Why are floors cold? Here’s How Underfloor Insulation Can Help

1 September 2025

Melbourne winters are no joke. While you might crank up the heater, cold floors can still leave your home feeling uncomfortable and your energy bills climbing. The culprit? Heat is escaping through uninsulated floors.

Underfloor insulation is a practical, compliant, and cost-effective solution that keeps your home warmer, reduces energy consumption, and improves overall comfort, all while meeting Australian Standards for building performance.

Why Are Floors So Cold in Winter?

If your home has timber or suspended floors, chances are you’ve felt that icy chill underfoot. Heat naturally flows to cooler areas, and in winter, floors can account for up to 10-20% of a home’s total heat loss.

Common reasons include:

Air gaps between floorboards
Poor sealing around skirting and edges
A complete lack of insulation beneath the flooring

These factors not only make your home colder but also cause your heating system to work harder, thereby increasing your energy costs.

What Is Underfloor Insulation?

Underfloor insulation is a protective barrier installed beneath your floors to slow heat transfer and block draughts. In Australia, common materials include:

Polyester Batts – durable, non-toxic, and compliant with AS/NZS 4859.1 standards.
Reflective Foil Insulation – effective in reducing radiant heat and draughts.
Rigid Foam Boards – moisture-resistant with high thermal performance.

It’s especially beneficial for older homes across Melbourne, where timber flooring and suspended designs are common.

Key Benefits of Underfloor Insulation

Warmer Floors and Rooms – No more icy timber boards first thing in the morning.
Lower Heating Bills – Less heat escaping means reduced reliance on heaters.
Improved Energy Efficiency – Helps meet the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) targets.
Noise Reduction – Acts as a sound barrier, minimising noise from below.

Signs Your Home Needs Underfloor Insulation

Your floorboards feel cold to the touch in winter.
You’re paying high heating bills without noticeable comfort.
Draughts sneak in from below your home.
Temperature varies noticeably between different rooms.

Choosing the Right Underfloor Insulation

When selecting insulation, it’s essential to consider the R-value (thermal resistance), durability, and moisture resistance.

Options include:

Polyester Batts – safe, long-lasting, and environmentally friendly.
Reflective Foil – great for reducing radiant heat and draughts.
Rigid Foam Panels – ideal for homes that require higher insulation performance.

OZ Homes Insulation offers a wide range of products that comply with Australian Building Codes (BCA/NCC) and AS/NZS standards, ensuring your investment is both effective and compliant.

DIY vs Professional Installation

While some homeowners attempt DIY installation in accessible crawlspaces, professional installation offers significant benefits:

Correct and safe installation (especially around wiring and pipes)
Full compliance with Australian Standards
Proper sealing to avoid gaps and future performance issues

Professional installation may cost more upfront, but it ensures lasting comfort and compliance.

Maintenance and Longevity

Underfloor insulation requires very little upkeep once installed. Quality products can last 10 – 50 years, depending on the material. Occasionally check for:

Sagging batts
Signs of dampness or moisture intrusion

With proper installation, insulation will perform reliably for decades.

Environmental Impact

Installing underfloor insulation is not only beneficial for your comfort, but it’s also good for the planet. Benefits include:

Lower carbon emissions from reduced energy use
Many products are made from sustainable or recyclable materials.

Supports a more eco-friendly, energy-efficient home

Environmental Impact

Cold floors don’t have to be a winter norm. By installing underfloor insulation, you’ll enjoy warmer floors, lower energy bills, and a more sustainable home.

At OZ Homes Insulation, we supply high-performance underfloor insulation products that meet Australian Standards, helping Melbourne homeowners stay warm, comfortable, and energy-efficient.

Browse our full range of underfloor insulation solutions and keep the cold outside all year round.