Why Are My Floors Always So Cold?

Cold floors are common during the winter and can be very uncomfortable.

If you can’t take a step in your house because of the cold floor, it may be time to look for solutions.

To find an appropriate solution to a cold floor problem, you need to know the cause. So, what are the causes of a cold floor?

In this article, you will learn why your floors are always so cold and what you can do to solve the problem.

Reasons Your Floors Are Always Cold

No matter what time of the year, your home floor should be cozy. But if you are constantly battling with cold floors, it can be pretty frustrating.

Here are some causes of cold floors in your home:

1. Inappropriate Flooring Materials

Some floor finishings are a good conductor of heat, while others aren’t.

Tile flooring retains little heat and can become extremely cold in the winter.

High-quality carpet and vinyl flooring can help keep the heat better.

2. Cold Air Leaks and Drafts

Also, cold air leaks and drafts from openings like windows, doors, and any hole near the floor make it cold.

Since cold air is denser than hot air, it tends to settle on the floor, while hot air rises naturally.

As such, the floor will feel colder than the atmosphere in your home. Cold air leaks entering the house are common when the openings aren’t correctly sealed or insulated.

3. Faulty or No HVAC System

You must have an HVAC system in your home, especially during the cold season.

If your HVAC system is faulty, it’s expected that the interior of your home will get cold. You must have it fixed.

Cold can find its way into the house through windows, doors, roofing, etc., making the floor cold.

4. Cold Basements

Basements and crawl spaces can be mediums through which cold creeps into the home.

They are wide open spaces that allow cold air to flow into the house and thus cool the floor.

If your basement is unfinished, it tends to have a colder floor, which can transfer to the floor above.

As such, it’s important to finish, insulate, and heat treat your basement and crawl spaces.

What To Do if Your Floors Are Always So Cold

If your floor feels too cold, you don’t have to endure such discomfort.

Below are tips you can try out to solve a cold floor problem:

1. Adding Insulation

Installing insulation where there isn’t one can help solve the cold floor problem.

For example, installing the basement around the rim joist and crawl spaces can help create a better seal of the heat in the house and keep the cold out.

A warmer basement or crawl space can keep your home floor temperature consistent.

2. Air Sealing

If the reason for the cold floor is air leaks, you need to invest in items to seal the gaps, like spray foam. You can start by sealing the basement foundation and the floor.

Also, seal any leaks that may be on the upper floor of the home as well. Doors, windows, windowsills, and other leaking airflow are not exempted.

3. Installing an In-Floor Heater

Installing a floor heater is another effective way to deal with a cold floor.

You can use many floor heaters that are cost-effective and get the job done.

Some of the most common in-floor heaters include cove heaters, radiant floor heating systems, toe kick heaters, and space heaters.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, dealing with a cold floor problem can easily be resolved once you pinpoint the culprit.

Every situation is unique, yet in most cases, proper insulation is the solution. Take note of what insulation will work best for your situation and go for it.

However, if you don’t have the skills to insulate your home by yourself, don’t hesitate to seek professional help.