirming the level of insulation that believe you will need. If you are closer to the coast, you may find that your levels of damp are higher than those of a city building and so will require a stronger form of insulation which can repel any signs of water or damp.
How to install your insulation
Under-floor insulation can be installed simply with no interruptions or complications caused by other items which occupy the under-floor space, such as cables, sockets and pipes. Due to the flooring being held up by joists, these items are kept out of the way and need no attention or alterations made to them, allowing the insulation to affect nothing but the acoustics and heat retention of your room. The placement of your insulation depends on your access to the joists and whether you can get below them or remain above. It would be safest to consult with a professional when it comes to installing your insulation as they are trained to allow clients to receive the highest possible benefits when it comes to the installation and so will know of the best placement and fitting for your own space.
If you are interested in fitting insulation to your flooring, get in touch with our specialist team at Fieldmans Access Floors where we will be able to advise and assist you accordingly. Give us a call on 020 8462 7100 to arrange an appointment with us.
