As we’re moving into the colder months and many people are looking for ways to lower their heating costs due to the current economic climate, we thought it would be a great time to outline the benefits of wood floors and how they can be easily insulated.

Wood as a material is a conductor; this means that it can absorb heat and easily circulate it. Heat can easily pass through it and circulate the warmth throughout your house. Furthermore, wood is a good thermal insulator and so can hold heat for longer compared to other floors such as carpets. However, in circumstances where the property may be older, the wood flooring is likely to be a suspended pine floor. The large underfloor space acts as a cold sink, storing cold air and the gaps between the boards can be quite drafty, thus not efficiently insulating the property.

One way to help with insulation in a period building is to install underfloor insulation. We are able to lift the boards, install a breathable membrane and then insulation (either rockwool, hemp or sheep’s wool). A breathable membrane is a sheet material that allows for water vapour to pass through and is used in floor, roof, and wall insulation.

Rockwool insulation

This type of insulation is made from actual rocks and minerals and is great at blocking heat. The individual components of rockwool insulation are good conductors of heat on their own, but collectively they are highly efficient at reducing energy consumption in homes and businesses. Rockwool can be used for insulation in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. Another benefit of rockwool is that it is safe for occupants of the property. All in all, rockwool is made from naturally occurring minerals and is extremely safe and effective when it comes to insulating your properties.

Hemp insulation

Hemp wool is made from strong and woody fibers that are derived from a hemp plant. It is excellent at insulating due to its high thermal mass. It is also very robust, so it means that it is long-lasting. Hemp insulation allows for the property it is installed into to maintain a comfortable and liveable temperature all year round. Another positive of hemp insulation is the environmental benefits it has. Due to the way that hemp plants grow, it is highly sustainable and then will fully decompose without negatively impacting the environment. As well as helping a property to maintain a liveable temperature, it can also control humidity and ensure that the air isn’t too moist. All in all, hemp insulation is an incredibly effective insulation that can be used in all properties.

Sheep’s wool insulation

Sheep’s wool is a form of natural insulation where the fibers form millions of tiny air objects that trap the air and slow the transfer of heat. In terms of sustainability, sheep’s wool is considered one of the best insulators. The lifespan of the insulation is decades and at the end of its life, it can be composted as it does not contain plastic fibers. This material naturally absorbs and releases moisture. This makes it great for properties that are in damp climates such as the UK as it is not as affected by moisture. Sheep’s wool is easily moulded to fit wherever it needs to be placed within a property. All in all, Sheep’s wool is a great choice of insulation due to all of its environmental and natural benefits.