Summary

Many homes experience draughts from gaps around floors and skirting boards, which can be easily fixed with sealant from DIY stores. To insulate timber floors, lift floorboards and add mineral wool insulation or rigid boards like Celotex or Kingspan. Ensure under-floor air bricks remain unblocked to prevent rot, and be cautious of pipes and wires. Good underlay and thick carpets also contribute to warmth.

Costs for insulation range from £100-£250 for rigid boards or £50-£150 for mineral fiber as a DIY project. Filling skirting board gaps costs about £20. Using silicone sealant can save £20-£25 annually on heating bills, while insulating under floorboards may save £60-£75 a year, reducing CO2 emissions by about half a tonne in a typical 3-bedroom home.