How can landlords reduce heat loss through floors?

With rising energy costs and growing tenant expectations for energy efficiency, landlords are increasingly looking at ways to reduce heat loss in their properties. While loft and wall insulation often grab the headlines, the floors can account for up to 15% of heat loss in a typical home – a factor that directly impacts tenants’.

For rental homes, particularly older properties with suspended timber floors, floor insulation and underlay choices can make a big difference. Not only does this improve EPC ratings and tenant satisfaction, but it can also help reduce wear and tear on flooring.

Insulating floors reduces heat loss, improves comfort, and makes a property more energy efficient. Cold floors are one of the most common winter complaints from tenants, and simple steps such as improving underlay or adding insulation beneath floorboards can prevent valuable warmth from escaping.

Better insulated floors also lower noise transfer between rooms or flats, which is particularly important in HMOs or multi-storey properties where tenant harmony is key. There is also a practical advantage for landlords, as insulation and underlay support the flooring itself, helping it to last longer and protecting your investment.

Underlay is the unsung hero of rental properties. Beyond cushioning and comfort, the right underlay can provide thermal insulation that keeps rooms warmer, as well as noise reduction between floors, so it is important to understand what underlay is right for you.

In high-traffic areas, a good quality underlay ensures that your chosen flooring is more resilient, while in bedrooms it makes carpets feel warmer and more welcoming for tenants. For hard floors such as laminate or luxury vinyl, specialist underlays can provide moisture protection alongside thermal and acoustic benefits.

Landlords should also consider the simple maintenance steps that help keep floors warmer. Checking for gaps and draughts around skirting boards can make a noticeable difference, while focusing on high-use spaces such as living rooms and bedrooms ensures that tenants feel the benefit where it matters most.

Carpet remains the best choice for bedrooms thanks to its warmth and noise-reducing properties, while pairing it with a quality underlay, such as Tapi underlay made with Nike Grind provides additional insulation. Though higher quality underlay may cost more upfront, it often saves money in the long run by reducing the need for premature replacements.

Well-insulated floors are more than just a comfort upgrade; they are a strategic choice for landlords. Better insulated floors also contribute towards improved EPC ratings, which helps future-proof properties against tightening rental regulations.

For landlords keen to improve tenant comfort and protect their investment, exploring the options for insulation and underlay is a smart place to start. As Tapi explains in its guide to warming up cold rooms in winter, small changes can have a big impact on how a property feels. By investing in these practical measures, landlords can ensure their rental homes are warmer, more efficient, and more attractive in a competitive market.