A bare concrete floor pulls heat right out of the room and stays cold underfoot all winter. It can also let moisture rise up from the slab into your finished space. Adding a reflective layer over the concrete solves both problems. It warms up the floor, blocks moisture, and helps cut your heating bills. This guide walks you through the install step by step.
Product to use: SmartSHIELD 10MM, SmartSHIELD 5MM, SmartSHIELD 1/4 Inch, SmartSHIELD 20MM or the Single Bubble Reflective Insulation, Double Bubble Reflective Insulation
Why Insulate a Concrete Floor
- Prevents basement moisture. A reflective barrier helps stop damp from migrating up out of the slab.
- Holds up to moisture. SmartSHIELD is moisture-resistant, so it keeps performing in damp spaces where fiber insulation breaks down.
- Keeps your floor warmer. It creates a thermal break between the cold slab and your finished flooring.
- Cost Savings. It lowers energy consumption and reduces heating costs, while also serving as a practical solution for how to cool attic spaces.
Tools and Materials
- SmartSHIELD (or SmartBUBBLE)
- 1 in. x 4 in. wood spacers (two layers' worth)
- Staple gun and staples
- Reflective foil tape
- Utility knife and a straightedge
- Tape measure
Before You Start
- Make sure the slab is clean and dry before you begin.
- Plan your spacer layout so the flooring above has solid support.
- Measure the room and add a little extra material for overlaps.
Step-by-Step Concrete Floor Insulation Installation
Step 1: Lay SmartSHIELD directly on the concrete floor.
Roll it out flat across the clean, dry slab.
Step 2: Tape the seams.
Seal every seam and overlap with reflective foil tape to lock out air and moisture.
Step 3: Add furring strips over the SmartSHIELD
Fasten 1 in. x 4 in. furring strips on top of the barrier. These create the single air gap and give your flooring a base to fasten to.
Step 4: Install your flooring.
Lay your finished flooring over the furring strips.
Quick Tips
- The air gaps are what make a radiant barrier work, so don't skip either spacer layer.
- Keep the barrier flat and relaxed, not stretched tight, so it won't tear at the staples.
- Work on a dry slab. Trapping moisture underneath defeats the purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions on Concrete Floor Insulation
Can I put SmartSHIELD straight on the concrete?
Yes, you can. Lay SmartSHIELD directly on the slab, then add furring strips over it to create a single air gap before your flooring. You only need an air gap on one side of the reflective surface.
Will it help with a damp basement floor?
Yes. SmartSHIELD is moisture-resistant and helps block damp from rising out of the slab, which makes it a good fit for basements.
SmartSHIELD or SmartBUBBLE, which should I use?
Both work over a concrete floor. SmartSHIELD gives you a firm foam-core layer, while SmartBUBBLE is a flexible bubble option. If you're unsure, call our team and we'll help you choose.
Need Help Choosing?
Not sure how much you need or which product fits your floor? Explore SmartSHIELD at Insulation MarketPlace, or call our team at (786) 202-0704 and we'll point you to the right fit. Every order ships free in 2 to 4 days.
