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Best Insulation For Under Floors (2024 Updated)

If you’re looking for an effective way to keep your home warm during the cold winter months, insulation under your floors is a great option. Not only does it help keep the heat in, but it also helps reduce noise from creaking floors. However, before you purchase any insulation products, there are a few factors that you need to consider.

Firstly, take into account the size of your home and the type of flooring you have. Different types of flooring may require different types of insulation, so it’s important to do your research to ensure that you’re getting the right product for your needs. You should also consider the level of insulation you need, as this will depend on the climate you live in.

Another important factor to consider is the installation process. While some insulation products can be installed by homeowners, others may require the help of a professional. This is especially important if you have never installed insulation before or do not have the necessary tools.

If you’re still unsure whether insulation under your floors is the right choice for your home, ask yourself: Are you tired of cold feet during the winter? Are your energy bills consistently higher than you’d like them to be? Do you want to reduce noise from creaking floors? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then insulation for under floors might be just what you need to keep your home cozy and comfortable all winter long.

10 Best Insulation For Under Floors

# Product Image Product Name Product Notes Check Price
1
This product is ideal for insulating under concrete slabs in radiant floors, garages, basements, driveways, and reducing heat loss to save money.
2
Ideal for providing sound insulation barrier and as an underlayment for laminate, vinyl, LVT, LVP, and hardwood flooring.
3
This product is ideal for simplifying the installation of loops under floor coverings like carpet, vinyl, laminate, and wood.
4
This product is ideal for providing non-slip protection and cushioning under carpets on any hard surface floors.
5
It is ideal for providing insulation, reflecting heat/cold, and acting as a thermal shield using pure aluminum.
6
This flooring underlayment is ideal for laminate, vinyl, LVT, LVP, and hardwood floors as a natural sound insulation barrier.
7
This product is ideal for heating tile, wood, and laminate floors indoors with optional GFCI thermostat and WiFi compatibility.
8
This product is ideal for protecting outdoor surfaces from damage caused by hot tubs or pools.
9
This product is ideal for adding luxurious and comfortable floor heating to any room under tile or stone.
10
This product is ideal for protecting hot tubs, both indoor and outdoor, from water damage and providing slip-proof backing.
This product is ideal for insulating under concrete slabs in radiant floors, garages, basements, driveways, and reducing heat loss to save money.
Ideal for providing sound insulation barrier and as an underlayment for laminate, vinyl, LVT, LVP, and hardwood flooring.
This product is ideal for simplifying the installation of loops under floor coverings like carpet, vinyl, laminate, and wood.
This product is ideal for providing non-slip protection and cushioning under carpets on any hard surface floors.
It is ideal for providing insulation, reflecting heat/cold, and acting as a thermal shield using pure aluminum.
This flooring underlayment is ideal for laminate, vinyl, LVT, LVP, and hardwood floors as a natural sound insulation barrier.
This product is ideal for heating tile, wood, and laminate floors indoors with optional GFCI thermostat and WiFi compatibility.
This product is ideal for protecting outdoor surfaces from damage caused by hot tubs or pools.
This product is ideal for adding luxurious and comfortable floor heating to any room under tile or stone.
This product is ideal for protecting hot tubs, both indoor and outdoor, from water damage and providing slip-proof backing.

1. Ecofoil Heated Floor Insulation – Under Slab Solution.

EcoFoil's reflective foil insulation is the perfect solution for insulating heated floors installed under concrete slabs. Its reflective foil technology prevents heat from escaping into the soil and redirects it upwards where it belongs. This under slab insulation is lightweight, heavy-duty, and easy to handle, making installation quick and easy. It requires no special clothing or breathing equipment.

Without under slab insulation, heat will escape into the soil, reducing the effectiveness of your heated floor unit and making it more expensive. The thermal insulation reduces heat loss by 57% and provides a vapor and radon barrier, making it an ideal solution for your heated floors. The sheet is highly reflective and is bonded between two layers of polyethylene bubbles, which can withstand more weight than foam board. The air gaps above and below the sheet prevent radiant heat from escaping, making it more efficient than foam board.

EcoFoil's under slab insulation is tear-resistant and has dimensions of 48" x 125', providing a coverage area of 500 sq ft. The metalized reflective sheet between two layers of polyethylene bubbles reflects 57% and is 43% emissive, providing a methane, radiant, and vapor barrier all-in-one. With EcoFoil's under slab insulation, you can rest assured that your heated floors are well insulated and energy-efficient.

Pros

  • Reflective foil technology prevents heat from escaping into the soil and redirects it upwards where it belongs
  • Reduces heat loss by 57% and provides a vapor and radon barrier
  • Tear-resistant and easy to handle
  • More efficient than foam board

Cons

  • – None

2. Steico Natural Wood Fiber Flooring Underlayment – 90 Sqft

Enhance the comfort of your room with the high-performance sound control and acoustic properties of this underlayment. It is specially designed to improve the acoustics of your living space, making it more comfortable and peaceful.

This product is the highest-rated soundproofing solution in the US. It has passed the strictest acoustic tests, including a 6-inch concrete slab without a ceiling assembly. With this product, you can be sure of optimal soundproofing in your home.

Safety is a top priority, and that is why this underlayment is made of pure wood fiber material without any glue additives. It is a natural product made in the EU and is free of VOC and other poisonous emissions. This makes your living space safer and more valuable.

Installation is easy and can be done using commonly available household tools. You don't need to hire a professional to handle the installation. With its high compression strength, this underlayment protects the click-lock system of floors, ensuring that the floor will not squeak and prevents a springy effect when walking. This increases the longevity of your floor.

This underlayment is a natural microclimate regulator. It has a vapor open technology that prevents the accumulation of moisture under the floor. Being a natural and porous material, it can absorb 20% of its weight in water and thus prevent a minor leak from spreading.

Pros

  • Enhances room comfort with high-performance sound control and acoustic improving properties.
  • Highest-rated soundproofing solution in the US, passed the strictest acoustic tests.
  • Absence of VOC and other poisonous emissions makes living space safer and more valuable.
  • Easy to handle and install using commonly available household tools.
  • High compression strength protects the click-lock system of floors, ensures that the floor will not squeak, prevents springy effect when walking and increases floor longevity.
  • Natural microclimate regulator prevents the accumulation of moisture under the floor.

3. Slip-Proof Felt Rug Pad For Hard Floors

The Premium Felted Pad is a durable and slip-resistant rug pad that ensures your rug stays in place, perfect for families with kids and pets. It prevents slipping, bunching, and sliding caused by daily use, making the vacuuming process easier by providing a wrinkle-free and smooth carpet surface. The rug pad also protects your hard surface floors from scratches, punctures, and normal wear and tear that can happen during everyday life by providing an extra layer of thick felt between your flooring and rug.

The open grid rubber backing of the rug pad prevents dust accumulation under your carpet while protecting your rug from possible harsh conditions of directly contacting a hard surface floor. The thickness and softness of the 100% Felt material of the rug pad give a cushioning effect to your carpets and rugs, making them cozier and softer under your feet. The rug pad also provides a great reduction in noise on your steps and excellent insulation, especially during the winter season, helping your home to stay warmer.

The rug pads are available in the most popular rug sizes and are ready to use right out of the box in most cases. If you have special-sized and shaped rugs, you can easily trim the pad with scissors to adjust the size of your rug pad. You can also use the rug pad under the legs of your furniture, futon, sofa, and tables to protect your floor.

Mark & Day offers a diverse range of lifestyles and aesthetics with an astounding array of colors, styles, materials, and sizes for every budget, taste, and need. From machine-woven to hand-knotted rugs, traditional to modern, and living room rugs to outdoor rugs, you'll be amazed at the thousands of selections they stock.

Pros

  • Durable and slip-resistant rug pad
  • Prevents slipping, bunching, and sliding caused by daily use
  • Protects hard surface floors from scratches, punctures, and normal wear and tear
  • Provides an extra layer of thick felt between your flooring and rug
  • Prevents dust accumulation under your carpet
  • Soft and cushiony material
  • Reduces noise and provides excellent insulation
  • Easy to install and adjust the size with scissors
  • Can be used to protect your floor under furniture, futon, sofa, and tables
  • Wide range of colors, styles, materials, and sizes available

4. Reflective Shield: Smartshield Radiant Foil Insulation

The Reflective Insulation is an outstanding product that offers extreme effectiveness in reflecting 97% of radiant energy, making it a perfect radiant barrier. It has an impressive R-value of up to 15.67 with one layer and up to 21.10 with two layers, making it a great insulator. The product acts as a vapor barrier and prevents condensation, making it unaffected by humidity and moisture. It is an excellent sound deadener material and acts as a supreme quality sound barrier. The 5 mm closed-cell polyethylene foam sandwiched between pure aluminum on both sides adds to its strength and lightweight nature, making it easy to install and cut. The product is Class 1/Class A fire-rated, making it safe for use. Moreover, it is non-toxic, making it harmless to the skin, eyes or throat, and non-allergic.

Pros

  • Reflects 97% of radiant energy, perfect radiant barrier
  • Outstanding R-value of up to 15.67 with one layer and up to 21.10 with two layers
  • Acts as a vapor barrier, preventing condensation
  • Excellent sound deadener material and supreme quality sound barrier
  • 5 mm closed-cell polyethylene foam sandwiched between pure aluminum on both sides adds to its strength
  • Easy to install and cut
  • Class 1/Class A fire-rated, making it safe for use
  • Non-toxic, making it harmless to the skin, eyes, or throat, and non-allergic

5. Silentstep Wood Fiber Flooring Underlayment

Enhance the comfort of your living space with the high-performance sound control and acoustic properties of this underlayment. It is specially designed to provide optimal soundproofing and is rated highest in the market. This natural product is made in the EU from pure wood fiber material without any glue additives. It is easy to handle and install using commonly available household tools.

The underlayment has been US tested and certified after passing the strictest acoustic tests, including a 6” concrete slab without ceiling assembly. This guarantees optimal soundproofing and ensures that you enjoy a quiet and peaceful environment.

In addition to soundproofing, this underlayment enhances safety in your living space. It is made of pure wood fiber material without any glue additives, making it free of VOC and other poisonous emissions. This makes your living space safer and more valuable.

The high compression strength of this underlayment protects the "click-lock" system of floors, ensuring that the floor will not squeak or have a "springy" effect when walking. This also increases floor longevity.

This underlayment is a natural microclimate regulator, thanks to its "Vapor Open" technology. It prevents the accumulation of moisture under the floor and can absorb 20% of its weight in water. This makes it perfect to prevent a minor leak from spreading.

Pros

  • High-performance sound control and acoustic improving properties
  • Highest rated soundproofing
  • Absence of VOC and other poisonous emissions enhances safety
  • Made of pure wood fiber material without any glue additives
  • Easy to handle and install using commonly available household tools
  • Protects the "click-lock" system of floors preventing squeaking and increasing longevity
  • Natural microclimate regulator that prevents moisture accumulation

6. Fluoropolymer Underfloor Heating For Cozy Homes.

Enjoy warm floors throughout the year with the Heater Floor Mat System that is designed to provide maximum comfort in cold weather. The ultra-thin profile of these heating mats makes them ideal for use in home renovations, and they can be installed under tile, wooden, or laminate flooring with ease. Choose from a variety of sizes ranging from 5 to 70 square feet to suit your needs.

Safety is a top priority when it comes to electric floor heating, and our system is equipped with fluoropolymer insulated jackets to prevent electrical shocks. This feature makes it a safe choice for families with children or pets.

The Heater Floor Mat System is equipped with smart technology that allows for easier adjustments. The GFCI underfloor heating thermostat is WiFi-enabled and compatible with Google and Alexa, making it easy to control the temperature of your floors from anywhere in your home.

Upgrade your home with the Heater Floor Mat System and enjoy warm and comfortable floors all year round. This system is a reliable and safe choice for any home.

Pros

  • Provides maximum comfort in cold weather
  • Can be installed under tile, wooden, or laminate flooring
  • Equipped with smart technology for easier adjustments
  • Safe choice for families with children or pets
  • Ultra-thin profile makes it ideal for home renovations

Cons

  • – May be expensive to install for some users
  • – Requires professional installation
  • – May not be suitable for large rooms or open spaces

7. Hot Tub Protection Pad: Interlocking, Non-Slip, Inflatable

This package includes 21 pieces of hot tub pads, consisting of 20 foam tiles and 1 small mat for the pump. The tiles are 1/2 inch thick and are suitable for home use. The quantity is sufficient to meet your needs.

Assembling and disassembling the patio tiles is effortless. All you need to do is splice them together to form a circle. The tiles can be disassembled quickly and stacked together for carrying and storing, saving space.

The hot tub mat outdoor has non-slip textures on the surface that provide excellent grip and enhance friction. It protects you from falls and collisions, and you can use it with confidence, even if water splashes on it.

Cleaning and caring for the pool mats for the floor is straightforward. You can easily clean water, dirt, dust, debris, stains, and other substances with a cleaning cloth, saving time and energy.

Foam tiles for the pool are made of high-quality EVA, which is serviceable and dependable. They provide effective protection to the hot tub and the floor, reduce noise, and enhance your using experience. Additionally, they keep the floor clean and dry by keeping it away from water, dirt, and food residue.

Pros

  • Sufficient quantity to meet your needs
  • Effortless assembling and disassembling
  • Non-slip textures on the surface for excellent grip
  • Easy to clean and care
  • High-quality EVA provides effective protection

8. Luxury & Comfort Underfoot: Suntouch Warmwire!

The WarmWire cable is an excellent heating solution for those looking for a thin, durable, and energy-efficient alternative. With an input of 240V, output of 12W/SqFt, and 41 BTUs, this cable is capable of heating up to 360 square feet of space. The kit comes with three 120 Sq ft spools with 10 ft armored power lead that provides complete design freedom for going around turns, fixtures, and obstructions. The installation process is hassle-free and can be completed without any professional assistance. The kit includes a cable, touchscreen programmable thermostat, floor sensor, and install accessories, making it a complete package for your heating needs.

The WarmWire cable is designed to deliver efficient heating at a low cost, making it a smart choice for homeowners who want to save on their energy bills. Its thin and durable construction ensures that it is easy to install and can withstand the rigors of everyday use. The cable also comes with a touchscreen programmable thermostat that allows you to set the temperature to your desired level, ensuring that you are always comfortable.

Overall, if you are looking for an energy-efficient, easy-to-install heating solution that delivers high-quality performance, the WarmWire cable is an excellent choice. Its outstanding heating capabilities, complete design freedom, and hassle-free installation process make it a must-have for any homeowner looking to stay warm during the winter months.

Pros

  • Efficient heating solution
  • Thin and durable construction
  • Complete design freedom
  • Hassle-free installation process
  • Includes a touchscreen programmable thermostat and floor sensor

9. Hot Tub Protector: Waterproof Absorbent Pad

The Large Thick Mat for hot tubs is an essential accessory to enhance your bathing experience. With a diameter of 78 inches, this mat can hold a round hot tub up to 77 inches in diameter. If you find the mat is too big, it can be cut into an appropriate size as per your preference. This outdoor hot tub mat is 3 mm thick, which absorbs water well and keeps your floor safe from moisture.

This hot tub mat is designed to protect your hot tub efficiently. It prevents friction between the tub and the floor, reduces noises, absorbs water and protects the floor from moisture. You don’t need to mop the floor after bathing, and it can also be used outdoors, like pools mat or barbecue mats, preventing your hot tub and pools from mud.

The hot tub mat is made of premium felt and PE material. The thick felt has strong water and oil absorption and the PE layer prevents water and oil from seeping through, keeping the floor tidy and clean. Moreover, the PE layer will grip the floor firmly, making it slip-proof and keeping you safe after bathing.

It is effortless to clean and store this hot tub mat. The mat doesn’t need to be washed during the use process. You can put it in a ventilated place or under the sunshine, and wait for the mat to dry. You can wipe the mat with soapy water when there are stains. The hot tub mat is foldable when not in use, saving your room space.

This hot tub mat has a wide range of applications. It can not only be used under the hot tub, but also as a nice mat for an inflatable swimming pool, outdoor barbecue, and car fixing mat, which is nice for preventing water and oil. You can cut the inflatable hot tub mat into different shapes according to your needs.

Pros

  • Large thick mat can hold round hot tub up to 77 inches in diameter
  • Prevents friction between the tub and the floor, reducing noise and absorbing water
  • Protects the floor from moisture, no need to mop the floor after bathing
  • Made of premium felt and PE material, strong water and oil absorption
  • PE layer makes the mat slip-proof and keeps you safe
  • Easy to clean and store, foldable when not in use
  • Wide range of applications, can be cut into different shapes

Cons

  • – None

Best Insulation For Under Floors FAQs

Can insulation be added to existing under floors?

Yes, insulation can be added to existing under floors. In fact, it is a common practice to add insulation to under floors in order to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. The process involves removing the existing floor covering and laying insulation material between the joists or on top of the existing subfloor. The type of insulation material used will depend on the specific requirements of the building, such as the level of insulation needed and the type of heating system in use. Some common materials used for under floor insulation include fiberglass batts, spray foam, and rigid foam boards. It is important to consult with a professional to determine the best insulation material and installation method for your specific situation. Adding under floor insulation can also help to reduce noise transmission between floors and improve overall comfort in the building.

How can I properly install insulation under floors?

To properly install insulation under floors, there are a few steps you should follow. Firstly, you need to assess the type of insulation you will be using. There are different types of insulation, including fiberglass batts, spray foam, and rigid foam boards. Once you have chosen the type of insulation that is best suited for your needs, you need to ensure that the area is clean and free of debris. You should also check for any moisture problems.

Next, you need to measure the area that needs to be insulated and cut the insulation to fit. Be sure to leave a small gap around the edges to allow for expansion. Once you have cut the insulation to size, you can begin to install it.

Start at one end of the area and work your way across, pressing the insulation firmly into place. If you are using fiberglass batts, be sure to wear protective clothing and a mask to avoid inhaling fibers. Once you have installed the insulation, you can cover it with a vapor barrier to prevent moisture buildup.

Overall, proper installation of insulation under floors is crucial to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating costs. By following these steps, you can ensure that your insulation is properly installed and will provide the maximum benefit.

How much insulation is needed for under floors to be effective?

The amount of insulation needed for under floors to be effective depends on various factors such as the climate of the area, type of flooring, and the level of energy efficiency you want to achieve. Generally, a minimum of R-13 insulation is recommended for under floors in temperate regions, while colder regions may require R-19 insulation or higher. However, if you have a higher budget and want to achieve maximum energy efficiency, you can opt for more insulation. Additionally, the type of flooring also plays a significant role in determining the amount of insulation needed. For instance, hardwood floors require less insulation than carpeted floors. It's always best to consult with a professional insulation contractor who can evaluate your specific situation and recommend the best insulation option for your under floors to be both effective and energy-efficient.

What are the benefits of insulating under floors?

Insulating under floors has numerous benefits, both for the homeowner and the environment. Firstly, it helps to keep the house warmer in the winter by preventing heat loss through the floors. This reduces the need for heating and can lower energy bills. On the other hand, in the summer, insulation can help to keep the house cooler by preventing the transfer of heat from the ground. This can help to reduce the need for air conditioning, which also leads to cost savings.

Insulation also helps to reduce noise levels in the house by absorbing sound and preventing it from travelling through the floors. This is particularly important in multi-story buildings where noise can easily travel between floors.

Another benefit of insulating under floors is that it can help to prevent dampness and condensation. This is because insulation acts as a barrier against moisture, preventing it from seeping into the house and causing damage.

Overall, insulating under floors is an investment that can pay dividends in terms of cost savings, comfort, and environmental benefits.

What type of insulation is best for under floors?

When it comes to choosing the best insulation for under floors, there are several factors to consider. The main purpose of insulation is to prevent heat loss and reduce energy consumption, so the insulation material should have a high thermal resistance or R-value. The type of insulation that works best for under floors depends on the type of flooring and the climate of the area.

For wooden floors, the best insulation type is batt or roll insulation made of fiberglass, mineral wool, or cellulose. For concrete floors, rigid foam insulation boards are the most effective. Spray foam insulation is also a good option for both wooden and concrete floors.

Another important factor to consider is moisture resistance. The insulation material should be able to resist moisture to prevent mold and mildew growth. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the insulation is properly installed to avoid any gaps that may allow heat to escape.

In conclusion, the best insulation for under floors depends on the type of flooring and the climate of the area. It is important to choose insulation with a high thermal resistance, moisture resistance, and proper installation to ensure maximum energy efficiency.

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