Search the Community

I'm looking for some advice on floating floor construction build up. As part of a renovation project for our ~1990's built home, I want to insulate the ~70 m2 ground floor which is currently of uninsulated beam and block construction with a vented cavity. We are constrained on height of materials that can be added on top of the beam and block, mostly to match existing finished floor level at the bottom of the hallway staircase, but also to avoid shrinking the ceiling height (currently ~2.4 m above finished floor level). So far, it seems like a ply (or other floorboard) sub floor floated on phenolic foam insulation panels will give best combination of thermal resistance, stack height, and cost. We would then add floor coverings, likely all vinyl tile with one room carpeted. I've added a sketch of the proposed build up. I'm looking at using Kingspan K103 which has a compressive strength of 120 kPa at 10% compression. The main questions I have are: Is 18 mm ply going to be rigid enough to avoid deflections / point loads being transferred to the insulation panels? Do we need battens anywhere? So far thinking adding these in doorways, under kitchen units, and for bathroom fittings. IS it necessary to factor in a 6mm ply layer on top as a "sacrificial" covering in case we go with glue down vinyl? Should this be fixed with screws? Interested in thoughts on these points, and anything else I might be missing. If there are any general guides to floating floor construction would appreciate the share.

Hi folks. Anyone understand how you install a radon barrier, when you have block and beam ground floor - the builders QS says we need to "fill" up the underside on the floor. Is this correct - I would have thought it can be installed lower down. Approx, the void w/o fill would be 900mm. TIA

well, finally we have progress! after architect, (bar steward) and building control messing up warrant and having to get another which arrived friday, we are now out of the ground. the drains and tank went in at the beginning of the week and today the beam and block went down. water pipes tomorrow and soon the caravan can be connected. sooo glad to have progress.