HOME REPAIRS

BENEFITS OF INSULATING CONCRETE FLOORS

02/27/2023

HOME REPAIRS

BENEFITS OF INSULATING CONCRETE FLOORS

02/27/2023

Concrete flooring can be aesthetically pleasing, cost-effective, and offer you easy upkeep. Your first initial thought may be, “concrete sounds cold!” There are numerous solutions to heat up your room with concrete flooring to ensure that you stay warm during the colder months and stay cool during the warmer months. Firstly, you’ll explore the pros and cons of concrete flooring. Then we’ll get into how to various options for insulating your concrete floors.

Positive Side of Concrete Flooring

First off, let’s talk about the benefits! Generally speaking, there are numerous positive aspects to consider when installing concrete flooring.

Extremely Durable: This is why the majority of public structures are built with concrete. It is one of the most solid and long-lasting building materials that can withstand most forces of nature and foot traffic.
Low Maintenance: All you need to do is grab your dustpan and broom to sweep up debris. If you want additional durability and longevity.
Versatility: You have several options to make the concrete flooring suit your aesthetics - Colours, textures, stamped, stencilled, and more!
Cost-Effective: Affordability will depend on how complex you want to outcome to be (design and finish).
Noise Reduction: Reduce sounds of footsteps and creaking leaking through the ceiling and walls.
Pest-Proof: No pest wants to eat concrete. If you have incest or pest issues, concrete flooring could be a great option for you!
Fire-Resistant: Wildfires have been an increasing danger in many parts of BC. Concrete floors can offer you solace knowing that you are well protected.

With this in mind, contact us to discuss options and your desired look.

Negative Side of Concrete Flooring

Although there are appealing benefits to installing concrete flooring, there are a few negative aspects to consider before solidifying your choice:

Hard Flooring: Standing and walking for a long period on concrete floors can be uncomfortable for some folks. Rugs are a fantastic option for those who experience discomfort on hard flooring.
Cold: If your concrete floor is not insulated, you’ll definitely feel cold beneath your feet. Many contractors will highly recommend radiant heating to keep your home nice and cozy.
Possible Discolouration and Staining: As we mentioned above, it is a low-maintenance flooring option but you’ll want to remember that concrete is highly porous. This means that it will absorb spills quickly. Since clean-up is easy, if you handle the spill within minutes, you’ll have no problem.
Possible Cracking: If the specific area has high foot traffic, it is prone to cracking. Another reason for cracking is extreme temperature fluctuations. By insulating the floor, you reduce the chance of cracking.
Installation: Since concrete needs to be poured, levelled, and cured over a few weeks, it can be some time before full completion.

This article by The Spruce may offer you more information and ideas if you’re considering concrete flooring.

Importance of Insulating Concrete Floors

After thorough consideration of whether concrete flooring is the best option for you, you’ll also want to know how to best insulate your cold floor. By reducing heat loss, you’ll enhance your comfort and conserve energy, thereby keeping your utility bill at a reasonable cost.

Moisture Barrier: As you are now aware, concrete is highly porous. Moisture retention can cause the concrete to feel even colder. Vapour barrier paint can help prevent moisture and dampness from accumulating. Polyethylene sheets are a great way to add a barrier for added insulation.
Subflooring: Rigid foam boards, plywood, OSB, and concrete finish are some of the common ways of insulating concrete floors.
Radiant Heating: This is a fantastic option if you’re looking to retain the heat. Before adding additional finish over your concrete, it may be in your interest to have radiant heating installed. Radiant heating is essentially a heated mat that is relatively cost-effective to heat your floor and room.
Insulation Sealing: This is the best method of minimizing seeping cold air to leak into your home and preventing heat loss. By closing the gaps with tape or chaulk, you’ll feel a significant difference in feeling the cold beneath your feet.

To clarify, if you have additional flooring to be laid on top of the concrete, you’ll definitely need to insulate your flooring to ensure your carpet, vinyl, or laminate doesn’t get damaged from moisture retention. When you don’t have an insulating solution like a vapour barrier, mildew and mould can accumulate in your home.

Call High Mark One Call's expert technicians to schedule your appointment for concrete floor repairs and maintenance at 604-253-7377.

Wrap It Up

In brief, concrete floors can be a great option for your home if you’re looking to cut costs and have a highly durable floor to last you a last time. As always, properly caring for your flooring is crucial for longevity, comfort, and aesthetic purposes. With all insulation options considered, it’s important to remember that you’re investing for optimal warmth and reducing the chance of mould or mildew. In the long run, you’ll be glad that you thought through your insulation options!

We hope this blog post was informative!

We’d love to hear from you:
What are your experiences with concrete flooring?
Have you found a suitable insulation option for your home?

Share your tips and tricks over on our Instagram or Facebook pages. Looking forward to connecting with you on our social media!