This guidance note provides advice on the methods, materials
and risks involved with insulating suspended timber ground
floors. The applications described are also appropriate for
timber upper floors where there is an unheated space below,
for example, above a passageway or garage. Advice is also
provided on how suspended floors can be draught-proofed
where the installation of insulation may be difficult or potentially
damaging to the historic character of the building.
Suspended timber ground floors can be a source of
considerable heat loss from older buildings, particularly where
there are gaps between floorboards that create draughts.
Insulating and draught-proofing floors can make an important
contribution to reducing fuel bills and carbon emissions.
Timber floors often constitute a significant part of the character
of older buildings. Lifting old floorboards can require the work
of a skilled carpenter if damage to the boards is to be avoided.
In some cases the potential for damage may be too great, in
which case the boards would need to be left in place.