2023 Floor Insulation Cost, Installation, Options

Many homeowners are happy to spend money on floor insulation, as it helps keep the heat inside during cold winters.

Flooring insulation is a home improvement project worth considering, and you can find out all about it below.

To get started on installing flooring insulation, contact your local flooring pros for FREE ESTIMATES!

Floor Insulation Cost

Flooring insulation is usually calculated in square feet, as that’s also the standard measurement for houses.

Below is a table that contains the most common insulation methods and materials for flooring.

Insulation Material	Average Cost per Square Feet	Average Cost per 1,000 Square Feet
Fiberglass Batt	$0.75	$750
Foam Boards	$0.75	$750
Spray Foam	$2	$2,000
Vapor Barriers	$0.35	$350

Besides the price per square foot, we’ll include what you can expect to pay if your floor measures 1,000 square feet.

Flooring Insulation Cost Breakdown

The most critical expense will be the insulation itself, as these materials are usually artificial substances produced in factories. Processing the raw ingredients and transforming them into insulation requires time and money.

Usually, the costlier the insulation, the more expensive it will be to install, as not every contractor has the required expertise.

Labor costs are the next major component of your insulation installation bill.

Contractors must work hard and ensure they don’t make mistakes while insulating your floors.

The good news is that floor insulation is less expensive compared to other areas in a house.

The contractors will have to bring in specialized equipment, and some insulation materials demand the use of special gear. This can increase costs.

The amount of space to be insulated will then decide how much you’ll pay.

Not every floor has to be insulated, but spending a little more for security is prudent. You want the internal temperatures to be consistent.

In short, you’re paying for the materials, labor, and total area to be insulated. Equipment is more of a secondary expense but is still influential.

Did you know? Flooring insulation can save money, as the more heat you trap inside, the less you need to spend on energy bills. Floors contribute to 15% of heat loss if not insulated.

How Do You Insulate A Home Floor?

There are many types of floors in the home, which also results in various insulation methods.

Here are some standard floors and their typical solutions employed to keep the cold out.

Suspended timber floors are often insulated by workers placing insulation material like cellulose or wool from below or above, depending on what’s more accessible.

Other homeowners prefer adding foam or wood fiber.

In addition, you can draft-proof the floorboards using draft strips like those sold in home improvement stores.

Solid floors such as solid brick or stone floors can’t be insulated easily because of their weight. However, for a solid floor you can purchase floor coverings, particularly coconut fiber mats, to give the floor a feeling of warmth.

Insulation for solid floors should allow moisture to escape, as water can accumulate beneath the coverings over time.

Concrete floors, in particular, may already have a damp-proof membrane installed to keep moisture out. This membrane may become less effective after many years, so owners sometimes lay a floating wooden floor with insulation over the concrete to prevent cold feet.

Another option for concrete insulation is to add foam boards and then add a new layer of concrete on top.

Rubber surfacing is another insulation method that keeps heat within the home. The electrons in rubber molecules aren’t reactive, and this status reduces heat conduction immensely.

Rubber insulation is relatively simple to install as well.

As you can see, there are many ways to insulate a home floor.

Note that insulation and installing underfloor heating systems are two different things.

Underfloor heating can work in tandem with insulation.

Why Do We Need Insulation For Floors?

Floor insulation is the main line of defense against heat loss and sound pollution.

The former problem is much more harmful to your finances as you pay extra just to stay warm.

Good insulation does much for your home and bank account.

Reduce Heat Loss Drastically

As heat loss through uninsulated floors contributes to 15% or even more of your energy expenses, consider ending this unnecessary cost once and for all.

Many homes stay warm using HVAC systems or boilers, especially if the home is older.

While these solutions work, heat still escapes through the roof, windows, and floors.

Therefore, installing flooring insulation and maintaining it over your homeownership will help your house remain comfortable even on the coldest days.

The heaters can stay on, but you can turn them down and save money.

When thinking about long-term spending, you’ll realize how much you can save just from insulation alone.

Promotes Even Temperatures

Insulation in one area can sometimes deteriorate earlier than in other parts of the home.

If your insulation is too old, consider having it replaced.

Uneven temperatures can necessitate increasing the heat, which drives your heating bills up.

Having one part of the house colder than another is an uncomfortable situation. It’s best to address it immediately, especially if there’s no insulation at all.

With the floors insulated equally, the HVAC system gets to run consistently.

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Unsurprisingly, HVAC systems and boilers release large amounts of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide. These gasses aren’t healthy, and can harm the environment.

Instead, rely on insulation to keep carbon emissions down to a more acceptable level.

Prevent Moisture Infiltration

Insulation for your floors can keep moisture out of the house and protect your precious belongings from getting damaged.

Wooden floorboards can develop severe damage if exposed to moisture for too long. That’s why people need to insulate wooden floors.

In addition, some objects, like paintings, can deteriorate if the home is too humid.

Avoid Freezing Pipes

Underfloor pipes can freeze when temperatures drop, and a frozen pipe is more prone to cracking and bursting because water expands as it becomes a solid.

In fact, water will expand by around 9% when it reaches the freezing point. Your pipes might not be able to endure that if they’re too old.

Keeping the space warm prevents frozen pipes.

Repairing the pipes in the middle of winter isn’t fun for contractors, who may charge extra for emergency jobs.

Warm pipes will provide running water for the household, a necessity for living. That’s why insulating flooring is helpful.

Pro Tip: Combine flooring insulation with anti-draft products to achieve maximum heat retention in the home. You can save even more money this way.

Stay Cool in the Summer

Insulation can actually help you stay cool on hot days, especially if you prevent much air from escaping the home.

Just as hot air doesn’t escape easily, cool air behaves in a similar way.

An insulated home will retain the comfortable, cool air much more effectively, reducing the need for extended air-conditioning.

How Do You Insulate An Existing Floor?

Existing floors can be insulated by removing whatever you can move and adding the insulation material.

This method is best for wooden floorboards, which can be insulated from the top or bottom. Doing so from the top is more complex and should be performed carefully.

When removing floorboards from the top in a furnished room, you may not be able to get everything out of the way.

You can remove and replace the boards one section at a time.

You don’t want to risk damaging the internal structure, which costs a hefty amount to repair.

The job is much easier if you can insulate a floor from the bottom through a crawl space or basement.

You only have to attach the insulation material between the floor joints for it to work.

Fiberglass and foam are both similar.

Existing concrete floors are difficult to remove, so many homeowners cover them with new layers of insulation.

You can cover the whole floor with vapor barriers, furring strips, and rigid insulation boards.

To finish the job, protect the sheets with some plywood floorboards.

Alternatively, you can add a layer of rubber flooring, which is comfortable to step on.

Subfloors are the best way to insulate a concrete or stone floor. These floors aren’t easy to remove, so covering them is usually more effective.

Top Tips For Insulating A Floor

Here are some top tips to consider when insulating your home’s floors. You may know some of them already, but a refresher is always beneficial.

Always Try From the Bottom

If your home has timber floorboards, always try to insulate them from the bottom, meaning use the crawl space or basement.

Since installing insulation for the floors from the top is time-consuming, you’ll spend less time and money this way.

In addition, you can consider insulating the crawl space as well.

Insulating from the bottom doesn’t require lifting boards, which can damage them and potentially remove draft-proofing.

Moreover, you have more choices when it comes to insulating from below.

Always Work Out the Necessary Amount

Before installing flooring insulation, always measure the amount you need.

Depending on what you want to use, you’ll need the floor’s dimensions and maybe a bit extra.

If you’re laying a subfloor, the initial square footage is enough, but always measure twice and cut once.

Those who are installing spray foam may not have to worry too much, but foam board users will have to calculate the necessary amount.

It’s better to have some leftover foam board insulation, which can come in handy for other projects.

Did you know? Insulation can increase your home’s resale value. New owners are usually happier if they know the house stays warm or cool when needed.

Clear the Area

Ensure nothing on or beneath the floors interferes with the insulation.

The insulation must stick to your floors, or it may not perform at its maximum potential.

Some ventilation is necessary, meaning you shouldn’t block any vents or airflow.

Loose nails should be removed, as they can damage the insulation material if not addressed.

Always keep the area clean before, during, and after installing the foam or panels.

Seal Gaps

If there are gaps in the floor, don’t be afraid to seal them.

You want avoid having any warm or cold air leave the house.

Don’t Try to Force It

Not everyone has the knowledge, experience, or equipment to insulate floors professionally.

If you aren’t confident in your skills, consider hiring a trained contractor for the project.

Contractors have everything required to keep the warm or cool air from escaping through the flooring.

No Maintenance Is Required

In case you aren’t aware, insulation requires no maintenance.

However, you might want to check on it once in a while to spot any damage.

Replacing faulty insulation will prevent uneven temperatures.

What Type Of Insulation Is Best For Floors?

For most floors, the best insulation is usually rigid foam boards, which can be tucked under hardwood boards.

For concrete or stone floors, you can add a subfloor layer that contains foam boards because lifting stone or concrete isn’t realistic for most homeowners.

Rigid foam boards can be cut to the right shape or size and thus are highly versatile.

Some floors benefit from sprayed insulation or batting, but they’re not as common.

Sprayed foam is usually used for floors only in extreme situations.

Is Insulating The Floor Worth It?

Yes, insulating your home’s floors is a worthy investment that will pay for itself over time.

After installing insulation, you can rely less on the HVAC system or boilers, as the increased heat retention truly makes a difference once it adds up.

What’s more, insulated floors are usually more comfortable to step on, mainly if they’re made of concrete.

The return on investment from getting effective floor insulation is relatively high.

Potential buyers are always looking at any additional features your home has when you’re selling. Insulation is often a commodity in colder or warmer areas.

Did you know? Sometimes, insulation is as simple as getting some rugs or carpets. These aren’t too expensive, and you can add personality to your home’s floors.

Stay Comfortable

Whether you live in a blazing hot or frigid area, installing insulation for the floors is an investment worth considering.

It’s not as costly as some home improvement projects, and the returns are highly advantageous in the long term.

Consider getting flooring insulation for comfort, too, and your HVAC system and wallet will thank you later.