Flooring & Heat Loss Explained

When it comes to keeping your home warm, flooring might not be the first thing you think of. But did you know that 10-20% of heat loss can occur through floors? Along with windows, doors, and ceilings, your floors plays an important role in maintaining a snug and energy-efficient home.

With the right flooring and underlay, you can reduce heat loss and save on energy bills – and at Frank’s, we’re here to help you do just that.

1. How Does Heat Escape Through Floors?

Heat naturally moves from warm areas to cooler ones, and in many homes, poorly insulated floors act as a pathway for heat to escape. This is particularly common in older properties or homes with suspended timber floors, where gaps and drafts allow warmth to seep out. Even modern homes with concrete subfloors can lose heat if the flooring above isn’t fitted properly or lacks insulation.

The solution? Choosing flooring and underlay with high insulating properties – and making sure they’re installed by professionals who know their stuff.

2. The Role of Flooring in Retaining Heat

Not all flooring is created equal when it comes to keeping your home warm. Here’s how different types of flooring can help:

• Carpet: Carpets are a natural source of insulation, trapping heat and preventing it from escaping through the floor. A high tog rating (the measure of a carpet’s thermal resistance) means better insulation. At Frank’s, we’ve got a wide range of carpets designed to keep your home toasty and energy-efficient.
• Laminate & Vinyl: While these materials don’t naturally retain heat like carpets, they can still contribute to a warm home when paired with the right underlay. They’re also a brilliant choice for rooms with underfloor heating, as they allow heat to circulate effectively.
• Rugs: Even if you’ve got hard flooring, adding a rug is a simple way to boost insulation and make the space feel cosier.

3. Why Underlay Is Not Negotiable

If you want your flooring to work its hardest at keeping heat in, underlay is non-negotiable. A good underlay creates a barrier that stops heat escaping through the subfloor, while also improving comfort and extending the lifespan of your flooring.

At Frank’s, we recommend matching your underlay to your flooring type:

• For carpets, look for underlay with a high tog rating for maximum warmth.
• For laminate or vinyl, opt for underlay designed to support the material while still offering insulating benefits.

4. Professional Fitting Makes All the Difference

Even the best flooring and underlay won’t work properly if they’re not installed correctly. Poorly fitted flooring can leave gaps, allowing drafts to sneak in and heat to escape. That’s why the expert fitting service at Frank’s is designed to give you peace of mind – ensuring your floors are snug, secure, and energy-efficient.

5. The Benefits of Well-Insulated Flooring

Investing in cosy, heat-retaining flooring isn’t just about comfort – it’s about saving money and being kinder to the planet, too. By reducing heat loss, you’ll:

• Lower your energy bills: You’ll need less heating to keep your home warm.
• Improve your energy efficiency: Great for the environment and your EPC rating.
• Stay comfortable: No more cold feet or chilly drafts!

6. How Frank’s Can Help

At Frank’s, we’ve been helping North East families turn their houses into homes for over 25 years and to find flooring that not only looks great, but works hard to keep their homes warm. From carpets with high tog ratings to underlay that ticks all the boxes, we’ve got everything you need to make your floors work for you.

Visit one of our local showrooms to browse our full range, and let our friendly team help you find the perfect flooring and underlay for your home.