Application of PU Insulation Boards in Floor Systems
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Application of PU Insulation Boards in Floor Systems

Views: 139     Author: Site Editor     Publish Time: 2026-01-20      Origin: Site

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What if we told you that nearly 20% of all heat loss in buildings occurs through the floor? That's right — even the most energy-efficient walls and roofs can't make up for a poorly insulated floor. In today's energy-conscious world, ignoring floor insulation could cost you more than just higher energy bills — it could compromise comfort, structural integrity, and environmental performance.

With the construction industry shifting toward net-zero energy buildings, sustainable materials, and long-term thermal performance, the PU insulation board has emerged as a top-tier solution for floor insulation. These advanced rigid foam panels offer superior thermal performance, excellent compressive strength, and long-lasting moisture resistance — all essential for modern floor systems.

In this post, you'll learn everything you need to know about the application of PU insulation boards in floor systems. We'll cover how they work, where they apply, why they outperform traditional materials, and how HUAYU's PU insulation boards provide a competitive edge in residential, commercial, and industrial flooring solutions.

Key Takeaway

  • PU insulation boards are ideal for floor systems due to their low thermal conductivity, high compressive strength, and resistance to moisture and water vapor.

  • They are suitable for a wide range of flooring types — including concrete slabs, suspended timber floors, and underfloor heating systems.

  • Compared to traditional insulation materials like EPS or XPS, PU insulation boards offer better thermal performance, longer lifespan, and thinner profile for the same R-value.

What Are PU Insulation Boards?

PU insulation boards are rigid foam panels made from polyurethane, a high-performance polymer created through the reaction of polyol and isocyanate. These boards are characterized by their closed-cell structure, which gives them exceptional thermal insulation properties and mechanical strength.

Key Properties of PU Insulation Boards:

  • Thermal Conductivity: As low as 0.022–0.026 W/m·K

  • Density: Typically ranges from 30–60 kg/m³

  • Compressive Strength: ≥ 150 kPa

  • Water Vapor Permeability: Extremely low

  • Fire Performance: Available in B1/B2 grade (self-extinguishing)

PU insulation board is often compared with its close relative, PIR (polyisocyanurate) insulation, which shares the same base chemistry but contains additional isocyanurate rings for enhanced fire resistance and thermal stability.

At HUAYU, PU insulation boards are engineered for a variety of applications, including flooring, roofing, walls, and cold chain logistics. The boards are produced using advanced six-component online automatic foaming technology, ensuring consistent quality and performance.

Why Floor Insulation Matters

In many climates, floor insulation is just as important as wall or roof insulation — yet it's often overlooked. Here's why insulating the floor with high-performance materials like PU insulation board is critical:

1. Thermal Performance

Uninsulated floors can cause up to 20% of heating losses in buildings. PU insulation boards form a thermal barrier between the ground and the living space, maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures.

2. Energy Efficiency

Properly insulated floors reduce demand on HVAC systems, leading to lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions.

3. Comfort Improvement

PU insulation boards help eliminate cold spots, drafts, and condensation near floors — creating a more comfortable environment.

4. Moisture Control

Especially on ground floors and basements, PU insulation boards act as a moisture barrier, preventing dampness, mold, and structural damage.

5. Underfloor Heating Efficiency

PU boards enhance the performance of underfloor heating (UFH) systems by directing heat upward and minimizing heat loss into the slab.

Types of Floor Systems Using PU Insulation Boards

PU insulation boards are versatile and compatible with various flooring types. Let's explore how they're integrated into each system:

1. Solid Concrete Slabs

  • PU insulation is laid below or above the slab.

  • Acts as a thermal and moisture barrier.

  • Ideal for ground floors, basements, and industrial floors.

2. Suspended Timber Floors

  • PU boards can be fitted between or above joists.

  • Prevents heat loss through floor voids.

  • Lightweight and easy to cut to fit irregular spaces.

3. Floating Floors

  • PU insulation boards are placed beneath a floating screed or wooden floor.

  • Excellent for refurbishments and retrofitting insulation.

4. Underfloor Heating Systems

  • PU boards are often grooved or slotted to accommodate UFH piping.

  • They minimize downward heat loss and enable faster heat-up times.

5. Cold Storage Floors

  • In refrigerated warehouses, PU boards are essential to prevent frost heave and maintain temperature control.

Advantages of PU Insulation Boards in Floor Applications

PU insulation boards outperform many traditional materials in floor systems. Here's a detailed comparison:

Performance Criteria PU Insulation Board EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) XPS (Extruded Polystyrene)
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) 0.022–0.026 0.035–0.040 0.030–0.034
Compressive Strength (kPa) ≥ 150 70–100 250+
Water Absorption Very Low (<2%) Moderate Low
Thickness for Same R-value Thinner Thicker Medium
Fire Resistance B1/B2 (Self-extinguishing grades available) Poor (easily ignitable) Limited (may melt under high heat)
Installation Ease Lightweight, easy to cut and handle Lightweight Tougher to cut
Lifespan 30–50 years 10–20 years 20–30 years

Additional Benefits:

  • Dimensional Stability: PU boards retain shape and performance over time.

  • Eco-Friendly Options: Available with low-GWP blowing agents.

  • Customization: HUAYU offers OEM & ODM services for tailored board dimensions, facings (e.g., aluminum foil, kraft paper), and density.

Conclusion

In modern construction, floor insulation is not optional — it's essential. Whether you're working on a residential project, commercial development, or cold storage facility, choosing the right insulation material can make a lasting impact on energy consumption, occupant comfort, and building sustainability.

PU insulation boards offer unmatched performance in floor systems. Their superior thermal resistance, mechanical durability, moisture protection, and ease of installation make them a smart investment for long-term building efficiency. With new demands for green buildings and net-zero energy, PU boards are not just a choice — they're the future of floor insulation.

At HUAYU, we've spent over 20 years developing high-performance PU and PIR insulation boards that meet international standards, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and Energy-Saving Product Certifications. Our floor insulation boards are used across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, offering consistent quality, fast delivery, and technical support.

Ready to elevate your floor insulation? Contact HUAYU today to get expert guidance, samples, or a custom quote.

FAQs

Q1: Can PU insulation boards be used under concrete floors?

Yes. PU insulation boards are ideal for use under concrete slabs due to their high compressive strength, low thermal conductivity, and moisture resistance.

Q2: What thickness of PU insulation board is best for floors?

Typical thicknesses range from 30mm to 100mm, depending on the required U-value and floor system. HUAYU offers custom thickness options.

Q3: Are PU insulation boards safe for indoor use?

Yes. HUAYU PU insulation boards are manufactured with low-emission formulations and comply with indoor air quality standards.

Q4: How do PU boards compare to XPS or EPS in floors?

PU boards offer better thermal performance, greater fire resistance, and longer durability, with thinner profiles for the same insulation value.

Q5: Do PU insulation boards support underfloor heating systems?

Absolutely. PU boards are compatible with underfloor heating and can be pre-grooved for pipe installation, enhancing system efficiency.


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