Summary
A suspended timber floor in poor condition can be replaced with an insulated solid floor. However, this is quite a radical measure and changing the floor to an impermeable material such as concrete can lead to dampness from the ground being driven up the walls if not installed correctly.
Cost/difficulty
MEDIUM COST
HIGH DIFFICULTY
Applicability in Letchworth
Applicable – No specific requirements.
Insights from ASBP
“Concrete has a much higher carbon footprint than timber so if ’embodied carbon’ is of concern to you, we would recommend insulating the existing timber floor with a low carbon natural insulation, replacing the old timber joists first if necessary.”
Links to further information
- Energy Efficiency Guide for Letchworth Garden City residents (2024), page 5
- Floor insulation – The Dulwich Estate
This guidance is part of Floors
See more guidance notes on this topic below: