Warmth under your feet

New Zealand has more than it’s fair share of cold and draughty homes. The reasons are a combination of underinvestment, poor design and poor maintenance. Home insulation only became mandatory in 1978; so if your home was constructed before then, it’s likely you are in need of insulation.
The monetary price we pay for un-insulated houses comes in the form of wasted energy from heating homes that are unable to retain heat. The damp and moisture also have negative effects on the structure of our houses, but more worrying still is the toll it can take on your family’s comfort and health.
Installing insulation under your floor will help further retain heat and continue the process of having a warm and healthy home. Insulation will stop the cold seeping in, prevent heat escaping and stop damp rising. Underfloor insulation can be made from polyester, wool, fibreglass and polystyrene – some are good and some are great (always choose great!).
Fibreglass insulation choices are made easily these days with the use of R-values:

• A minimum of R1.6 insulation if your home is in the North Island (excluding the Central Plateau); or
• A minimum of R2.6 insulation if your home is in the South Island or Central Plateau.

Combine this with advice from trained professionals at Mitre 10 and online resources and choosing your underfloor insulation is a breeze.
Run through this checklist to assess your underfloor insulation status:

• Do you have underfloor insulation?
• Is your insulation gap free?
• Is your insulation dry?
• Does your insulation cover the whole area?

 
All of these questions will need to be answered and addressed, the first being the easiest with the easiest solution – just visit Mitre 10 and order enough for the job!
Installation
It's important to install your insulation correctly, as even a tiny gap in your insulation can make it significantly less effective. Underfloor insulation is easy to install, as long as it fits neatly under the floor and between the floor joists. 
With fibreglass-based products, you have the ability to bend the material to fit the various widths between floor joists and this flexibility is an asset when installing your insulation.
Reducing the gaps between your insulation and the joists under your floor is not enough – they must be eliminated entirely. Gaps around the edges of insulation, either on all four edges or with gaps on both sides and double height gap at the top, will reduce the effective R-value of the insulation by approximately 3% for every 1mm gap.
If you are using a polystyrene-based insulation, ensure you have a sharp Stanley knife to make your cuts accurate and straight; this will help you fit the insulation perfectly.
With fibreglass-based products such as Pink® Batts® SnugFloor®, you are able to simply fit the insulation into place between the joists and bend the product as required. It is still very important to make sure you have all the gaps covered and that the insulation has not flexed away from the floor, allowing a gap to form.
With fibreglass products, you simply fit, fold and strap into place to ensure there is no movement over time. Polystyrene is more rigid, so any gaps need to be filled. Polystyrene insulation also needs a protective sheathing around wiring to prevent contact.
There are many great installers available if you’re unsure about your skill level for this project and the team at Mitre 10 has a list to help you. One thing that’s for sure is that once your insulation is installed, you and your family will notice the difference in terms of comfort, warmth and saving on your power bill.
 

As with all DIY projects, installing insulation under your floor requires concentration, a steady hand and the right equipment. Safety equipment is paramount, as you are dealing with a product that can irritate your skin and eyes. Also, there are many potential dangers under your floor such as electrical cables, timber splinters, exposed nails and, sometimes, plumbing.
 
Here is a list of How To safety products you should have for installing insulation under your floor:
 

• Dust mask: Under your floor is a dusty place and the irritation from dust particles poses a health risk, so using a disposable cotton pad mask is the very least you can do to protect your lungs. If you are going to be installing a lot of insulation, then it would pay to invest in a more robust respirator.

 

• Clothing: Loose-fitting clothing will lessen the chances of skin irritation from the insulation material.

 

• Footwear: Good shoes will make the difference in terms of grip, comfort and the prevention of abrasions or damage to your feet. The range of Bata products are ideal and can be found at Mitre 10.

 

• Lamp and extension cord: An adequately lit work area is essential; make sure you have an extension cord about 15m long.

 

• Installing sticks: These should be about 1.5m long, 50mm wide and 5-10mm thick. They will allow you to push the insulation into the corner.

 

• Knife: The sharper the knife, the better, as it will slice through insulation for a clean edge. This edge will give you the friction fit you need between the floor joists, ensuring a professional and effective finish.

 

• Goggles: Due to the irritation caused by insulation it is always a great idea to wear eye protection to ensure your eyes are saved from unnecessary aggravation. Use fully enclosed goggles for this job.

 

• Gloves: Protect your hands from nails and splinters and your skin from the irritation caused by insulation. A good set of gloves will last you for many years and they will be useful for many other projects.

 
There are some important safety precautions that are worth mentioning, specific to the installation of under floor insulation:
 

• Always have sufficient lighting. This is the key to being aware of your surroundings and of threats to your safety. It also helps you carry out a professional job.

 

• Electrical hazards are everywhere and accidentally interrupting the flow could put your life in danger. Be aware of where the electrical cables are and mark the areas where hidden cables lay.

 
Installing insulation is a great project for winter and the tools you need are easy to find. Should you need more information, talk to the team in store at your local Mitre 10.