QA

Quick Answer: How To Install Rigid Foam Insulation On Concrete Floor

Apply two coats of epoxy paint over the existing slab. The area should be clear of dust and debris. Install rigid foam insulation (XPS or EPS Type II) with the seams taped (see Figure 3). Install 1×4 furring strips at 16 inches o.c. and attach them to the concrete slab through the rigid foam insulation.

Can you use foam board on concrete floor?

You can sandwich rigid foam between an existing concrete slab and new plywood or OSB subflooring. If your basement slab lacks sub-slab foam, you’ll have to install the insulation above the slab.

How do you insulate an existing concrete floor?

When installing insulation on top of the concrete floor, the most common method of installation is as follows. Lay the damp proof membrane onto the concrete, followed by the insulation. Then lay moisture-resistant chipboard, or a concrete screed to the top, which can then be covered by the flooring to finish.

Do you need a vapor barrier with rigid foam insulation?

What I recommend to create a thermal break in basements is rigid foam insulation, with TUCK tape and no vapour barrier. Tuck tape all seams AND, be sure to use a spray foam in all the corners. You don’t need vapour barrier, and you won’t need to insulate between the studs.

How do you apply insulation to concrete?

Add a layer of 1/2-inch drywall over any rigid foam insulation. This drywall is required by most building codes to ensure a fire-safe insulation. Never use rigid foam without also adding drywall to ensure fire safety. Use concrete adhesive to secure rigid foam to the wall as needed if friction isn’t sufficient.

How do you install rigid foam under a slab?

How to Insulate Concrete Slab Before Pouring Dig to the appropriate depth. Smooth and tamp the excavated ground. Spread a 4-inch layer of crushed stone/gravel over the dirt. Lay down rigid foam panels across the entire surface of the foundation. Lay down the vapor barrier according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Is it worth insulating a concrete floor?

Generally speaking, you only need to insulate the ground floor. If you’re on an upper floor, you don’t usually need to insulate your floor space. However, you should consider insulating any floors that are above unheated spaces such as garages, as you could be losing a lot of heat through those.

What insulation goes under concrete floor?

Insulating a solid ground floor below the ground bearing concrete slab can be done using either PIR insulation boards or EPS insulation boards. EPS can be a cost-effective alternative to PIR for floor insulation, and the same thermal performance can be achieved with increased thickness.

How thick should concrete floor insulation be?

A 50mm thick layer of proprietary floor slab insulation (e.g. 50mm Kingspan, Celotex or similar) is usually enough to reach and maintain the target U value but this should be checked with an architect first. Insulation sheets should be laid tightly together with the joints staggered to avoid movement.

How do you insulate a concrete floor before pouring?

How to Insulate a Concrete Floor Before Pouring Excavate the area under the slab to 12 inches below the planned level of the top of the slab. Place 4 inches of gravel in the excavation. Lay a layer of 6 mm plastic across the floor. Place 2-inch thick pieces of rigid Styrofoam insulation on top of the plastic sheeting.

Can you put rigid foam insulation between studs?

Rigid foam board insulation can be used throughout the home, but most often it is found in basement walls. The correct method of using rigid foam is to run continuous 4-foot by 8-foot sheets of the foam across the concrete basement wall between studs.

Which side of foam board insulation faces out?

If you’re wondering whether to put the foil side of foam insulation board shiny side in or out, consider whether you want to make the space inside warmer or cooler. If you want to make the space warmer, the foil should face inside so it can reflect radiant heat back into the room.

Can you spray foam directly on concrete?

The best way to insulate the interior side of a basement wall is with foam insulation that is adhered to or sprayed directly on the concrete. Any of the following insulation materials are acceptable for this purpose: closed-cell spray polyurethane foam or either XPS, EPS, or polyisocyanurate rigid foam.

How do you attach foam board?

To attach the insulation, you can use screws with large washers, a special adhesive made for adhering foam board insulation or, for smaller pieces, you can seal them in with caulk or spray foam.

Is it worth putting foam under concrete?

Creating an insulation layer and a vapor barrier between the concrete slab and the ground beneath it is the best practice in insulating basement floors. The insulation barrier will help keep warm air in, and the vapor barrier will keep unwanted moisture out.

How much does it cost to insulate under a concrete floor?

Expect to pay between $1,000 to $3,000 for floor insulation installation, depending upon the area, labor and materials used to insulate the floor.

How do I make my concrete floor warmer?

A layer of dense foam padding under the laminate can help warm up the floor. In slab situations, raising the subfloor off the concrete with a layer of plywood over sleeper strips before installing the surface flooring can also make it warmer on the feet.

Will Great Stuff foam lift concrete?

Foam that reacts slowly is great for filling voids, but not for raising concrete. If material reacts too slowly, it can travel under and beyond the slab you are trying to lift and then expand.