Floor insulation is a smart way for homeowners to lower their energy bills. It helps to keep heat in and shut out the cold. By insulating your floor, you can save up to 10% on your energy costs.
There are several options for floor insulation. You can choose between insulation via the crawl space or at the top off the floor. The costs depend on the type of floor and the insulation material chosen. Concrete and wooden floors require different approaches.
The price of floor insulation in the Netherlands usually ranges between €45 and €85 per square meter. This depends on factors such as the size of your home and the chosen insulation method.
Cost of Floor Insulation
Costs Overview
The cost of floor insulation vary by situation. Here are some price ranges:
- PUR insulation: €40 - €55 per m²
- Glass wool: €35 - €55 per m²
- Reflective foil: €25 - €40 per m²
- Insulation boards: €55 - €85 per m²
These prices include installation but exclude VAT. The total costs depend on the size of your floor. For an average home of 50 m², you can count on €750 to €2500.
Factors that influence the price:
- Type of insulation material
- Thickness of the insulation layer
- Accessibility of the crawl space
- Need for extra work
Investment and Payback Period
Floor insulation is a smart investment that pays off. You save around €350 to €650 annually on your energy bill. The exact savings depend on your heating approach and the size of your home.
The average payback period is 4 to 8 years. After that, you will benefit from the savings every year. In addition, the value of your home increases due to improved energy performance.
Additional benefits of floor insulation:
- More comfort thanks to warmer floors
- Less drafts and moisture
- Lower CO2 emissions
You can apply for subsidies to reduce costs, learn more about that below.
Insulation Materials and Options
When it comes to floor insulation, you can choose from a variety of materials. Each material has unique properties that suit specific situations. Let's take a look at the options.
EPS insulation boards: EPS insulation boards are lightweight and affordable, making them a popular choice for floor insulation. They offer good basic insulation, especially suitable for dry conditions.
XPS (Extruded Polystyrene): XPS panels are strong and moisture resistant, making them ideal for use in humid environments such as cellars. They have a higher compression strength than EPS, making them better suited to be installed under cement screed.
PIR (Polyisocyanurate): PIR panels offer the highest insulation value per thickness, which means that they provide excellent thermal performance in a thinner profile. This makes them particularly suitable for situations where space is limited.
Foam insulation: Foam insulation is sprayed directly onto the floor and fills all cracks and holes, providing a seamless layer of insulation. This type of insulation is ideal for uneven surfaces and hard-to-reach areas.
Mineral Wool (Glass Wool and Rock Wool): Mineral wool insulates excellently against both noise and heat and is also fireproof. However, it is less suitable for humid areas because it can absorb moisture and thus lose its insulation value.
Tonzon (Reflective Foil): Tonzon is a reflective foil that reflects heat back into the home instead of absorbing it like traditional insulation materials. It is a unique solution that is particularly suitable for situations where saving space is crucial.
When choosing the best floor insulation, it is important to take into account your specific situation, such as the type of floor, humidity and the available budget. Consult an expert to make the right choice.
Comparison of Concrete Floor and Wood Floor Insulation
Concrete floors and wooden floors have different properties when it comes to insulation. The choice between these two depends on your specific situation and budget.
Insulate Concrete Floors
Concrete floors are often easier to insulate than wooden floors. They provide a firm, flat surface for insulation materials.
There are several methods to choose from:
- Insulation at the bottom
- PIR insulation boards: High-quality thermal insulation with a thin profile.
- XPS (Extruded Polystyrene): Moisture-resistant and strong, ideal for use under concrete floors.
- Insulation on top of the floor
- EPS (Expanded Polystyrene): Affordable and lightweight insulation boards.
- PIR insulation boards: For excellent insulation in confined spaces.
- Floor heating with insulation
- DBS14 System: Specifically designed for low-profile floor heating.
Concrete floor insulation helps with saving on heating costs. It ensures better heat regulation. Your home stays warm longer in winter and cool longer in summer.
The costs for concrete floor insulation are often lower than wooden floors. This is due to the easier use of insulating materials.
Insulate Wooden Floors
Insulating wooden floors is a bit more complicated. They consist of wooden beams with spaces in between. These spaces may have cracks.
There are several ways to insulate a wooden floor:
- Insulating between beams: Use of glass wool whether rockwool to isolate sound and heat.
- Insulating from the crawl space: Application of PIR- or XPS insulation boards. Placement of reflective foil as Tonzon is also possible.
Insulating wooden floors can be more difficult due to limited access to the crawl space. You should also pay attention to humidity and ventilation to prevent mould.
The costs of insulating a wooden floor are often higher than a concrete floor. This is due to the extra work and possible adjustments that are required.
Replacing Wooden Floor
Sometimes replacing a wooden floor with an insulated concrete floor is an option. This is a major project but can offer multiple benefits:
- Better insulation
- Less maintenance
- Possibility for floor heating
The cost of replacing a wooden floor due to an insulated concrete floor are considerable. For a 28m² floor, you can count on approximately €8400 excluding VAT.
Replacing it is a major investment. Consider whether the benefits outweigh the costs and inconvenience of the remodel.
Ground Floor versus Interfloor Insulation
Floor insulation improves warmth and sound insulation in your home. The approach differs for ground floors and mezzanine floors.
Ground Floor Insulation
Insulating the ground floor is crucial to prevent heat loss to the cold ground and make your home more energy efficient. By insulating the underside of the floor, the floor height is maintained and thermal bridges are avoided.
When insulating at the top, especially suitable in the absence of a crawl space, the floor is slightly raised. This method improves heat distribution, reduces drafts and reduces energy costs.
Upper Floor Insulation
Insulating upper floors is particularly important for sound insulation between floors. In addition, it contributes to a more stable temperature distribution in the house.
This ensures less noise pollution, better temperature control, and increased home comfort, while ventilation remains crucial to prevent moisture problems.
Subsidies and Financial Benefits
When insulating your floor, you can benefit from various financial benefits. These make the investment more attractive and help you save money.
ISDE and Other Grants
The ISDE grant is an important arrangement for floor insulation. This allows you to get part of your costs back. The exact amount depends on the type of insulation and the surface.
In addition to the ISDE, local subsidies are also available. These vary by municipality. It is smart to ask your municipality about possible additional arrangements.
The Vereniging Eigen Huis offers help in applying for subsidies. They can advise you on the best options for your situation.
Note: subsidies often have conditions. Make sure you meet all requirements before you start insulating.
Tax advantage
When it comes to floor insulation, you can benefit from a reduced VAT rate. For homes older than 2 years, you only pay 9% VAT on labour costs instead of 21%.
This benefit only applies if a professional performs the work. DIY projects are not eligible.
The savings can be considerable, especially for larger projects. It's a smart way to lower the overall investment.
FAQs
Floor insulation often raises questions about costs, materials and effectiveness. Here are answers to common questions to help you make the right choice for your home.
What are the main cost factors when insulating a floor?
The floor insulation costs depend on:
- The type of insulation material
- The insulation method (from above or below)
- The thickness of the insulation layer
- Total floor area
What are the differences in insulation value between a concrete floor and a wooden floor?
Concrete floors naturally have a higher insulation value than wooden floors. They retain heat better.
Wooden floors let more heat through. They are often easier to insulate from the crawl space
What are the best options for floor insulation in the absence of a crawl space?
If you don't have a crawl space, consider:
- Insulation from above (raise the floor)
- Soil insulation (if there is a small space)
- Floor heating with insulation underneath
These options are often more expensive but can be effective.
Which floor insulation method causes the largest increase in temperature in a home?
Isolation of the ground floor floor usually causes the largest increase in temperature. It can raise the floor temperature by 2-3 degrees.
Combine this with other insulation measures for best results. Think of wall and roof insulation.
