Renovating Floors
Improving the thermal performance of existing floors during renovation can be desirable and economic. Existing timber ground floors may be overlaid with insulation and a new flooring surface.
Timber ground floors in pre-war properties often suffer from rot and insect infestation while the underfloor void can be a habitat for rodents. Such floors may be replaced by a ground bearing concrete floor incorporating thermal insulation (see Figure 49).
Overlaying existing timber floors
When upgrading an existing timber floor the skirting should be removed and the appropriate grade of FLOORMATE™ laid. The flooring and finish is then laid on it. The skirting will then be reinstalled or replaced and doors modified to open over the new level.
Renovating with a concrete groundbearing floor
When replacing an existing timber floor with a concrete groundbearing floor follow the guidance for groundbearing floors, taking account of the following:
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fill deep sub-floor voids with hard core or a suitable non-settling fill to a maximum depth of 600mm.
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if the DPM cannot be tied into the DPC, it should be dressed up behind a skirting.
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block off ventilation openings.
FLOORMATE products can also be used to insulate floors in conversions, for example when converting an agricultural building to domestic use. Old concrete, stone or earth floors should be removed down to a level suitable to accept the new insulated floor. Site assessment and preparation in refurbishment projects should follow the same procedures as for new build.
