. 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. Will Plexiglass Melt In The Sun? Electrical Maintenanceis required for all household electrical systems. The tough nature of beam and block is what can make it an excellent choice as a flooring material in commercial or residential settings. Luxury Flooring has been a leading provider of flooring services for our valued customers for over 20 years. 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. Enhanced Options for Suspended Timber Floors One of the problems that timber joists have is that they have a limited span and can be prone to twisting and warping (causing the creaking described above). Concrete flooring is easy to clean and relativelymaintenance-free because it is tough and resistant to damages and stains. We often get asked whether you should insulate floors between levels, as well as the ground floor. they form a base on which almost any other type of flooring, such as wood, Read our. Precast Concrete: Types, Advantages & Disadvantages - Constructionor.Com When using foamcrete for the beams and expanded polystyrene for the infills, it can provide excellent thermal insulation as well along with preventing cold bridging. They can also feel a bit draughty which is why they need to be properly insulated. In the case of existing floors, the surface can be 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. Concrete floors allow you a lot of future design freedom. Floating floor disadvantages. UK company providing underfloor insulation using a robot, There is no need to lift up the whole floorboards, the robot is inserted in the void through a small opening and spray insulation to the underside of floorboards without disturbing households living in the house. The flat plate floor system is the best choice for serving the purpose of a horizontal floor over a suspended ceiling. concrete floors have evolved over These cookies do not store any personal information. Beam and Block Concrete floors are unsuitable for irregular shapes because they can only be laid out in a straight pattern. The dull Because beams and blocks are manufactured off-site, it is economical. When considering the pros and cons of solid wood flooring, you should know that, like all floors, wood options have their drawbacks, such as: The Need for Occasional Refinishing: Wood floors will show scuffs, scratches and other wear over time. In homes in coastal or river-side areas that are prone tomoisture in the ground, concrete floors Concrete floors generally require a level of felt paper, metal lath, and a base layer of concrete. It will help remove the drafts but it is not going to make the room much warmer by itself. Flooring can be broadly classified into two categories Beam and Block Flooring. Over time, concrete can develop cracks on the surface, due Beam and block concrete flooring can be laid in any weather. Beam and Block Concrete Flooring is also used in commercial buildings due to its high strength and durability levels. 13+Advantages and Disadvantages of Beam and Block Flooring | Uses and Disadvantages of concrete floors: 1. Load bearing beams are used to support loads such as things like staircases and cantilevers (this includes columns, wall or floor structures). Requires machinery to lift heavy beams Because they are manufactured offsite, Beam and Block Concrete Flooring requires heavy lifting equipment to be used to move the beams onto the site. Browse through millions of photos with the homify app! Concrete floors are a relatively expensive way to level the floor and provide adequate stability for buildings. This layer is used to give a smooth surface for bedding damp-proof covering. It is also used in domestic projects, especially where the ground conditions are poor. Timber suspended floors have always been a popular method of construction and will probably be used by builders for many years to come. This makes concrete floors particularly suitable sealant or wax to protect the surface. Pros and Cons of Hardwood Flooring | 50 Floor Due to its strength, Beam and Block Concrete Flooring can be used in factories for industrial flooring. You are using an out of date browser. They are not fixed, to the sub floors an anyway. 94 Lilian Drive There are multiple variations and options that come with reinforced concrete beams made from prestressed concrete. You can choose to insulate your roof, floors, walls, windows and doors. M1R 3W5, Canada. Beam-and-block floors are composed of clay or concrete blocks (known as pots) that are supported by parallel, usually prefabricated, prestressed concrete beams or ribs. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. 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. 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. Solid vs suspended floor | DIYnot Forums They are durable, have excellent soundproofing capabilities, and can be used for both residential and commercial spaces. However, considering Suspended timber floors need to have spaces underneath ventilated via air 'bricks' through the outer walls and gaps in any internal walls so that the air can move across the building underneath the floors to prevent the build up of moisture in the timber which could lead to fungal attack. However this air flow can leave the problem of draughts and cold in the house if not insulated correctly. Homeowners are concerned about noise within their homes. 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. 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. Furthermore, a closed soffit can be produced, in which case a relatively continuous soffit will be created, or an open soffit may need to have an applied ceiling: this might take the form of plaster or enclosure by a suspended ceiling. Area rugs can help alleviate concerns. In addition, using an interior architect will assure expertise in customizing these floors with design, texture and tools, whether its radiant floor heating or beautifully patterned concrete flooring that has the effect of faux-tiles. One advantage of timber that you have not mentioned is that the underfloor void remains as a useful space for ventilation ducts, cables, and drainage systems. This method does not depend on the weather, reducing site delays. This is usually placed in a double layer. Leave a comment about whatyou think of them. For Block floorings are composed of rectangular units or blocks that are set in mortar or adhesives to create straight lines. Advantages and Disadvantages of Lightweight Concrete | Giatec Scientific The self weight of floor is commonly known as dead weight and any live loads which include human and furniture etc are likely to be imposed on the floor. heat loss from the fabric of the building (walls, ceilings, floors. Case Studies in Construction Materials, Volume 11, 2019. doi:10.1016/j.cscm.2019.e00296. 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. minimalist theme, with advances in technology, colour and texture can be added The savings are actually fairly modest compared to insulating other parts of the home, like the walls and loft. The form of construction where concrete is cast in a reusable mould and then cured in a controlled environment (precast plant) is called precast concrete. The information provided should not be used as a substitute for professional services. Concrete in bathrooms, kitchens, or entryways is especially susceptible to this. 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. Keeping a concrete floor looking its best is fairly easy. Their durability makes them suitable for almost any environment, and If liquid does manage to make its way into the pores of a concrete floor, it can lead to the growth of mold or mildew in your home. A well-insulated house is very energy efficient and it will require very little additional heating and cooling according to requirement. Joalah Enterprises is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. 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. Flooring can be broadly classified into two categories Beam and Block Flooring. Types of Floors for Multi-Storey Steel Structure Construction While it is somewhat rare, it's also possible to install concrete flooring over a wood-framed subfloor. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Durability: Precast Concrete structure has a longer service time period and minimal maintenance. the years, making it a versatile material that adapts to almost any design or Otherwise, the staining or dyeing generally occurs after the concrete has been polished by grinding with abrasive pads with progressively finer grits. The Importance Of Regular Electrical Maintenance In Your Home. Suspended slab sub-flooring can be used as a ground floor slab for greater stability on hilly ground. Whilethe raw look of polished concrete is perfect for a home with an industrial or The basic approach also provides a solid foundation for sound insulation which can be added to for additional performance. 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. The three common sizes of CarterHoltHarvey's Structaflor shown here are 19, 22 and 25 mm thick. The information, prices, and advice listed on this site are only intended to be used as a guide. washed occasionally, without having to worry about the floor getting damaged These bricks are commonly known as Air Bricks. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. They can be used on all types of soil conditions including clay, sand, and gravel, and when compared to other types of concrete flooring are generally cheaper. Varied viewpoints exist regarding whether concrete is an environment-friendlybuilding material. There is no need of any sticking material, or nails, to fix this flooring. It is particularly suited to first-floor structural applications where it can replace traditional suspended timber joists and engineered wooden joists. They have good quality control. If the timber beams are more than 1.3 ft in thickness then a binder is used to support the beams. If you found this article useful, discover the differenttypes of flooring materials and how they compare with each other. You must log in or register to reply here. They form a bridge of narrow span across the minute part of the room. The Pros and Cons of Concrete Flooring | HGTV Hello, have you heard of Q-Bots robotic underfloor insulation? Disadvantages Of Suspended Timber Floor Disadvantages Of Suspended Timber Ground Floor Pros And Cons Of Suspended Timber Floor Advantages And Disadvantages Of Suspended Timber Ground Floor Benefits Of Suspended Timber Floor Disadvantages Of Suspended Floors About The Author viewfloor More from this Author Concrete Floors Pros and Cons - The Spruce In this way suspended timber floors insulation will ensure proper heating and cooling in the home. Askaboutmoney.com - the Irish consumer forum. closed windows and doors). Beam and Block Concrete Flooring is a common way of making a concrete slab floor. You also have to wait for the concrete to cure before you can can load it This method can easily be out of tolerance (at around +-20mm) The carbon footprint of normal and high-strength concrete used in low-rise and high-rise buildings. It needs to be sealed or waxed every one to three years, depending on the level of traffic, in order to maintain the protective layer. Unfortunately, a consequence of this is that the floors can be quite draughty, with air bricks required to keep the timber dry. Beam and block concrete flooring has been used for decades in both commercial and residential buildings because of its environmental benefits, durability and versatility. The holes are filled with concrete and then leveled with a trowel for the best look. 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. Suspended timber floors consists of floorboards made up of timber attached to flooring joints which are then suspended above building foundations. 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. It is made up of natural granite that has been broken down into smaller pieces. 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. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Environmentally conscious consumers can feel good about finishing an existing concrete slab, since this requires no manufacture of fresh concrete. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Due to its durability and resilience, concrete can withstandthe effects of the natural elements such as the sun and the rain. 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. Beam And Block Flooring: Disadvantages And Advantages - Orlandi However, the floor structure is supported by external and internal walls. Dependence on standalone . It is made with reinforced concrete blocks which are then sealed with a smooth finish. In colder regions, electrical cables or hot water pipes can For this reason, a specialized lifting equipment should be used for transport of Beam and Block Concrete Floors. 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. 2017-2023 Homadvceguide.com - All Rights Reserved. You can either have a concrete base or a suspended floor, usually made out of timber. 12 Advantages and Disadvantages of Precast Concrete. A blue utility pad can be used for particularly stubborn stains. To fill voids, treat the surface with a sand and cement grout to deter insects and vermin and improve airtightness. 155mm House Beams are able to span up to a 7 metre point, while 225mm Deep Beams can span up to an 8 metre point under normal residential loading. There are two basic ways to make the floors of a building. Suspended floors have been benefiting from lightweight concrete for years, as it reduces the weight on the structure and increases fire resistance. Floors made of beams and blocks offer the following advantages: Handling is easy. Costs can range from $2 per square foot for a basic to $30 or more for high-end artistically rendered floors. Beam and block concrete flooring is a type of floor that has been in use since the 1990s. before the slab is set. Damping of Structures of Earthquake-Resistant Suspended Buildings Environmentalists are becoming more aware of the materials that theyre using in construction projects. 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 The flat plate floor is constructed with an economical span that takes up medium loads and avoids the chances of long-term deflection. for outdoor areas such as terraces and patios, which are exposed to the weather The floor will be able to handle the full weight of its contents without the topping once it has cured. But energy bills can be reduced by 10%-15% by using proper insulation as insulation prevents heat from moving toward cold areas. Of all the types of flooring, this technology means that you can use blockwork for internal partitions, which can be plastered and painted to match the rest of your home. I bought a 1950s semi d three years ago, with similar floors to OP. Suspended block and beam floors are able to save the time wasted in forming concrete slabs. Not everyone likes the cold feel of concrete under theirbare feet, when they get out of bed in the morning. 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. This treatment will need to be repeated at regular intervals; some experts advise a yearly reapplication. Block flooring provides an industrial chic look that is perfect for commercial spaces such as restaurants or retail shops. You can reduce your carbon footprint by about 240kg per year by installing timber floor insulation. If there is extensive refurbishment work happening however, it may be a good time to look at floor insulation. Any disadvantages to Suspended timber flooring? Almost every flooring system has some type of advantage or disadvantage. It is made from prestressed concrete, called beams, to create the support that are placed together into the floor frame. A rigid insulation slab can be used instead of concrete hollow blocks when a lightweight, insulated floor slab is needed. A sealed and properly maintained concrete floor can last indefinitely. Concrete flooring doesnt have to be grey and dull. heat loss fromdraughts (gaps in floors, windows, doors, open chimneys and lofthatches). finishing techniques, concrete floors homes. 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. Mold. While the toughness and strength of concrete are anadvantage, this can also work against it as breakages are unavoidable if glass, Where a fresh slab or overlay is being poured, colorizing agents can be mixed into the concrete before it is poured. Block floorings are composed of rectangular units or blocks that are set in mortar or adhesives to create a concrete floor. While concrete floors are associated with industrial design,they can look just as good in any other style, whether its modern or rustic. Supports underneath the floor are permanent and include sleeper walls or timber props placed at regular intervals. Beam flooring is perfect for homeowners who want to create a traditional look in their home without the high costs of hardwood floors. Undeniably, the process of manufacturing raw concrete, Because of this cost, it is usually not worth it to insulate your floors. stencils and pigments to create texture and patterns on the surface of the This includes heavy snowfalls, hail storms, strong winds and prolonged rain. First of all, the floor is thinner. A suspended floor is a ground floor with a void underneath the structure. However, the . A subfloor is a structural component of a home that sits between the decorative floor covering and the structure of the floor. 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. Just click on the icon! Only advantage is that it is easier to take up and put down underfloor heating. Additionally, decorative techniques, For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. A.P. The honeycomb walls are constructed in such a way as it never restricts passage of air to flow beneath the suspended joists. Beam and block flooring mainly come in two types concrete beams and precast boards. 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 answer to this is that it really depends on the reason for insulating. Block and beam floor construction has been used for many years in the UK in the construction of flats, and is now widely used in general housing to provide a quieter home living environment. Disadvantages Of Suspended Floors | Viewfloor.co The range of steel based floor systems is presented in general terms, with the advantages and disadvantages of each system . Nowadays, stained They always want to know about the costs of heating and cooling their home. It is not possible to lay insulation underneath a solid floor, so any insulation will need to go on top. like with other flooring materials, the techniques of installing and decorating There are a variety of options for the material used in suspended timber floor insulation. 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. Suspended flooring helps to prevent any timber from coming in contact with any form of moisture. There are two main reasons why would you want to insulate a suspended timber floor. Because of this, beam and block concrete flooring are a popular choice for those who want to cut costs while still maintaining good architectural look. Their detail includes: All the available materials have their own benefits selecting the balanced material is the main goal in the flooring installation. Are there any disadvantage to this type of flooring? As long as the concrete is smooth and free from holes, bumps, and defects, you have the choice of covering it over with any floor surface covering you choose at a later date. 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. This is the gold standard for pet-proof floors. The principle advantages of precast floors are speed of construction, absence of scaffolding, large variety of types, large span capacity, & economy. be embedded into the concrete floor as a radiant Its multiple benefits are the reason that concrete is becoming a popular option for floors in modern homes. 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.