The first thing to consider when looking into different types of concrete floors is why it s so important to insulate the floor slab.
How to insulate existing concrete floor.
Much depends upon whether the floor is new or existing.
1 to prepare for insulating the floor first evaluate the condition of the concrete.
You may need to grind down significantly high spots to ensure an even surface.
But when adding insulation to an existing slab the vapor barrier is laid over the top of the slab before the foam insulating panels are installed.
Most modern buildings have insulation built into the floor structure.
If you know you have issues with moisture tend to those problems before installing the insulation.
Place it into the space between your existing floor joists relying on friction to hold it in place.
The type of construction and what you want to achieve.
Super insulating an existing floor may pose problems with room heights in many buildings.
There are a number of different ways of insulating a concrete floor.
Insofast s insulation panels provide an easy way to insulate a cold concrete floor.
If a concrete floor is being replaced because it is causing damp or other problems limecrete offers an alternative.
How the floor will be used.
How to insulate a garage floor above a concrete slab.
Check out this article for a list of slab edge insulation solutions and episode 125 for my interview with henry edney of maxraft.
Up to 80 of heat loss in a floor slab occurs around the edges.
Insulate existing concrete.
Replacing a concrete floor.
Insofast is a diyers dream a simple way to install insulation needing only a hand saw utility knife and caulking gun.
Add wire insulation hangers as needed to ensure a more secure hold.
This material is similar to concrete but doesn t contain cement consisting instead of lime and aggregate and so provides a floor slab that is vapour permeable.
Also check the floor for smoothness and level.
Concrete is cold and hard but an insulated concrete slab can make a heated garage significantly warmer and more energy efficient.