DIY projects are very popular with Australians. Research conducted by Newgate Research in 2020 found that 57 per cent of Australians can be considered ‘DIYers’. The most common motivation for undertaking a DIY project was improving appeal or comfort, with 46 per cent per cent citing this.
Comfort is a significant motivator for undertaking many DIY projects, including installing underfloor insulation to make your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
The good news is that installing your own polystyrene insulation under your floor really is easy. Some DIY projects are much more difficult and complicated than they first appear, but underfloor insulation DIY installation is very straightforward. Here is our step-by-step guide. If you prefer to watch a video, view our installation video here.
Step-by-step installation guide for under house insulation
Unlike some products, Expol underfloor insulation has been designed for DIYers. A home handyperson can install our product underneath their suspended timber floor over a weekend. All that’s required is to measure up, cut to fit, install the foam panels, fix with fittings, and place Expol Wireguard insulation roll around cables.
Measuring and calculating for DIY timber floor insulation
Several things need to be calculated before you purchase the required quantity of foam underfloor insulation, including the R-value of your insulation, the approximate area of the floor, and the spacing between each joist.
R-value measures thermal resistance and represents an object’s resistance to heat. It’s a way of measuring how well insulation can stop heat flow. The higher the R-value, the greater the resistance to heat transfer, the greater the insulating effect, and the greater the energy and money savings. Your climate zone will also dictate your requirements, so do your research before you decide the best under timber floor insulation.
Next, you’ll need to know the approximate area of your floor by measuring the width and breadth of the rooms in your home.
Finally, you’ll need to go under your home to measure the space between each floor joist. This can be done with a standard measuring tape, ruler, or the Expol underfloor ruler. Expol is available in four panel sizes, so select the size closest to your floor joist width, ensuring that it will fit snuggly. Joist sizes can vary, so be sure to measure more than one. You may need a few different panel sizes to complete the job.
Once the measurements are known, enter the relevant details in the Expol insulation calculator to ascertain how many panels you will require.
Preparation for DIY insulation for wooden floors
Like all DIY projects, preparation is crucial when installing underfloor insulation for timber floors.
Firstly, you need to know the level of access and clearance underneath your floor and whether any obstructions could complicate the job. Clear away any significant debris to make it easier to access the area and guard against any injuries. Laying down a tarp can also help keep the insulation panels and you from getting filthy during the job.
Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment, such as glasses, a face mask, and suitable clothing and footwear, will help guard against injury. Lighting is also important because it is often quite dark underneath houses.
Ideally, the insulation installation will be undertaken by at least two people so one can hand materials and equipment to the person undertaking the installation. If you work solo, you’ll need to ensure the panels, brackets and other items are easily accessible.
For this job, you’ll also need a cutting knife to cut the panels to size and a hammer to install the brackets that hold each panel in place.
Installing underfloor insulation
When installing polystyrene underfloor insulation, starting at the furthest point and working back is best.
If the panel is too wide, slice down the appropriate concertina edge, leaving the panel approximately 5mm oversized to ensure a firm fit.
Then, simply slide the panel between the joists. The concertina cuts will ensure a tight fit. Each panel should be pushed up hard against the bottom of your floor, leaving no air gap. Leave a minimum gap of 200 mm around metal heating flues, OA-rated recessed downlights and ceiling exhaust fans, and a 50 mm gap around brick/ concrete chimneys.
To hold the panels in place, fit two Expol L brackets in opposite corners under the panel. Use the stainless steel nails supplied.
Electrical cables that come into direct contact with the panels will need Expol Wireguard fitted before you install the panel. Never use a staple gun to fix the Wireguard; remember to take extra care when working around electrical wiring.
For obstacles such as pipes and plumbing, use your sharp knife to cut the panel and notch around the problematic areas, leaving 100 mm clearance for future maintenance.
Learn more about underfloor insulation installation.
Learn more about do-it-yourself floor insulation
Insulating your floor yourself with Expol underfloor insulation is an easy weekend DIY project.
The benefits to retrofit underfloor insulation are a more comfortable home environment for you and your family. In addition to comfort, you’ll save money on heating and cooling costs and help the environment by consuming less energy.
Expol products are available at leading hardware stores and other selected outlets nationwide.
Please contact us directly at 1300 AU FOAM if you require further information.
