13+Advantages and Disadvantages of Beam and Block Flooring | Uses and Almost every flooring system has some type of advantage or disadvantage. There are some disadvantages to precast concrete. Concrete has been used as a flooring material for ages, butmost people consider it suitable only for industrial environments. It provides strength and support for the flooring and is typically made of moisture resistant plywood. View our, Your Guide to Green Roofs: Green Roofs FAQ. This site is owned and operated by Joalah Enterprises. Natural materials obtained from animals such as sheep wool. They can also feel a bit draughty which is why they need to be properly insulated. As hollow blocks do not need time to cure as poured concrete . 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. A concrete floor can be a good choice if you have an existing slab foundation and a home style that is a good stylistic fit for the polished gleam of honed concrete. can be customised to suit any design style. Precast Concrete: Types, Advantages & Disadvantages - Constructionor.Com 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. 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. Mid-range design: $7 to $14 per square foot. There are two main reasons why would you want to insulate a suspended timber floor. Dependence on standalone . What you have to watch is that you maintain ventilation to the existing sub-floor space by ducting under the concrete floor to air bricks in the extension. Beam and Block Concrete Flooring is a common way of making a concrete slab floor. Not everyone likes the cold feel of concrete under theirbare feet, when they get out of bed in the morning. Raised access flooring uses modular floor panels which are suspended over the actual floor by a series of supports. Beam and Block flooring come with a long list of benefits. What are the advantages and disadvantages of concrete floors? The infill blocks are laid quickly once the beams are in place and supported at each end: as long as the blocks are readily available, they can be dropped into place every five to ten seconds. Advantages And Disadvantages Of Suspended Concrete Floor 12 Advantages and Disadvantages of Precast Concrete But energy bills can be reduced by 10%-15% by using proper insulation as insulation prevents heat from moving toward cold areas. Energy Efficiency 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. The inherent coldness of concrete can be offset to some extent through the use of carpets and throw rugs. Project update: Twynham Road, Maidenhead. They always want to know about the costs of heating and cooling their home. Theres a reason why concrete is used in industrialenvironments and commercial establishments with high traffic. Concrete Floors Pros and Cons - The Spruce Disadvantages Of Suspended Floors | Viewfloor.co This can affect the Environmentalists are becoming more aware of the materials that theyre using in construction projects. You also don't have to worry about damage from most dropped items. The main purpose of this air flow is that it keeps the timber dry and prevents the possibility of dryness or wetness not occurring in the timber wood. This article discusses the options for insulating suspended timber floors and the costs of installation. As the name suggests, we are here to help you make buying decisions on the whole range of options that are out there when it comes time for your next renovation or DIY project. It is particularly suited to first-floor structural applications where it can replace traditional suspended timber joists and engineered wooden joists. If you purchase a product after clicking an affiliate link, Joalah Enterprises receive a small percentage of the sale for referring you, at no extra cost to you. While the toughness and strength of concrete are anadvantage, this can also work against it as breakages are unavoidable if glass, Concrete withstands scratches from claws, spilled water, and pet messes, and it won't absorb odors. minimalist theme, with advances in technology, colour and texture can be added The ends of these beams are built into the walls and are supported by the hangers or fixed on the walls. Its easy-to-maintain properties make concrete suitable as a flooring material for the outdoors. These cookies do not store any personal information. closed windows and doors). Your email address will not be published. It may not display this or other websites correctly. A basic concrete floor design includes pouring the slab or overlay, then a basic polishing and single colorizing treatment (staining or dyeing). Unskilled labour can be utilized. Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring | 50 Floor 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. They have good quality control. Keeping a concrete floor looking its best is fairly easy. Forget Hair Loss; Go For Scalp Micro Pigmentation, Everything About Concrete Driveway Removal, Moving on a Budget: How to handle a move during the holidays, Moving on a Budget: How to Save Money When Relocating, Coomeet and Omegle TV- Comparison of Random Video Chat, Can be used where other slabs can't - for example, on steeply sloping terrain, Relavitely easy to install once the supports and machinery are in place, More effective than bearer / joist sub-floors in blocking out noise from upper floors, Not as well insulated as a ground slab, as the base doesn't touch the ground. The holes are filled with concrete and then leveled with a trowel for the best look. There is one very important thing to know about insulating suspended timber floor. 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. 94 Lilian Drive
They form a bridge of narrow span across the minute part of the room. contributes to a significantly higher carbon footprint. Weighing Out the Options. Timber suspended upper floors: Similar to the timber suspended ground floors, the timber suspended upper floors also contain timber sheets of man-made board laid over that are supported through timber beams. If you found this article useful, discover the differenttypes of flooring materials and how they compare with each other. A subfloor is a structural component of a home that sits between the decorative floor covering and the structure of the floor. First, we have to understand what is precast concrete. There is no need of any sticking material, or nails, to fix this flooring. 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. The information, prices, and advice listed on this site are only intended to be used as a guide. 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. In terms of daily maintenance, like with concrete flooring in the interiors, sweeping and mopping with water and soap will suffice in keeping the concrete tiles looking as good as new. Diverse application Glass floor systems can enhance the aesthetics of a wide variety of spaces. With that said I've had mice issue's in my current place which has concrete floors but I'd had to move to someplace that has a higher risk of mice! Due to the nature of the product, Beam and Block Concrete Flooring is very heavy when compared to other similar slab products. What Is A Subfloor? Where a fresh slab or overlay is being poured, colorizing agents can be mixed into the concrete before it is poured. Following is the definition of precast concrete. However this air flow can leave the problem of draughts and cold in the house if not insulated correctly. Beam flooring is perfect for homeowners who want to create a traditional look in their home without the high costs of hardwood floors. Underlayment. JavaScript is disabled. Lifting a few floorboards (even if the suspended timber floor has been insulated) entails significantly less work, less dust, less waste, and less cost in terms of new materials to make good than any modification to a concrete floor would. Plain concrete slabs have served as the flooring material for basements, garages, patios, and utility areas for many years, but concrete is now also a viable material in home interiors, where it can be polished, etched, or stained to serve as the finished flooring surface. The wall plates are bedded on the top of a proper damp-proof course. A slab supported by two walls will tend to fold in the middle, so rebar placed parallel to the short span will provide maximum support. 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. Its durable enough to withstand the heavy traffic and it doesnt have any problems with sound transmission which makes it perfect for open concept offices or busy restaurants. We hope you find it helpful. There are a few ways to insulate a suspended floor, but the best, most breathable way is to hang insulation under the floorboards. concrete floors have evolved over 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. If you are doing it to improve the energy efficiency only, then intermediate level insulation will not have any value. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The installed cost for a concrete floor can vary quite a lot since there are so many finish options. 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. The only maintenance that polished concrete floors require is the periodic application of a exterior space. 5 Types Of Concrete Slabs Construction Uses Definecivil. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. Companies enabling fingerprint attendance systems have to deploy measures to prevent the data from being hacked or stolen. The tough nature of beam and block is what can make it an excellent choice as a flooring material in commercial or residential settings. It gives easy installation of under floor ducted heating systems. But energy bills can be reduced by 10%-15% by using proper insulation as insulation prevents heat from moving toward cold areas. Durability A properly constructed floor will outlast most of the other components of the building. Advantages and Disadvantages of Lightweight Concrete | Giatec Scientific 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. Disadvantages of Beam and Block Flooring 1. 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. Advantages and Disadvantages of Concrete Flooring - Western Canada Coatings Adventurous DIYers can rent grinders to hone a concrete slab themselves, though this is not recommended. How Long Does A Tar And Chip Driveway Last? If there is extensive refurbishment work happening however, it may be a good time to look at floor insulation. It is easy, quick, and cheap for anyone to build a beam and block floor, requiring no special construction skills, they are also highly durable and solid. Beam and block flooring can be used in both commercial and residential buildings. They are normally pre-fabricated offsite, and transported by truck. Timber Suspended Floors - Specifications and Benefits A solid floor is generally warmer because the concrete acts as a heat sink, being above the insulation board. Mold. Any disadvantages to Suspended timber flooring? 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. However, this can vary depending on the climate and amount of traffic the driveway sees. This allows air flow and ventilation to prevent the mould and dry rot that would otherwise occur over damp ground. The aim of this article is to highlight the requirements that may exist for a given building project, and indicate how these requirements should drive the designer towards the most appropriate, sustainable, potentially reusable and cost-effective choice of floor system.. 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. Using insulated Thermofloor panels prevents these draughts and keeps the temperature constant while maintaining airtightness. Whereas, once concrete is down, it would generally be too much work to disturb it in any way. Unlike standard ground floor construction, suspended floors are not sitting directly on the ground. The high-density Precast Concrete is more durable against acid attack, corrosion, and impact, reduces surface voids, and resists the accumulation of dust. This can be very expensive to do in the future. Got full rewire and replacement of heating pipes, then put down Engineered Wood (formally known as semi-solid). What Is A Wearing Course In Construction? by combining colours, textures and patterns, along with polishing, etching and concrete flooring is inexpensive compared to other types of materials such as Concrete has similar virtues when used as a residential flooring material. The hardness of concrete also makes it uncomfortable to stand on for long periods. to concrete to make it resemble ceramic or stone tiles. Decomposed granite, or DG, is a type of crushed stone that is used for a variety of purposes in landscapes and gardens. A suspended floor is a ground floor with a void underneath the structure. Browse through millions of photos with the homify app! Using this method of floor construction, noisy homes are lessened. The flat plate floor is constructed with an economical span that takes up medium loads and avoids the chances of long-term deflection. Even though this method is a bit more expensive, especially for relatively small jobs, its extremely convenient and fast. The damp proof covering should not be placed directly on the hardcore. The use of block and beam construction, also known as the bison beam, has a number of advantages over traditional solid hardwood floors. What is a suspended timber floor? - Discount Flooring Depot Because it is very heavy, Beam and Block Concrete Floors can damage buildings if not put in place properly or not supported properly. 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. Because it is a prefabricated product, Beam and block concrete flooring has no joints to adjust or work on so it is relatively easy to install. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. 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. 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 floors are also much quieter than timber joisted floors, so if you have children or pets running around upstairs, they wont disturb anyone downstairs. This method does not depend on the weather, reducing site delays. ceramic or any other delicate material accidentally drops on it. 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. You are using an out of date browser.