Many people appreciate the low cost of concrete floor, especially when considering the long life this floor will enjoyyou may never need another floor covering. However this air flow can leave the problem of draughts and cold in the house if not insulated correctly. The Importance Of Regular Electrical Maintenance In Your Home. The very first layer is made up of hardcore compositions of crushed stone and of broken brick of 3.94 inches to 5.90 inches in thickness. For concrete flooring with a glossy finish, periodic repolishing of the floors can help in bringing back its sheen. There are a number of enhanced options to replace simple timber floor joists. Unlike standard ground floor construction, suspended floors are not sitting directly on the ground. impact on the environment that would otherwise be caused by discarding old Because beams and blocks are made out of concrete, they have a tendency to crack over time which can cause the floor underneath them to fall apart. However, if you plan to use it in the garden on a walking path or as the flooring in the pool deck, then professionals advise the application a silicon-based penetrating sealer that protects the porous surface from moisture. Jillian is a freelance journalist with 10 years of editorial experience in the lifestyle genre. Timber suspended ground floors: A Timber suspended ground floors contain a number of boards including tongued, well-grooved and man-made boards like plywood or timber beams. It is also used in domestic projects, especially where the ground conditions are poor. Despite the fact that laying a slab of concrete is generally very cheap, it takes time for it to be set up and for it to dry, so in recent years, the beam and block suspended floor has gained popularity. In the last case, there are so many options to improve the energy efficiency of your house. There are various pros and cons to these types of floor, some of which impact on the energy efficiency of the building and how you go about insulating them. This can be done every six to nine During the winter good insulation prevents cold to enter the house and similarly in summer heat can be prevented by using good insulation. Durability: Precast Concrete structure has a longer service time period and minimal maintenance. The right tools can be used to install this type of flooring as it does not require complex skills for installation. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These days most homes are designed with concrete floors because damp proofing technology allows us to create a dry floor without an air gap. A well-insulated house is very energy efficient and it will require very little additional heating and cooling according to requirement. Aesthetically, concrete floors are a good match for homes with a modern or industrial style and are less suitable for classic vintage home styles. If the floor becomes badly cracked, it is possible to patch, grind, and refinish the floor to restore its sheen. But those same homeowners have reason to be concerned about pouring a new slab or overlay, since the manufacture of concrete requires a significant expenditure of energy and copious amounts of carbon dioxide. They are not really permanent floors because they just float on top of floors that are already in place, making them very easy to lay and manage. Are there any disadvantage to this type of flooring? For new floors, colour can be mixed into the raw concrete Are you a fan of concrete floors? Its multiple benefits are the reason that concrete is becoming a popular option for floors in modern homes. It is also difficult and too expensive for the original contractor to carry out this process. There is no need of any sticking material, or nails, to fix this flooring. The ability to reuse the concrete makes it a much better option financially than similar products such as timber flooring. Whereas, once concrete is down, it would generally be too much work to disturb it in any way. The use of block and beam construction, also known as the bison beam, has a number of advantages over traditional solid hardwood floors. Beam floors can also last for a lifetime with minimal maintenance. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. should be covered with a layer of concrete (100mm thick) what is the thickness of inset concrete slab. Whether it involves pouring a fresh new slab, adapting an existing slab, or pouring an overlay, concrete floors are usually installed and finished by professionals, since the work is quite hard and requires special tools. So, are concrete floors suitable for modern homes? Here are advantages and disadvantages of installing glass flooring Pros of Glass Flooring 1. Cross-sections of beams can vary depending on the manufacturer. For instance, it is possible to run underfloor heating through hollows. Laying the insulation is cheap, but the costs soon stack up if you have to make alterations to the heights of doors, fitted cupboards, radiators and other parts of the home. The main elements during construction of the suspended timber floor are loading of joists, positioning of joists, the spacing of Joists, evenly spaced joists and sizes of joists. A flat plate floor system depending upon the load and deflection criteria can be either pre . Unsuitable for irregular shapes that have many specialized units are not suitable because the method relies on standardization as the key to efficiency. The length of time needed for Beam and Block Concrete Flooring to cure depends on numerous factors, including weather, temperature and humidity levels and the moisture absorbency of the environment in which it is placed. Read our. Cons of Concrete Floors Concrete floors are hard There's no denying that concrete is hard underfoot, a quality that some find uncomfortable. Beam and block flooring is one of the longest-lasting, most durable types of flooring. years. Thus, other forms of building were adopted. stencils and pigments to create texture and patterns on the surface of the The material is extremely resilient and can withstand almost anything, whether its heavy furniture, high temperature or the risk of scratches on its surface from pointed heels or pets claws. A subfloor is a structural component of a home that sits between the decorative floor covering and the structure of the floor. Due to the nature of Beam and Block Concrete Floors, it may be difficult to re-grade it in the future if it is decided that there is a need for this. Browse through millions of photos with the homify app! For example, driveways in cold climates may last shorter due to the freeze-thaw cycles that [], All About Concrete, Building, Construction and Interior Design, Advantages and Disadvantages of Kota Stone Flooring | Benefits & Uses of Kota Stone Flooring, 9 Top Advantages and Disadvantages of Mosaic Floor Tiles | Cost of Mosaic, Uses of Mosaic Floor Tiles, Construction Calculator: Simplified Construction Cost Calculator, 13+Advantages and Disadvantages of Beam and Block Flooring | Uses and Applications of Beam and Block. While the toughness and strength of concrete are anadvantage, this can also work against it as breakages are unavoidable if glass, A structural concrete topping may be placed over insulation slabs and a damp-proof membrane (if the floor is on a ground floor) or vapour barrier if it is a first floor. The cost of Beam and block flooring is relatively affordable when compared to other types of concrete flooring or timber floors. The only maintenance that polished concrete floors require is the periodic application of a Hello, have you heard of Q-Bots robotic underfloor insulation? For a material which is a worse insulator you need a greater thickness of the material to achieve the same U-value as a better insulator. They can be insulated and sealed which would solve the problem, but that's more $$$ and disruptive. England, United Kingdom, We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Generally modern houses are built to very good insulation standards, but old houses in the United Kingdom need a lot of work to be done on their insulation. Concrete floors can be susceptible to settling and cracking over time, and this is a more frequent problem when an existing structural slab has adapted to a finished residential flooring surfacesuch as when a basement or loft condo has been converted to living space. Beam and Block Concrete Flooring requires a good mortar between the blocks so that they can be stable enough to walk on it. Case Studies in Construction Materials, Volume 11, 2019. doi:10.1016/j.cscm.2019.e00296. The beams come in different shapes, lengths and sizes so there are plenty of options to choose from. Subfloors are generally hidden under the decorative floor covering, and in higher-end homes, [], What Is Decomposed Granite? Requires machinery to lift heavy beams into place. The final step is to apply a concrete sealer to protect the surface. While the simple polished slab is sometimes exactly what is needed, homeowners also have the option of a variety of texturizing and colorizing techniques: In most circumstances, a residential concrete floor is created by grinding an existing structural concrete slab and applying a chosen polishing, colorizing, or texturizing technique. just as you would do to a ceramic, stone or vinyl floor. One of the advantages of beam and block is that a larger distance between internal walls or beams can be accommodated. This insulates the floor, but still allows some air to circulate, preventing the timber from getting damp and rotting. The information provided should not be used as a substitute for professional services. Today, we Basic design: $2 to $6 per square foot. As hollow blocks do not need time to cure as poured concrete . Items dropped on these surfaces are also likely to shatter or crack. Please note that the information in Civiltoday.com is designed to provide general information on the topics presented. Suspended block and beam floors are able to save the time wasted in forming concrete slabs. Additionally, concrete acts as the base for many other flooring materials such as vinyl, ceramic tiles and wood, so the only cost incurred in renovating the floor, in such cases, will be to remove the tiles or coating from the existing base, applying a concrete stain or sealant and polishing to decorate and protect the floor. Though it is a versatile product, it has some advantages as well. Beam and block flooring has been used in the UK for many years, in domestic and commercial construction, and is beginning to be seen more in Australia. But energy bills can be reduced by 10%-15% by using proper insulation as insulation prevents heat from moving toward cold areas. What Is A Subfloor? Using polished cement concrete flooring inside a house guarantees peace of mind as it will last for years with very little maintenance, unlike other materials such as vinyl, ceramic or wooden floors that are more prone to scratches, cracks and tears, which require them to be replaced every few years. They are commonly used to create floors for the upper storeys of houses, but can also be sat on top of pre-constructed walls to form a ground floor. In homes in coastal or river-side areas that are prone tomoisture in the ground, concrete floors Concrete has been used as a flooring material for ages, butmost people consider it suitable only for industrial environments. The blocks are designed to protect the floor against impact, wearing due to heavy machinery and environment damage which is much better than most other flooring types. During the winter good insulation prevents cold to enter the house and similarly in summer heat can be prevented by using good insulation. However, budget. exterior space. While concrete floors are associated with industrial design,they can look just as good in any other style, whether its modern or rustic. Hardness HARQUITECTES While the toughness and strength of concrete are an advantage, this can also work against it as breakages are unavoidable if glass, ceramic or any other delicate material accidentally drops on it. With the growing interest in green building, many home and businesses owners are shying away from using materials such as wood that come from endangered forests. Because both the upstairs and downstairs are being heated, there is no heat transfer between levels and therefore no energy saving to be made. The information, prices, and advice listed on this site are only intended to be used as a guide. Fixtures that are used in beam flooring are also easily removed, which allows for easy removal without causing any major damage to the floor below it. Even though this method is a bit more expensive, especially for relatively small jobs, its extremely convenient and fast. There arestill be many suspended floors out there however, because retrofitting them is prohibitively expensive and often impractical. Floor insulation can get expensive, simply because how disruptive it is. This makes it difficult for light vehicles to move them around. take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of concrete floors to understand whether they are suitable for modern The savings are actually fairly modest compared to insulating other parts of the home, like the walls and loft. Your email address will not be published. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. A rigid insulation slab can be used instead of concrete hollow blocks when a lightweight, insulated floor slab is needed. In this article, we will discuss the major advantages of precast concrete and also the disadvantages of precast concrete. Would you consider concrete slabs suspended as it will have positives of both builds. link to The Importance Of Regular Electrical Maintenance In Your Home, link to Tips For Choosing Commercial Roofing Contractors, Suspended floors can also be hung from these systems, Because beams and blocks are manufactured off-site, it is economical, As hollow blocks do not need time to cure as poured concrete slabs, they are often lighter and quicker to construct than in situ slabs. There may be chances of getting corrosion due to the alkali solution. A solid floor is generally warmer because the concrete acts as a heat sink, being above the insulation board. If you are doing it to improve the energy efficiency only, then intermediate level insulation will not have any value. Diverse application Glass floor systems can enhance the aesthetics of a wide variety of spaces. This treatment will need to be repeated at regular intervals; some experts advise a yearly reapplication. Using insulated Thermofloor panels prevents these draughts and keeps the temperature constant while maintaining airtightness. However, considering The range of steel based floor systems is presented in general terms, with the advantages and disadvantages of each system . However, this can vary depending on the climate and amount of traffic the driveway sees. With beam and block flooring, because the floor is able to carry higher loads, you can choose to use blockwork for any partition on the upper storey, not just the supporting walls. The floor can be formed in various ways, using timber joists, precast concrete panels, block and beam system or cast in-situ with reinforced concrete. Once you have installed the filler blocks, you will have a smooth working surface on which you can do any subsequent work without risk of injury. Concrete has similar virtues when used as a residential flooring material. The inherent coldness of concrete can be offset to some extent through the use of carpets and throw rugs. They are known as single floors as the beams bridge a single cross to run from wall to wall. But after the Second World War, the timbers were restricted to use. Increased fire resistance: Beam and block floors are resistant to fire; they won't deform, twist or collapse when exposed to high levels of heat. With Beam and block flooring, building above the ground overcomes these problems, as well as eliminating the risk of slab failure through clay heave or settlement of fill, problems mostly associated with a poured concrete floor. The high amount of concrete used in Beam and Block Concrete Floors gives it excellent sound absorption properties due to its mass. The floor can be formed in various ways, using timber joists, precast concrete panels, block and beam system or cast in-situ with reinforced concrete. Yes, my suspended floor (some tiled, some wood) is freezing cold in . As they have the same strength, they will wear away over time just like any other concrete floors. Flooring can be broadly classified into two categories Beam and Block Flooring. They always want to know about the costs of heating and cooling their home. Scarborough, ON What Are The Advantages Of Subfloor? When too cold, heat can be lost in all directions, so you should think of integral insulation to keep the heat in your house. It is made up of concrete blocks that are laid out in a pattern, with beams to support the structure. In colder regions, electrical cables or hot water pipes can This will not only ensure the desired finish, but also prove more cost-effective in the long run as it will require very little repair and maintenance. Its easy-to-maintain properties make concrete suitable as a flooring material for the outdoors. However, even a very thin concrete overlay is quite heavy, and the process often requires structural reinforcement of the wood framing. These cookies do not store any personal information. Copyright 2016 - Luxury Flooring Inc Designed By: Timber Suspended Floors Specifications and Benefits. min thickness= 100mm . Nowadays, stained There are some disadvantages to precast concrete. The properties of beam and block make it a suitable material for use for suspended ground and upper floors settings. To get a better experience with our home designs, please download other browsers for free. The high-density Precast Concrete is more durable against acid attack, corrosion, and impact, reduces surface voids, and resists the accumulation of dust. Underlayment. The honeycomb walls are constructed in such a way as it never restricts passage of air to flow beneath the suspended joists. We don't have any of ours tiled but there is small bit of give/movement in a few spots, which would likely cause problems with tiles. Where the slab is in poor condition, a thin overlay of fresh concrete can be poured over the old slab; this overlay then becomes the base surface for polishing, colorizing, or texturing. Suspended flooring helps to prevent any timber from coming in contact with any form of moisture. Furthermore, the insulation will help prevent heat moving from a room that has been heated to another where the heating is off. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. they form a base on which almost any other type of flooring, such as wood, The three common sizes of CarterHoltHarvey's Structaflor shown here are 19, 22 and 25 mm thick. The flat plate floor system is the best choice for serving the purpose of a horizontal floor over a suspended ceiling. If you found this article useful, discover the differenttypes of flooring materials and how they compare with each other. I bought a 1950s semi d three years ago, with similar floors to OP. This type of flooring has been around for decades but it has recently become more popular among homeowners because of the many design options available. Concrete floor systems that are durable. Get daily tips & tricks to help make your best home, Coloring and Finishing Options for Concrete Floors, Concrete Bathroom Flooring Review: Pros and Cons, 5 Best Concrete Floor Finishes That Look High-End, How to Insulate a Garage Floor With Plywood and Rigid Foam, 9 Most Durable, Low-Maintenance Materials for Kitchen Floors, How to Conduct a Simple Moisture Test on Concrete Floors, Top Bedroom Flooring Ideas for Every Budget, concrete is easily penetrated by moisture. comprising waterproof latex, to brighten up the room. Fantilli, O. Mancinelli, B. Chiaia. It is an important decision to determine whether a block and beam floor system will be installed or not as there are a number of things to consider. flooring grade OSB, ply, etc.) Since these floors on "on-grade"directly contacting the soilthey can be susceptible to moisture migrating up from the ground into the living space. The amount of energy and money you will save by implementing suspended timberinsulationwill also depend on how old your property is and the size of your house. This can involve first removing any existing flooring, such as carpeting or vinyl, to expose the existing concrete slab. Because the slab will bend in different ways depending on how many support walls it has, the main steel reinforcement has to be placed in different areas to even out the tension. Some slabs have hollow channels running through them - these 'hollow core slabs' are used to help reduce weight, and also to allow cabling and piping to be run through the slab. Voided Slab Flat Plate Floor Construction Concrete Magazine. 1. A suspended floor is a ground floor with a void underneath the structure. Concrete flooring is easy to clean and relativelymaintenance-free because it is tough and resistant to damages and stains. Insulation works in one of two ways, by keeping the heat away from the room, as it does in a refrigerator, or by keeping the heat inside the room, as it does when it prevents warm air from moving through the walls. to temperature, moisture or settling. You can also insulate from above using a similar method to a concrete floor, but a breathable insulation must be used along with a breathable membrane to ensure that the timber can breathe. Using this method of floor construction, noisy homes are lessened. That is why concrete floors are not recommended for areas that will be used by children or elderly people, or in kitchens where falling dishes are likely. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. This could be living rooms that open out to the veranda, or floor heating solution to keep the interiors warm. Once the blocks are infilled between the parallel beams of concrete, a continuous working surface is created. Even in commercial applications, concrete can survive under high-traffic conditions for many decades. They are normally pre-fabricated offsite, and transported by truck. Beam and block concrete flooring can be laid in any weather. Beam and block floors are also much quieter than timber joisted floors, so if you have children or pets running around upstairs, they wont disturb anyone downstairs. Weighing Out the Options. They have good quality control. A beam and block floor can easily be installed without causing any major disruptions to the surrounding environment. What Is Plexiglass? Floating wood floors: These types of floors are very fashionable and beneficial. It is difficult to damage, and high heels, furniture legs, and pet claws won't scratch the surface. For additional information please speak to a licensed professional in your area for up-to-date rules, regulations, city ordinances, and pricing. ceramic or any other delicate material accidentally drops on it. Suspension Bridge Components Of Advantages Disadvantages Protecting Dwellings With Suspended Timber Floors Mezzanine Floors Timber Or Concrete What Is Best For Me Suspended Timber Floor Insulation Cost Benefits Homeadviceguide 6 Ground Floors Construction Stus Beam and Block Concrete Flooring is also used in commercial buildings due to its high strength and durability levels. So, the better the insulation, the colder your refrigerator can stay, and the warmer your house can be. However, this problem is easily solved by covering the floor with rugs. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. In this blog, we are going to look at some of the implications of this type of house. Almost every flooring system has some type of advantage or disadvantage. According to the span, the shape of the block, and loading requirements, the beam profile will differ. stain or coating on the surface. Disadvantages Of Suspended Concrete Floors Advantages And Disadvantages Of Suspended Floors Disadvantages Of In Situ Suspended Concrete Floors Are Suspended Floors Bad Are Suspended Floors Good Why Use Suspended Floors Disadvantages Of Suspended Timber Floor Disadvantages Of Suspended Floors In Construction viewfloor However, the floor structure is supported by external and internal walls. A typical specification requires a block to have dimensions of 440mm x 215mm x 100mm, a minimum compressive strength of 3.5N/mm2 or 7N/mm2, and be able to support at least 3.5kN in transverse load. If you are used to thinking of concrete as a utilitarian surface suitable only for utilitarian surfaces, the many virtues of concrete as a decorative flooring material may come as a surprise. Concrete flooring doesnt have to be grey and dull. Several methods can be used to accomplish this. It is available in various thickness (50mm and 100mm are the most easily available) and in a variety of sizes commonly in the size of 2.4 x 1.2m. There are many precast concrete advantages. Provide soft mats or pet beds for added comfort. I-Joists Many outgoing links on Orlandi.com.au are affiliate links. like with other flooring materials, the techniques of installing and decorating Following is the definition of precast concrete. Environmentally conscious consumers can feel good about finishing an existing concrete slab, since this requires no manufacture of fresh concrete. Welcome to the Orlandi Building Materials Advice & Reviews. Suspended floors can also be hung from these systems. Here, the process involves pouring a thin layer of overlay concrete over a carefully prepared subfloor, then applying the chosen colorizing and polishing techniques. We hope you find it helpful. Temperature Control Beam and Block Concrete Flooring are used in; Suspended floor are floors with a beam or block infill that is above the floor and below the ceiling. Usually the roof of the room beneath the floor is plastered or fixed with the plasterboard. Beam and block concrete flooring is a flooring material that provides a stylish and versatile alternative to traditional flooring. It can also withstand fire and earthquakes that strike the building. Beam and block flooring can be used in both commercial and residential buildings. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Merits: Precast members have very high erection speed. Beam and block concrete flooring is a type of floor that has been in use since the 1990s. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. Keeping Your House Warm In Winter & Cool In Summer. Concrete flooring begins with a structural concrete pad that is by nature extremely strong and durable, which is why it is so popular for hard-working commercial areas, such as garages and warehouses. According to Department of Energy just under half (44%) of the energy used in homes goes toward either their heating or cooling. But concrete is also very hard and cold underfoot, and it is a practical choice only where there is an existing concrete slab, such as in homes with slab-on-grade foundations, or in the basements of homes built over basement foundations. These timber beams are 15.7 inches apart and are held by timber wall plates that are adequately supported by the main walls of the house. The installed cost for a concrete floor can vary quite a lot since there are so many finish options. They are not fixed, to the sub floors an anyway. A beam and block floor structure can be erected in just a few days. There are two basic ways to make the floors of a building. Beam and block flooring mainly come in two types concrete beams and precast boards. The basic approach also provides a solid foundation for sound insulation which can be added to for additional performance. These are typically used in multi-storey dwellings for upper floors, but can also be used to good effect on the ground level in hilly terrain. Because they are manufactured offsite, Beam and Block Concrete Flooring requires heavy lifting equipment to be used to move the beams onto the site. Beam and block concrete flooring is a type of versatile, durable, attractive and long-lasting flooring that can be used in both residential and commercial settings. Beam and block floors can be used both indoors and outdoors, making it suitable for a wide range of construction needs. Beam and block floors are suitable for most types of buildings including residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural. Environmentalists are becoming more aware of the materials that theyre using in construction projects. A complete assessment of your current electrical system is needed before beginning any type of electrical work. They are normally pre-fabricated offsite, and transported by truck. Electrical Maintenanceis required for all household electrical systems. The strength of a wooden beam is built into it and cannot be seen, but Beam and Block concrete floors have the same strength built in. It can be used for suspended floors on sloped sites, for ground that has poor bearing capacity, for sites with high water tables, or for sites with toxic chemical contamination. Beam flooring is perfect for homeowners who want to create a traditional look in their home without the high costs of hardwood floors. Just click on the icon! A.P. There's a chance it can leak once constructed - often caused by reduced skill levels and on-site quality control when being constructed It's very labour intensive on-site work - and it can take a long time.

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