How To Insulate A Cement Slab Floor

Installing insulation prior to the pouring of a concrete slab floor improves the energy efficiency of the floor and makes it more comfortable.

How to insulate a cement slab floor.

Methods to insulate a concrete floor. Concrete is cold and hard but an insulated concrete slab can make a heated garage significantly warmer and more energy efficient. However even a newer slab insulated with r 20 may not be adequate depending on a few factors including the type of. Although building codes differ by region builders typically use r5 and r10 insulation under the concrete slab but floors insulated with r20 contain the heat in your basement far better than those insulated with lower r values.

Insulating a concrete floor can save you money on your heating bill making an attached garage or basement warmer and by extension the rest of your house. Check out this article for a list of slab edge insulation solutions and episode 125 for my interview with henry edney of maxraft. How to insulate a garage floor above a concrete slab. Reduced energy costs and greater comfort.

There are numerous methods for insulating concrete floors and slabs. Insulation requirements for slab on grade floors can be found in section r402 2 9 of the 2012 iecc and section n1102 2 9 of the 2012 irc. While you can apply insulation over the concrete slab that requires adding wood subflooring and other components that add to the cost and complexity of the project. Address uneven floors prior to installing any floor system the low spots should be fixed with concrete patch or floor leveler.

The first thing to consider when looking into different types of concrete floors is why it s so important to insulate the floor slab. Most people know the benefits of insulating a home s wall floors and ceilings. Once the basement is prepped choose an insulation to reduce heat loss and moisture transfer from the slab. In addition to offering insulation and energy savings the plywood subfloor described here can provide the perfect foundation for finish flooring such as carpeting adding warmth in look as.

Up to 80 of heat loss in a floor slab occurs around the edges. Both codes state slab edge insulation is not required in jurisdictions designated by the building official as having a very heavy termite infestation.