Why should I use insulation boards on a concrete base?

Installing insulation boards over a concrete subfloor helps improve the efficiency and performance of an underfloor heating system. Without insulation, a significant amount of heat can be absorbed by the concrete, increasing warm-up times and reducing the amount of heat transferred into the room.

Insulation boards create a thermal barrier that directs more heat toward the floor surface rather than allowing it to escape into the subfloor. This can improve heating efficiency, reduce energy consumption, and provide faster response times.

For concrete subfloors, insulation boards are typically fixed using a flexible tile adhesive. The boards should be installed with staggered joints, and once the adhesive has cured, the joints should be reinforced with glass fibre tape to create a stable and durable surface.

When installing insulation boards over a timber subfloor, they are normally bonded with a suitable flexible adhesive and then mechanically secured using appropriate screws and washers. The fixings should be evenly spaced according to the manufacturer’s installation guidelines, and the board joints should also be reinforced with glass fibre tape before the floor finish is installed.