When we choose to update our home or a commercial space, it’s a fantastic opportunity to make it more energy efficient. Insulation, heating systems and double glazing often get considered, and rightly so, as they can make a huge difference to how much energy is used. But did you know your flooring choice is also fundamental to energy efficiency?
At the extreme of inefficient flooring, consider a period property with stripped wooden floors. When sanded and treated these floors look absolutely stunning. But any gaps between the floorboards allow chilly draughts into the room as well as providing little cracks for heat to escape through. Draught excluding gap filler can work minor miracles on these floors, as can a thick rug, but it’s possible to make flooring a lot more insulating.
Let’s look at how several popular types of flooring perform.
Carpet
Carpet feels great under foot, and it does indeed insulate by preventing cold penetrating up from the foundation beneath. Underlay is perhaps even more crucial than the carpet for keeping heat in though, so don’t skimp on your underlay!
Carpet may not be for everyone due to hygiene, allergy or pet considerations – there’s been a trend towards hard flooring for many years now for these reasons. Hard flooring has got a reputation of being cold, however, it can actually help bring your heating usage under control. Let us explain…
Tiles and stone
Floor tiles, whether made of porcelain or stone, absorb heat when their environment is warm and then release that stored heat slowly back into the room when it’s cooler. This actually helps to keep the room warmer for longer. Keep your slippers handy if it’s chilly and the heating’s been off for a while though.
Factors such as your heating system and the type of property you have will play a big part in whether tiles or stone are the right choice. It’s a bit of a complicated business, but we’re on hand to advise and help you find the most energy efficient flooring option for your needs.
Wood
Wood acts a lot like tiles and stone. It absorbs heat and then releases it back out slowly. Just like with stripped wooden floor, you’ll want to prevent gaps between any floorboards so choose your fitter wisely! Another benefit of wood is that has a small amount of natural flexibility in it and so it’s slightly softer to walk on than tiles. You can get inspiration on wood flooring options from our online shop featuring sustainably sourced Woodpecker flooring.
But again… there are things to consider. For a start, you can’t put wood everywhere: solid wood can’t be placed on underfloor heating and there’s no place for wood in a bathroom due to the likelihood of it getting wet.
But we can help and guide you. Contact us, tell us about your property, your heating system, your flooring requirements and we’ll find you the optimum combination of flooring and energy efficiency. Feel free to bring your builder or architect too and we’ll stick the kettle on and have a chat.
Call us on 01753 830638
Email us info@mc2tilesandflooring.co.uk
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