Install Under Floor Insulation A well insulated home means increased comfort and decreased heating bills. And if you follow the safety and installation instructions ... Read The Full Guide More Popular Guides ... How To Install Wall Insulation How To Install Ceiling Insulation How To Use Silicone Sealants How To Lay Paving

We have a 1950 ex state house with wooden floors and want to install some kind of underfloor insulation.

The two options:

1) EXPOL - This is a polystyrene type of underfloor insulation. /br>
2) Pink Batts Cosyfloor - this is a fibreglass insulation with a foil face. It is very effective and our recommended solution.

Both methods will be suitable and it is a DIY project. Staff at your local Mitre 10 store will be able to help you calculate the volumes you require and prices.

WHAT TO WEAR

 

Old roof cavities and underfloors are dusty places at the best of times, and glass wool insulation can produce skin irritation so it pays to wear protective clothing.

Disposable overalls and taking a cool shower straight after the job is the ideal way to keep things comfortable.

Correct Clothing
Loose fitting, full cover clothing – long sleeves, long pants, or better still, overalls – will lessen the chances of skin irritation.
Dust Mask
A disposable cotton pad mask is generally suitable to help prevent discomfort. Increased protection is available with a more sophisticated mask such as a R1000 Respirator.
Safety Glasses
Safety glasses are also a good idea, particularly when installing underfloor insulation where you’re working underneath/looking up at the job.
Gloves
Rubber palmed gloves are recommended to help prevent skin irritation. Washing up gloves are fine.
Footwear
Sturdy footwear is also necessary to maintain safety. And because you’re going to be working around electrical wiring, rubber-soled footwear is a must.

 

 

INSTALLING UNDERFLOOR INSULATION

 

Many of the guidelines for ceiling and wall insulation can be followed when installing underfloor insulation.

 

Select the correct insulation for the job (floor insulation) and the correct R-rating for the area you live before you calculate how many bales of insulation you need. Coverage area per bale varies with different types and grades of insulation.

 

Start working at the furthest point away from the access and work back towards this point.

 

Joist spacings under the floor can often be uneven, so be prepared to measure and cut accordingly.

 

 

Unlike the ‘friction fit’ of the ceiling and wall insulation, underfloor insulation is fitted a little differently. Each piece of insulation needs to be cut at least 30mm wider than the distance between the joist faces. Use your cutting board. DO NOT CUT AGAINST FRAMING and risk cutting through electrical wiring.   Slip the insulation into place, pushing one edge against the face of the joist and up to the underside of the floor. As you push the other side into place against the opposite joist, the edge will fold down the face of the joist. This installation method helps ensure there are no gaps between the insulation and the joists.   If you’ve cut a little too big and the folded section protrudes beneath the bottom of the joist, just trim it back.   Pink® Batts® supply flexible installation rods with their underfloor insulation. Just cut 20mm longer than the space between the joists, bend to fit into position against the underside of your insulation and let them spring back into place. Use three installation rods per section of insulation to hold it up in place.   Do not cover over wiring with insulation.   Cut insulation around plumbing, pipes or sub-framing.