Insulating Existing Concrete Slab Floors

If the insulation is going below the slab the damp proof membrane dpm is laid next followed by the insulation a polythene separating layer and the concrete slab.

Insulating existing concrete slab floors.

That s not always possible especially in existing. Buried horizontal or sloped wing insulation installed around the exterior perimeter of the building to raise soil temperature. The best way to insulate a slab is to isolate it from the ground and the air around it by insulating under the slab and around its edges. The average residential load bearing code requirement for floor system is 40psf.

However even a newer slab insulated with r 20 may not be adequate depending on a few factors including the type of. Insulating concrete garage floors begins with covering the entire floor with 6 mil polyethylene which will serve as a vapor barrier. Depending on the use of the building the slab can then be finished ready for use or receive a screed suitable for a floor finish. Overlap the seams of the vapor barrier by 6 inches and secure the seams with.

Although building codes differ by region builders typically use r5 and r10 insulation under the concrete slab but floors insulated with r20 contain the heat in your basement far better than those insulated with lower r values. If however you are insulating on top of an existing slab then you will need to consider things such as whether you need to replace or remove skirting boards door jamb heights ceiling heights etc. Less common is a third method. Insulate existing concrete floors 1 cover the entire floor with a vapor barrier such as 6 mm polyethylene sheeting.

Overlap the seams about 6 to 8 inches and seal the seams with waterproof construction tape. Run the polyethylene up the sides of the walls 3 to 4 inches and secure to the walls with construction tape. Once again a thinner insulation such as vacuum insulation may be a more cost effective or more practical option in the long run. In climate zones 4 through 8 the most common locations for insulation are at the perimeter of the slab installed vertically and under the slab installed horizontally.

Once the basement is prepped choose an insulation to reduce heat loss and moisture transfer from the slab. Such spaces typically have a sound level concrete slab floor but lack sufficient floor insulation to achieve the thermal performance targets for new habitable rooms. In addition to offering insulation and energy savings the plywood subfloor described here can provide the perfect foundation for finish flooring such as carpeting adding warmth in look as.