Underfloor insulation plays a vital role in creating a comfortable home environment.
It helps to reduce energy costs and regulate indoor temperatures. Even better, it prevents heat loss in winter and keeps cool air inside during the summer.
However, not all insulating materials are created equal.
In this blog, we’ll explore how underfloor foam insulation compares to other materials like fibreglass, foil and wool. You’ll also learn why Expol’s retrofit underfloor insulation panels are the top choice for many homeowners.
What is Foam Underfloor Insulation?
Foam underfloor insulation, or polystyrene underfloor insulation, is designed to stop significant heat transfer and minimise noise levels.
Its structure consists of closed-cell foam, engineered to trap air pockets that provide excellent thermal and acoustic benefits.
The most common type of foam insulation is rigid foam board insulation. This is the type of insulation product Expol makes. These pre-cut polystyrene panels are lightweight, durable, and easy to install, offering consistent insulation across large areas.
The Benefits of Rigid Foam Insulation Panels
- Easy to handle and install: Foam insulation panels are lightweight and fit snugly under suspended timber floors. They are simple to cut and install, meaning reduced labour costs and fewer errors.
- Longevity and durability: Foam insulation under floorboards retains its structural integrity over many years without sagging or compressing. It performs consistently whilst also being low-maintenance, offering peace of mind for long-term homeowners.
- Sustainability and energy savings: Foam board insulation produces minimal waste during installation, and offcuts can be fed back into the manufacturing process. It contains up to 20% recycled content that is collected through the StyroCycle program. It also reduces reliance on heating and cooling systems, lowering energy bills.
- Air and moisture resistance: Foam’s closed-cell structure resists water infiltration, protecting it from developing mould and rot. This means it maintains effectiveness in all weather situations, including damp or humid environments. It is also good for keeping out draughts around wooden floors.
- Thermal and acoustic performance: Foam boards keep timber floors warm in winter and cool in summer, enhancing year-round comfort. It also absorbs sound waves, reducing noise transfer between rooms and from outside.
Other Types of Underfloor Insulation Materials
Foam is by no means the only material on the market when it comes to DIY underfloor insulation. The most common alternatives are fibreglass, rubber, reflective foil, and wool.
- Fibreglass: Fibreglass is widely available and affordable, making it a popular choice for the underfloor space. It can, however, absorb moisture over time, which can lead to mould growth. The installation process also requires more safety precautions, as the tiny fibres can irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs.
- Rubber: Rubber is good at dampening sound, making it an excellent choice for noise reduction. However, it doesn’t provide strong thermal support. People often use it in gyms or recording studios rather than as an effective solution for the home.
- Foil: Foil excels at reflecting radiant heat, making it popular in hot climates. It is easy to install under floors and pairs well with other materials to enhance overall performance. The downside is that people often use foil as a supplemental layer rather than a standalone solution.
- Wool: Wool is a natural material with superior thermal properties. It is biodegradable and renewable, appealing to environmentally conscious homeowners Despite its strengths, wool is hygroscopic. This means it can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet, so it needs to be heavily treated. It can soak up and retain moisture without the help of water-resistant additives, and it can attract pests without insect repellents.
These forms of insulation, while offering certain benefits, ultimately fall short of foam’s superior all-around performance.
Trust Expol Foam Insulation Sheets for Long-Lasting Performance
At the end of the day, foam underfloor insulation boards – like Expol underfloor insulation – are the benchmark for durability and effectiveness.
Foam as a floor insulation material has unparalleled benefits, including moisture resistance, longevity, and energy efficiency, and helps create a quieter, more comfortable home environment.
Expol’s advanced rigid foam insulation works under new and existing floors. It is easy to install by DIY enthusiasts and available in four timber floor joist widths (560mm, 470mm, 410mm) to fit all kinds of room sizes and styles.
Expol insulation is available at leading hardware stores and other selected outlets Australia-wide.
Contact us at 1300 AU FOAM if you would like to find out more.
