original floor boards - very cold in winter

[sswinner]

Hi

We're in an Edwardian semi with original floor boards. The temperature in the house in winter was freezing, mainly because of the cold breeze coming up between the gaps in the floors boards.

I have tried to fill the gaps using specific sealant, but still the boards are freezing. This is through the entire downstairs (5 rooms)

We need to do something about it and from what I can see, we have two options:

1) Put an over-floor on top the boards. This will cause challenges with the kitchen units, skirting boards, fireplaces etc, but it the cheaper option

2) Lift up the current floorboards, insert insulation between the joists and lay new solid wood floor down

We've had a quote to do the second, and unsurprisingly, it's very expensive.

I'd welcome any advice, specifically whether you would recommend laying a new floor on top of the existing floorboards? If not, any suggestions on alternative approaches please?

thanks

 

[big-all]

do you have a crawl space under the floor
if so you may be able to install insulation between the joists

 

[geraldthehamster]

do you have a crawl space under the floor
if so you may be able to install insulation between the joists

If you can't crawl under the floor, you could remove the floorboards, insulate then put them back. It's not a modest undertaking but would save having to buy more flooring. I've done this myself.

Cheers
Richard

 

[kbdiy]

... or just fit carpet. Warmer and quieter.

 

[geraldthehamster]

... or just fit carpet. Warmer and quieter.

There is that Some of us like old floorboards, though.

Cheers
Richard

 

[kbdiy]

The joys of being a slave to fashion

 

[geraldthehamster]

The joys of being a slave to fashion

I hear polystyrene ceiling tiles are coming back in.

Cheers
Richard

 

[kbdiy]