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Best Insulation For Radiant Floor Heat (2023 Updated)

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When it comes to keeping your home warm and comfortable during the cold winter months, insulation for radiant floor heat is a great option. Radiant floor heat is a type of heating system that radiates heat from the floor and up into the room, providing an even and comfortable temperature throughout your home. Installing insulation for radiant floor heat can help to reduce energy costs, improve indoor air quality, and create a more comfortable living environment.

When looking for insulation for radiant floor heat, there are a few key points to consider:

1. R-Value: The R-value of the insulation material you choose should be appropriate for the climate you live in. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation will be at keeping heat inside your home.

2. Cost: Depending on the type of insulation you choose, the cost can vary significantly. Make sure to research different materials and compare prices to find the best option for your budget.

3. Installation: Different types of insulation require different installation techniques. Make sure you hire a professional to install the insulation properly.

4. Air Leakage: Radiant floor heat can cause air leakage if the insulation is not installed properly. Make sure to check for any air leaks after installation.

5. Maintenance: Regular maintenance of your insulation is important to ensure it is working properly and efficiently. Make sure to check for any signs of damage or wear and tear, and repair or replace as needed.

By keeping these key points in mind, you can ensure that you choose the best insulation for your radiant floor heating system. With the right insulation, you can reduce energy costs, improve indoor air quality, and create a more comfortable living environment.

10 Best Insulation For Radiant Floor Heat

1. 5mm 48"x50ft Reflective Insulation Roll

SmartSHIELD -5mm 48''X50ft Reflective Insulation Roll is the perfect choice for thermal insulation in any space. The reflective insulation roll features a foam core radiant barrier and is a high-quality heat and cold shield. This insulation is made of a 5mm closed cell polyethylene foam sandwiched between pure aluminum on both sides, resulting in a highly effective insulation material. This insulation roll is designed to reflect up to 97% of radiant energy, providing an impressive R-value of up to 15.67 with one layer and up to 21.10 with two layers.

In addition to its thermal insulation properties, this insulation roll also acts as a vapor barrier, preventing condensation and remaining unaffected by humidity and moisture. It also features excellent sound deadening properties, making it a great choice for soundproofing applications. This insulation roll is easy to install and easy to cut, making it a great choice for DIY insulation projects.

The SmartSHIELD -5mm 48''X50ft Reflective Insulation Roll is also fire rate Class 1/Class A and is non-toxic, making it safe to use in any space. This insulation roll is non-irritating and non-allergenic, making it safe to install without worry. This high-quality reflective insulation roll is a great choice for anyone looking for top-notch thermal insulation.

2. 48"x50ft Reflective Foam Core Insulation Roll

SmartSHIELD -5mm 48"x50ft Reflective Foam Core Insulation roll is a revolutionary product, designed to provide superior protection against cold and heat while also providing exceptional thermal insulation performance. The product is an all-in-one insulation, radiant barrier, vapor barrier, and sound barrier, providing the ultimate protection and comfort.

The SmartSHIELD is constructed from a 5mm closed-cell polyethylene foam, laminated with highly reflective engineered foil on one side and a white polyethylene film on the other. This combination of materials allows the product to reflect up to 95% of radiant energy, creating an R-value of up to 15.67 with one layer.

In addition to its superior insulation performance, the SmartSHIELD provides an excellent look. It requires no painting and no additional insulation. It has a clean, white appearance that is sure to enhance any home or business. The SmartSHIELD also has a fire rate of Class 1/Class A and is non-toxic, so it will not irritate skin, eyes, or throat.

The SmartSHIELD is an ideal choice for those looking for the ultimate in insulation and protection from cold and heat. Its combination of materials provides superior insulation performance and a clean, white look that does not require painting. It has a fire rate of Class 1/Class A and is non-toxic, so it is safe for use in any home or business. With the SmartSHIELD, you can enjoy superior protection and insulation performance with peace of mind.

3. 3mm Reflective Foam Insulation Heat Shield, 24" X 10ft 20sqft

This US Energy Products 3MM Reflective Foam Insulation Shield, Heat Shield, and Thermal Insulation Shield Radiant Barrier is the perfect choice for those looking for an industrial strength and lightweight insulation solution. Made of one layer of closed-cell foam bonded between two layers of highly reflective metalized aluminum polyester film, this product provides superior durability and is designed to hold staples without tearing. It can reflect 97% of radiant heat, emit less than 3% heat, and is Class 1 / Class A fire rated and has passed the ASTM E84 test & ASTM E2599.

The product is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, fiber-free, and safe to handle, and does not require protective clothing or respirators to install. It is also easy to install and maintenance free, as it can easily be cut with a utility knife or scissors, and can be stapled, nailed, glued, or sprayed with an adhesive to hold it in place. This insulation will not be affected by moisture or humidity, and will help inhibit condensation. It is also non-flammable and flame retardant, and does not promote nesting of insects or rodents.

This product can help save energy by reducing the stress on heating and cooling systems, and can keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This can lead to a substantial decrease in utility bills all year round. It also provides benefits of soundproofing when used in walls, ceilings and floors, and may even increase your overall property value depending on use. This product is made in USA, and is Class 1 Class A Fire Rated and Waterproof. All these features make this US Energy Products 3MM Reflective Foam Insulation Shield, Heat Shield, and Thermal Insulation Shield Radiant Barrier an excellent choice for those looking for insulation solutions.

4. Luxheat Radiant Floor Heat Installation Cable Monitor With Instant Alarm & Screamer

The LuxHeat Radiant Floor Heat Installation Cable Monitor is an effective and durable product designed to provide peace of mind for homeowners and installers. It offers real-time testing of the floor heating system on all three connections – live, neutral, and earth – to ensure proper continuity and insulation during floor installation.

The Cable Monitor is extremely easy to use and install, with convenient on/off switch and connections for live, neutral, and ground. It is compatible with all types of radiant floor heating mats and cables, and all floor coverings. If the cable insulation or the resistance wire is damaged, the Cable Monitor will immediately alert you with a loud alarm and a red warning light, allowing for easy repair before the heating system is covered by the floor covering. This will help to avoid costly repairs in the future.

The Cable Monitor is also incredibly versatile and can be reused multiple times, with the batteries being replaced as necessary. Batteries are included with the product. Homeowners and installers can have complete confidence in the safety and performance of their floor heating system, knowing that the LuxHeat Radiant Floor Heat Installation Cable Monitor is on guard.

5. Under Slab Insulation 48" X 75' (300 Sq Ft) – For Radiant Floors, Garages, Basements, Etc.

EcoFoil rFoil Heated Floor Insulation is the perfect solution for insulating heated floors. This lightweight, heavy-duty insulation is designed to install under concrete slabs, providing a thermal barrier that prevents heat from escaping into the soil. This reflective foil technology will redirect heat upwards where it belongs, helping to reduce heat loss by 57%.

EcoFoil's under slab insulation is easy to install and requires no special clothing or breathing equipment. The insulation is composed of a highly reflective sheet bonded between two layers of polyethylene bubbles, making it much stronger than foam board. This allows it to maintain air gaps above and below the sheet, preventing heat from escaping. The insulation also provides a vapor and radon barrier, keeping your heated floor unit running efficiently and saving you money.

EcoFoil rFoil Heated Floor Insulation is available in 48" x 75' rolls, providing 300 sq ft of coverage. The weight of the insulation is 1.16oz / sq ft and it is tear resistant. This insulation is perfect for heated floors, garages, basements, driveways, and more. By using EcoFoil's under slab insulation, you can keep your heated floor unit running efficiently and reduce heat loss. This will help you save money and keep your home comfortable.

6. Radiant Heat Barrier Insulation – 16" X 10ft – Heavy Duty Vapor & Waterproof.

This Double Bubble Reflective Thermal Aluminum Foil Radiant Heat Vapor Barrier Insulation is an industrial-strength, yet lightweight insulation designed to hold staples without tearing. It is made from two layers of Polyethylene Industrialized Air Bubbles (Poly-Air) bonded between two layers of Highly Reflective Metalized Aluminum Polyester Film. It reflects 97% of radiant heat and emits less than 3% of heat, making it a Class 1 / Class A fire rated radiant barrier that has passed the ASTM E84 test & ASTM E2599.

It is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, fiberglass free and safe to handle, so protective clothing or respirators are not required to install. It is easy to install and maintenance free and can be cut easily with a utility knife or scissors. It is also water proof and unaffected by moisture or humidity. It inhibits condensation and does not promote the growth of fungi, mold or mildew, or the nesting of insects or rodents.

This product can help you save energy by reducing the stress on heating and cooling systems, keeping your home warmer in the winter, and cooler in the summer. It can reduce utility bills substantially all year round and can be used for walls, windows, garages, attics, air ducts, HVAC and vehicles. It is made in the USA, ships from the USA and meets all international and USA fire codes.

This product is an ideal choice for anyone wanting to reduce their energy costs and improve the insulation of their home or vehicle. It is easy to install, maintenance free and guaranteed to last.

7. Ad5 Reflective Foam Core Insulation, 24"x50ft Roll

The US Energy Products AD5 Reflective Foam Core Insulation is the perfect solution for keeping your home comfortable all year round. Not only does it provide superior thermal insulation, it also reflects 97% of radiant energy, making it a top-of-the-line radiant barrier. With an R-value up to 15.62 (1 layer) and up to 21.10 (2 layers), it is designed to reduce the stress on heating and cooling systems, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

Made in the USA, this product is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and fiber-free, making it safe to handle and install. It is also waterproof and unaffected by moisture or humidity, inhibiting condensation and not promoting the growth of fungi, mold, or mildew. Additionally, it is non-flammable and flame retardant.

The US Energy Products AD5 Reflective Foam Core Insulation is easy to install, requiring no protective clothing or respirators. It can be cut easily with a utility knife or scissors, and held in place with staples, nails, glue, or a spray adhesive. With no mess and no itchy fibers, it is maintenance-free and can be an excellent soundproofing solution.

Class 1 Class A Fire Rated, this product is an excellent option for saving energy and reducing utility bills. It can be used in any climate and will last for years to come. So if you’re looking for superior thermal insulation and a radiant barrier, the US Energy Products AD5 Reflective Foam Core Insulation is the perfect solution.

8. Ecofoil Floor Joist Insulation – 24" X 125' (250 Sq. Ft.) – Reflects 96% Radiant Heat, Vapor Barrier.

This EcoFoil Floor Joist Insulation is a great choice for keeping your building cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. The double bubble foil insulation is designed for floor and wall insulation, reflecting 96% of radiant heat. It acts as a vapor barrier to keep out moisture, keeping cool, damp air from invading the floor above and preventing condensation buildup.

The reflective foil insulation is pre-cut to 24”, the perfect width to fit between floor and wall joists, making installation quick and easy. It is lightweight and requires no special clothing or breathing equipment to install. This thermal insulation works great for crawl spaces, basement ceilings, walls, and more, paying for itself quickly by keeping radiant heat where it belongs and making your indoor spaces more comfortable while reducing utility costs.

This product’s dimensions are 24” x 125’ and it covers 250 square feet. It is made of polyethylene bonded to radiant barrier sheets and it has a class 1/class A fire rating. It is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, fiber free, and has no off-gassing.

The EcoFoil Floor Joist Insulation is an economical and convenient way to save energy and reduce utility costs while keeping your building comfortable. It is easy to install and provides great insulation, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to make their indoor spaces more efficient and comfortable.

9. Industrial Grade Perforated Reflective Insulation – 500sqft Roll.

SmartFOIL Radiant Barrier is an industrial-grade, double-sided reflective insulation designed to reduce energy costs by blocking 95% of the radiant heat from the underside of a hot roof. This 500 square foot roll measures 4 feet x 125 feet, making it perfect for use in existing homes and new construction projects.

SmartFOIL meets or exceeds all ASTM C1313 Standards and has a Class A Fire Rating (E84 with E2599 mounting) along with corrosion resistance from a proprietary clear coating applied to the Engineered Foil surface. It is tear and puncture proof, yet can be easily cut with a pair of utility scissors.

Installation is a breeze. Simply staple the radiant barrier to the bottom of rafters and over the attic floor. It can also be used as a House Wrap for additional insulation, as well as in barns, metal buildings, and poultry houses.

SmartFOIL Radiant Barrier is an economical solution to reducing energy costs and works hard to pay for itself. It is a great choice for those looking to reduce their utility bills while enjoying a comfortable home year-round.

10. Reflective Foam Core Insulation, 48" X 25ft R8

This US Energy Products AD5mm Reflective Foam Core Insulation is a highly effective radiant barrier that reflects up to 97% of radiant energy and has an R-Value up to 15.62 when applied in one layer, or up to 21.10 when applied in two layers. This type of insulation is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and fiber-free, making it safe to handle and install without the need for protective clothing or respirators.

This insulation is easy to install, as it can be cut easily with a utility knife or scissors. It can be held in place with staples, nails, glue or a spray adhesive. This product is waterproof and is not affected by moisture or humidity, inhibiting condensation and not promoting the growth of fungi, mold or mildew. It also does not promote nesting of insects or rodents, and is non-flammable and flame retardant.

This insulation is a great energy saver, as it reduces the stress on heating and cooling systems, keeping your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. This can lead to substantial reduction in your utility bills all year round, as well as providing soundproofing benefits. Furthermore, this product is rated Class 1 Class A Fire Rated, and is made in the USA and ships from the USA, ensuring fast delivery.

Overall, this US Energy Products AD5mm Reflective Foam Core Insulation is a great choice for those looking for an effective and safe insulation solution that is easy to install and maintain. It will help to reduce energy costs and provide soundproofing benefits. It is fire rated and made in the USA, ensuring quality and fast delivery.

Best Insulation For Radiant Floor Heat FAQs

Does radiant floor heating need insulation?

Yes, radiant floor heating needs insulation. Radiant floor heating is a type of system that heats your home through the use of warm water or electrically heated tubes installed beneath your flooring. This type of heating system is very efficient, but to ensure that the heat is evenly distributed and that energy is not wasted, insulation is necessary. Insulation helps to keep the heat from escaping and helps to keep the heat in your home, allowing for a more comfortable temperature. Additionally, radiant floor heating requires a layer of insulation between the heating elements and the flooring to prevent heat loss and to protect the flooring from the heat. Properly installed insulation can help you to save energy and money while enjoying the comfort of radiant floor heating.

What insulation is required for radiant floor heating?

The type of insulation required for radiant floor heating depends on the type of installation. In most cases, closed cell spray foam insulation is recommended to prevent heat loss, as it has a high R-value and helps to reduce energy costs. For installations that use a subfloor, rigid board insulation can also be used. The insulation should be thick enough to prevent heat from escaping through the floor, which can reduce the efficiency of the system. Additionally, vapor barriers should be installed to prevent moisture from entering the system and causing damage. It is important to ensure that the insulation is installed correctly and maintained regularly.

What kind of insulation do you use for underfloor heating?

The type of insulation used for underfloor heating depends on the type of flooring and the desired heat output. Generally, rigid insulation boards are used as they provide the highest level of thermal resistance. These boards can be made of polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, polyurethane, and polyethylene foam, among other materials. It is important to choose an insulation board with a low thermal conductivity rating to ensure the most efficient heat transfer. Additionally, a layer of foil or a breathable membrane should be installed between the insulation and the flooring to protect it from moisture. Lastly, when installing insulation, there should be a minimum of 50mm between the insulation and the floor to allow for air circulation.

Which underlayment is recommended to be used with radiant heating systems?

When installing a radiant heating system, it is important to use an appropriate underlayment to ensure that the system is properly insulated and functioning as intended. The most commonly recommended underlayment for radiant heating systems is a closed-cell foam insulation board, such as polyisocyanurate or expanded polystyrene. These materials provide superior insulation and vapor retarders, and are designed to protect the heating system from temperature fluctuations and moisture. Additionally, these types of underlayment provide additional cushioning to prevent the heating system from being damaged by the flooring material. Other types of insulation may also be used, such as fiberglass, but the foam insulation boards are generally considered to be the best option.

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