How Much Does Underfloor Insulation Cost?

In Australia, underfloor insulation costs are determined by the type of insulation used and the heat resistance indicated by the R-value. Knauf earth wool insulation, for example, costs $5.5/m2. As a result, an 80 square metre underfloor will cost at least $440. Polyester insulation, on the other hand, will cost the homeowner extra.

Although the climatic zone determines a location’s weather conditions, materials with R2.0, R representing R-value, are suitable for use in the country. Contractors might charge less than $1,000, but the cost can climb to $2,000 or more.

Overall, the cost is determined by the materials used, the spacing between joists, and the ease of access. As a result, you could anticipate it to vary depending on the insulation product and the floor area—furthermore, compact floor joists and low underfloor demand more time for installation, resulting in increased costs.

How Much Does Underfloor Insulation Cost

Each underfloor insulation material has its specific properties and working method. Because of this, no single job is the same, and you will always have to choose a different insulation material. Here is a list of the various types of underfloor insulation materials and their respective costs:

• EPS Sheets: $11 to $17 per square metre for an average thickness of 3.15 inches
• Polyurethane Spray: $20 to $30 per square metre for a thickness of 3.15 to 4 inches.
• Insulating Screed: $18 to $25 per square metre.
• Polyester Batts: $15 to $20 per square metre.
• Glasswool Batts: $8 to $10 per square metre.
• Knauf Earthwool: $5.5 to $8 per square metre.

Factors that Affect the Cost of Underfloor Insulation Job

The cost of getting underfloor insulation professionally installed will usually boil down to the following factors:

Materials

How much you spend on materials will depend on the R-value of the batts you choose as well as the size of your underfloor area. Generally speaking, the higher the R-value, the more expensive it will be. Large underfloor areas will require more insulation batts, which will naturally raise the cost.

Spacing between joists

The more space there is between joists, the easier it will be for the insulation installer to work, which will lower the job’s overall cost. If you can get your joists closer together, it will save you some money. The price of underfloor insulation installation significantly increases if you need to jackhammer the concrete floor to make space for the insulation.

Ease of Access

How easy is it to access the underfloor area? If the floor is covered with a rug, if you have to remove furnitures or obstacles to navigate around, it will be more expensive to install underfloor insulation.

Benefits of Installing Underfloor Insulation

Here are some of the benefits of installing underfloor insulation. Read on!

1. Lower Energy Bills

One of the main reasons many homeowners install underfloor insulation is to lower energy bills. Without insulation, the cool air escaping the floor can raise energy consumption and costs. With the proper insulation, you can save up to 30% on your power consumption.

2. Reduced Floor Noise

Insulation also minimises the impact of floor noises. This can be especially important in a humid environment like a bathroom, where moisture can build up on the floor. Without insulation, small noises such as the footsteps of a family member can easily be heard.

3. Improved Resilience

Underfloor insulation makes the floor more resilient to damp and cold conditions. This is especially beneficial for older people and children who cannot regulate their body temperatures well. This is why you need to install insulation on timber floors. It also gives the floor more resilience to heat and moisture, which can be a challenge when fixing leaks or installing new plumbing or heating systems.

4. Reduced Condensation

Installing underfloor insulation will reduce the risk of condensation in the house. Condensation can easily ruin your walls, windows and floors. It can also cause mould and fungus growth which can be dangerous to your health.

5. Improved Indoor Air Quality

The air quality of your home is also greatly improved by underfloor insulation. Humidity, temperature, and air quality all positively impact your health and well-being. Home insulation is an efficient way to control climate as well.

How to Hire an Underfloor Insulation Expert?

If you decide to get underfloor insulation installed by professionals, there are a few things you need to do beforehand. The first step is to have a clear idea of the work you need done and how much it will cost. Don’t forget to include the cost of materials and the cost of hiring a professional insulator.

First, look for contractors who can provide a detailed quote for the underfloor insulation job. To do the job properly, the contractor needs to know the size of your underfloor space, the type of material to use, and any obstacles that might affect the job (for example, a water pipe that might need to be moved).

After you get the initial quote for the job, you will want to ask for the contractors’ credentials and references. A certified contractor with experience will do the underfloor insulation job professionally and efficiently.

Go through the references and check whether the contractor is a real specialist in underfloor insulation and not just learned to do it. After all, nobody wants to hire a general plumber to do a professional underfloor insulation job.

Finally, make sure you are given a warranty for the job. Some contractors provide a lifetime guarantee for the underfloor insulation job.

Finding the right underfloor insulation expert doesn’t have to be complicated. With the help of our web and app-based platform, HIREtrades helps you connect with our Australia-wide network of tradies, insulation experts included. Post your job today, and we’ll help you get up to three free quotes!