As an added negative impact of cold floors the cold conditions in your home will cause your heating system to work extra hard to combat it leading to an increase on your utility bills.
Flooring for cold floors.
Insulating the floors rim joists and headers can be an effective way to warm these floors.
Keep cold air out warm air in.
Determining the cause of cold floors however is usually fairly simple and can be addressed without massive expenditure.
It radiates heat through the underlayment up to the top flooring layer and through the rest of the room helping your favorite spaces feel toasty even during cold.
Luckily there are ways to combat this chilly predicament.
Floors of ceramic stone or concrete are the worst culprits with hardwood a runner up.
Another option is to layer a cold floor with large area rugs rather than wall to wall carpet and check the underside for dampness or mold growth occasionally.
Glue carpeting to your subfloor material to minimize moisture penetration.
Radiant below surface heating is the most expensive option but also the most effective.
Vinyl is a practical choice for floors above or below grade in any type of climate.
A cold floor is also an indication of a drafty uncomfortable house which makes your home a less desirable place to live.
Start with the simplest solution which will help provide a comfortable temperature for the whole house not just the floor.