Most people don’t really think about what is underneath our floors. But it’s something that is important to consider. Floors can be creaky if you don’t install them with the proper insulation or underlayment underneath. Read on to see what we recommend when it comes to making your floors sound and feel great.

When you’re a homeowner, you’re responsible for all sorts of maintenance duties, from dealing with plumbing and heating issues to keeping your chimneys and gutters clean. One area where many homeowners run into trouble is flooring insulation. At GCS Flooring Company we make sure our customers understand the importance of a good underlayment. There’s a disconnect between what many homeowners call insulation and what it actually is, this is because what most think of as insulation is actually underlayment. 

If you’re ready to learn more about the differences between insulation and underlayment and where the two overlap, then let’s dive in!

What Type of Insulation Is Best for Your Floors?

What exactly is Flooring Insulation?

Simply put, insulation is material used to help your home trap heat and retain warmth during those chilly winter months. If you live in a hot climate, you might be thinking, why do I need insulation? The answer is that insulation can also help keep heat out and cool air in, making your home more energy-efficient — and, as you’re sure to notice on your monthly electric bill, more cost-efficient, too. Plus, insulation can inhibit the growth of mold and mildew, which is always a bonus in hot, humid climates. Luckily, we don’t have the problem of humidity in Arizona.

Insulation is packed into your building’s structure to provide thermal protection from the elements. Flooring insulation is insulation that is installed under the subfloor between floor joists, which are the horizontal structures that provide a firm framing foundation for a subfloor. This is the same type of insulation that can be found in your home’s walls.

What is Underlayment?

The material that is installed underneath the top layer of flooring is actually called “underlayment.” Underlayment sits just above a subfloor and right below your flooring. Underlayment is applied during the install of new flooring material.  The knowledgeable installer will know how and where to place this material.  Underlayment is not only an insulator, but it also has many other benefits.

The Difference between Flooring Insulation and Underlayment

Insulation is used between joists underneath a subfloor and is often applied during construction of the home.  Underlayment (as its name suggests) is layered directly beneath your flooring to help eliminate sound, add protection from moisture, and create a smoother flooring surface — compensating for any unevenness in a subfloor. And yes, it can also help better insulate your floors, but insulation and underlayment are two different products.

Does Underfloor Insulation Make a Noticeable Difference?

In short: yes! Experts estimate that as much as 15% of heat loss occurs through the floors of your home. By choosing a quality floor underlayment when purchasing your new floors, you can prevent unnecessary heat loss, slashing your energy bills in the process.

Is it good to Insulate My Floor?

Ultimately, the decision to insulate your floors comes down to each individual homeowner. However, we strongly recommend using underlayment beneath your flooring due to the benefits it can have for your home. Underlayment can help insulate your floors and is critical to saving heat while keeping your home comfortable. With that in mind, it’s often best left to professionals to tackle the project.

What Type of Underlayment Is Best?

Underlayment comes in a variety of materials, including poly foam, silicone, and even eco-friendly recycled materials (such as rubber and foam composites). Different types of underlayment can also work with your flooring to deliver a quieter tread on your floors when walking, provide insulation, and level out an uneven subfloor. Choosing the right type depends on the type of floors and subfloors you are installing it between, and the amount of insulation you require against sound and the elements. We hope this helps!

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