Ashley Perkins of Milbank Concrete Products explains why housebuilders should be choosing a thermally insulated flooring solution over traditional methods of ground floor construction.
Housebuilders should think about the advantages of incorporating insulation into their structural flooring – underfloor insulation not only provides many standalone benefits for a home, it can also help with synergising existing insulation systems throughout a property to improve its overall functionality.
Utilising expanded polystyrene (EPS) insulation modules rather than conventional concrete blocks, thermally insulated beam and block flooring offers construction professionals a cost-effective alternative to quickly assembling a thermally insulated concrete ground floor over the traditional methods of beam and concrete block construction.
Reduced initial construction costs and an increase in energy savings make insulated flooring a compelling alternative to a standard beam and block floor. This, in combination with its general A+ Green Guide rating, is making it a must have addition to new eco-friendly developments where keeping heating costs low is paramount.
EPS insulated concrete flooring is suitable for almost any structure, but is most commonly used in housing, from single dwellings to complete housing developments, offering a simple, cost-effective concrete insulated flooring solution. Without the need for any specialist tools or skills, installation of insulated concrete flooring is efficient and streamlined, while minimising waste and emission rates.
So, how does it work? An insulated concrete flooring solution works by combining rigid insulation modules (EPS panels) manufactured from lightweight closed cell expanded polystyrene, which is laid in-between prestressed concrete beams (either 155 mm or 225 mm deep) with an EPS top sheet (also produced from polystyrene), damp proof membrane and structural concrete topping. If required, underfloor heating can be incorporated, with the pipework attaching to the EPS panels with plastic pegs before the concrete topping is applied.
Most thermal flooring arrangements will comprise six main EPS components that are available in two types of EPS; standard issue in white (0.038 W/m²K) or an alternative high-performance platinum in grey (0.031 W/m²K). The six components are made up of top sheets – available in depths of 75-150 mm, infill panels – available in 533 mm for nominal 600mm beam centres and 343 mm for reduced beam centres, and end panels – available in 178 mm and 300 mm variants.
EPS end panels are used for both the start and end of the flooring installation. The end panels are inserted at the start of the row with the straight (1,200 mm edge) opposite to the beam. All units are 1,200 mm long and can be cut on site to the required length using basic tools such as a handsaw (minimum 300 mm long). As every building is different, precast concrete manufacturers are usually well equipped to design your floor to achieve the specific targeted U-values (reaching as low as 0.07 W/m²K) together with the structural layout of the floor to suit. Make sure you research your chosen manufacturer and ensure they are able to cater to your needs.
Once designed, the manufacturer can then produce the concrete components offsite and supply the materials (including the EPS panels) directly to your site. Most manufacturers offer both a supply only or supply and installation basis utilising their experienced fixing teams.
Compliant
The benefits of insulated flooring include:
- Easy to install – does not require any specialist tools or skills.
- Quick to install – each EPS panel is the equivalent length of five standard concrete blocks
- Cost-effective – designed to save you money. Faster installation speeds combined with reduced waste and excavation removal allow for an increase in overall savings
- Bespoke – a wide range of EPS panel depths and grades are available to satisfy your U-value or budget requirements
- Sustainable – designed to last the lifetime of the building while maintaining its exceptional thermal performance
- Clean, safe and easy to handle – lightweight EPS panels only weigh around 2 kg
- Underfloor heating compatible – heating pipework is simply held in place using plastic pegs that push into the EPS panels
- Proven technology – now in use for over 10 years
- Industry compliant – Fully certified and has an A+ green guide rating.
With a well-designed and manufactured insulated floor, housebuilders can reap the benefits for the duration of the property. Combining longevity, durability and reduced costs from the outset, an insulated flooring solution is the smart choice for the future of any new build construction project, renovation or extension.
Ashley Perkins is marketing manager at Milbank Concrete Products