from Linda in Ridgeway, WI:
#862
We are installing a 16x20 ft sunroom over an unheated garage. An electric heat system is being installed, primarily to keep the floor warm. Auxiliary heat sources might be ceramic heaters. We are installing laminate flooring and want to know how less efficient it will be in conductivity as opposed to ceramic tile.
Either should be fine. Don't forget to insulate!
I do not believe there will be much difference in thermal conductivity between the two flooring materials you mentioned. I would, however, recommend insulating the floor cavities with dense-packed cellulose or dense-packed fiberglass.
Because I don’t know the joist size, I cannot comment on what R-value you would be able to achieve by dense-packing those floor cavities, but assuming no insulation currently exists, there is great opportunity for energy savings and boosting occupant comfort.
Published Wednesday, August 11, 2010