2.1.8 Adding or increasing internal insulation in floors
Description
This measure consists in adding a layer of thermal insulation to the internal face of the floors with the goal of reducing the thermal transmittance. This measure is of interest for 1 or 2-storey buildings. It is a simple implementation work and it is interesting when it is necessary to replace the floor in the conditioned lower floor.
Benefits
Insulation above the slab increases the heating response time
Temperatures will increase more quickly when the heating system is switched on in comparison with below slab insulation
In the case of a radiant floor heating installation, the insulation including the system tends to be sufficient
Limitations
The effect of temperature regulation by thermal mass is unavailable
Point loading requires careful specification of the floor finish where it bears on a smaller area of insulation beneath
When in conjunction with timber-based flooring it is not advisable for use in ‘wet’ rooms such as kitchens and bathrooms
The internal insulation will necessarily produce a rise in the level of the floor in about 7 to 10 cm, which must be taken into account especially for accessibility to the building.
Economic assessment
Initial investment: around 10 €/m2
References and best practices
Thermal insulation of floors: www.designforhomes.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/03/ThermalInsulation.pdf
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CHARACTERIZATION
Environment or playable world:
Residential
Academic
Offices
All
Carried out by:
Public building users
Owners
Operators
All
Reduce consumption of:
Heating
Cooling
DHW
Lighting
Electric devices
Type of driver:
Physical environmental
Contextual
Psychological
Physiological
Social
Time framework:
- Short term
- Long term
Type of measure:
- Envelope
- HVAC
- DHW
- Lighting
- Electrical devices
- Other
