Hello everyone,
We are currently in the process of choosing our flooring. At the moment, we are leaning towards click vinyl.
I’m wondering if there is a type of flooring that actually helps to reduce the feeling of cold underfoot? I don’t have underfloor heating (we use gas radiators). In addition, we have a 120cm (47 inch) high crawl space. Now I am wondering if our feet will feel cold once the click vinyl is installed?
The previous owner had several runners/carpets, and I never walked barefoot inside the house. So I don’t know how it really feels.
Or would it make more sense to insulate the ceiling of the crawl space if cold feet are a concern?
I know… it’s all very theoretical… but the question just came to my mind.
We are currently in the process of choosing our flooring. At the moment, we are leaning towards click vinyl.
I’m wondering if there is a type of flooring that actually helps to reduce the feeling of cold underfoot? I don’t have underfloor heating (we use gas radiators). In addition, we have a 120cm (47 inch) high crawl space. Now I am wondering if our feet will feel cold once the click vinyl is installed?
The previous owner had several runners/carpets, and I never walked barefoot inside the house. So I don’t know how it really feels.
Or would it make more sense to insulate the ceiling of the crawl space if cold feet are a concern?
I know… it’s all very theoretical… but the question just came to my mind.
M
MIA_SAN_MIA__17 Oct 2017 21:46Use a cork impact sound insulation. It provides at least some soundproofing.
Thanks for the tip.
The click vinyl flooring we are considering already has an integrated cork layer. We'll see if that works out.
Do you think the existing crawl space (not heated and with small windows) contributes to cold? I mean, on one hand, no cold is coming directly from the concrete slab to our floor. On the other hand, the basement is generally cool down there.
The click vinyl flooring we are considering already has an integrated cork layer. We'll see if that works out.
Do you think the existing crawl space (not heated and with small windows) contributes to cold? I mean, on one hand, no cold is coming directly from the concrete slab to our floor. On the other hand, the basement is generally cool down there.
Hello "Farilo".
Trying to solve the problem with just a floor covering is and remains unsatisfactory! Your idea to install thermal insulation on the cold side is correct. Even if working in a crawl space is unpleasant, this approach is still the technically proper solution.
What happens with a floor covering?
Well, materials like cork underlay ultimately increase the thermal resistance. The cold from the ground below withdraws heat from the (bare) sole of the foot more slowly, which feels like "warm feet."
The smaller the temperature difference (with insulation on the basement ceiling), the more comfortable it is mentally perceived, since the entire floor surface acts as a cold area causing cooling.
So using an appropriate floor covering is a way to alleviate the issue and downplay it, but it is not a real solution because the root cause (the thermal bridge in the floor) is not eliminated!
---------------------
Regards, KlaRa
Trying to solve the problem with just a floor covering is and remains unsatisfactory! Your idea to install thermal insulation on the cold side is correct. Even if working in a crawl space is unpleasant, this approach is still the technically proper solution.
What happens with a floor covering?
Well, materials like cork underlay ultimately increase the thermal resistance. The cold from the ground below withdraws heat from the (bare) sole of the foot more slowly, which feels like "warm feet."
The smaller the temperature difference (with insulation on the basement ceiling), the more comfortable it is mentally perceived, since the entire floor surface acts as a cold area causing cooling.
So using an appropriate floor covering is a way to alleviate the issue and downplay it, but it is not a real solution because the root cause (the thermal bridge in the floor) is not eliminated!
---------------------
Regards, KlaRa
KlaRa schrieb:
Hello "Farilo".
Trying to solve the problem with just a floor covering remains unsatisfactory! Your idea to install insulation on the cold side is correct. Even though working in a crawl space can be unpleasant, this approach is technically the right one.
What happens with a floor covering?
Well, through layers like cork inserts, the thermal resistance is ultimately increased. The coldness of the subfloor takes heat away from the bare sole of the foot more slowly, which is perceived as “warm feet.”
The smaller the temperature difference (when insulation is applied to the crawl space ceiling), the more pleasant it feels mentally, since the entire floor surface acts as a cold area that cools down.
So using a suitable floor covering is a way to soothe and downplay the issue, but it is not a real solution because the root cause (the thermal bridge at the floor) is not eliminated!
---------------------
Regards, KlaRaOkay. So I should insulate the ceiling of the crawl space, which is at least 1.10m (3 ft 7 in) high. Okay.
Is there a general solution for this? I mean, is there an insulation product suitable for this? Or is that also a jungle on its own?
Yes, this will be a real "jungle."
First, due to the type of ceiling construction, its thickness, and whether it includes steel reinforcement or not, the thickness of the insulation must be calculated to ensure it actually works. The requirements of the current energy-saving regulations must be strictly followed during renovations!
Next is the question of the type of ceiling surface—whether curved, solid, or crumbling, with recesses or smooth. Large-format panels could not be installed on curved vaulted ceilings.
Finally, the issue of the vapor barrier arises. This is to prevent the basement from becoming a dripstone cave later on, when moisture from the warm living space condenses within the cross-section of the ceiling and runs downward.
We conclude: this is not a do-it-yourself matter. It requires calculations and planning; otherwise, the money spent on a non-functioning construction is just as lost as the time invested in its implementation!
--------------------------
Regards, KlaRa
First, due to the type of ceiling construction, its thickness, and whether it includes steel reinforcement or not, the thickness of the insulation must be calculated to ensure it actually works. The requirements of the current energy-saving regulations must be strictly followed during renovations!
Next is the question of the type of ceiling surface—whether curved, solid, or crumbling, with recesses or smooth. Large-format panels could not be installed on curved vaulted ceilings.
Finally, the issue of the vapor barrier arises. This is to prevent the basement from becoming a dripstone cave later on, when moisture from the warm living space condenses within the cross-section of the ceiling and runs downward.
We conclude: this is not a do-it-yourself matter. It requires calculations and planning; otherwise, the money spent on a non-functioning construction is just as lost as the time invested in its implementation!
--------------------------
Regards, KlaRa
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