Insulation Vs Dampness
Installing underfloor insulation beneath a timber floor provides a high value thermal insulation barrier between the interior and exterior of the house. Air heated in the house will remain warmer for longer. Cold air and draughts will not enter the house through the insulation.

If your home is damp under the floor, there are several possible causes.

• Poor Ventilation.
• Water under the building

Often, water can be trapped through changes in the topography as the result of raised concrete driveways close to the house. During rainfall the run-off is directed to the garden between the drive and the home. Since there is no drainage to cope with this event, water builds up and the underfloor area becomes wet.

Developments on neighbouring properties may cause changes in the run-off causing water to track through your property and under your floor.

Leaks in pipes, sewers, water and septic tanks and a raised water table are among other potential causes of the problem.

It is important to fix the cause of the problem. Don't, without expert advice, lay foil or polythene over the wet area. It is hard to lay and often proves ineffective in the long term.

Vapour Barriers
Foil or polythene as insulation installed directly beneath the floor structure chokes the building by not allowing it to breathe. This creates condensation and could even trap water within the house.