Basic Principles
The ground absorbs heat from floors close to or in contact with it, which is increased by high soil moisture content. These effects, when combined with the natural temperature gradient in buildings, can lead to an uncomfortable internal environment, condensation at wall/floor junctions and higher than predicted energy usage. Exposed and semi-exposed floors, suffer heat loss to air, in the same way as other building elements.
By including in the floor construction a layer of thermal insulation continuous with that in the rest of the building envelope, heat loss is reduced and thermal bridges at the junction of the floors and walls are avoided. However, thermal insulation incorporated in a floor must not compromise any of the functional requirements.
Agrément Certificate 92/2782 covers the use of FLOORMATE 200-X and STYROFOAM SP-X in groundbearing floors. An Agrement certificate is pending for FLOORMATE 300-A and 500-A.
