Barrier insulation

Barrier Insulation Provides Under Floor Protection Barrier insulation is geared toward protecting a home or building from heat loss in winter or preventing cool air loss in summer by being placed under the concrete foundation or slab. This type of insulation method is becoming increasingly popular as the energy efficiency of a building becomes a more important factor in new home construction and older home renovation.

The temperature of the ground over which a home is constructed may be cool enough to negatively impact a home or building's heat loss throughout the year, making barrier insulation a smart investment. Also, as much as 33% of all air leaks influencing a home's environment can come through the flooring, which in most buildings is not as uniformly insulated as are the walls and ceilings.

Barrier insulation is normally comprised of polystyrene at its core, with a thin film of polyethylene covering that. This composition makes it a very effective barrier against moisture. Especially in hot and humid climates, homes with hardwood flooring can be protected from decay and warping thanks to barrier insulation.

Its positioning within the home makes it important to install as part of the new construction process rather than as an afterthought. In existing homes, some sort of an accessible crawl space is necessary to facilitate its installation.