Domestic floors: Part 1: Construction, insulation and damp proofing
BRE (Building Research Establishment) is an independent, research-based consultancy, testing and training organisation, operating in the built environment and associated industries.
Domestic floors: Part 1: Construction, insulation and damp proofing (GG28/1 revised 2015) was written by Rupert Pool and Chris Scivyer, and published by BRE on 30 March 2015. It is part 1 of a 5-part Good Building Guide that considers the construction of new and replacement domestic floors and their repair. It updates guidance published in 1997.
The 8-page part 1 describes ground floor construction in new buildings and in refurbishment work where floors are being replaced. It is concerned mainly with domestic buildings, but some recommendations will also apply to other types of building.
It describes the types of ground floors commonly used in domestic properties; ground-supported concrete slab floors, suspended concrete floors (including beam and block) and suspended timber floors. It provides information on how to construct each type of floor and gives advice on the positioning of damp-proof membranes (DPMs) and thermal insulation.
In particular, it gives details of; damp proofing, vapour-control layers, drying times for concrete bases and screeds, positions for thermal insulation. It does not deal with; structural requirements, specific values or thicknesses of thermal insulation, requirements for the exclusion of radon and methane or heated screeds.
The contents of part 1 are:
- Introduction.
- Ground-supported concrete slabs.
- Suspended concrete (beam and block or plank).
- Suspended timber.
- Screeds for concrete bases.
- Thermal insulation and membranes for concrete bases.
- Chipboard.
- Conclusion.
- References.
- Further reading.
Parts 2–5 explain how to assess different types of floor construction for replacement or repair, and how to repair them.
[edit] Find out more.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- BRE articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BRE Buzz.
- BREEAM.
- Building Research Establishment.
- Concrete slab.
- Damp proofing.
- Damp-proof membrane.
- Floor definition.
- Floor insulation.
- Flooring defects.
- Floors.
- Insulation for ground floors.
- Laminate flooring.
- Screed.
- Thermal insulation.
- Types of flooring.
- Vapour-control layer.
Featured articles and news
UKCW London to tackle sector’s most pressing issues
AI and skills development, ecology and the environment, policy and planning and more.
Managing building safety risks
Across an existing residential portfolio; a client's perspective.
ECA support for Gate Safe’s Safe School Gates Campaign.
Core construction skills explained
Preparing for a career in construction.
Retrofitting for resilience with the Leicester Resilience Hub
Community-serving facilities, enhanced as support and essential services for climate-related disruptions.
Some of the articles relating to water, here to browse. Any missing?
Recognisable Gothic characters, designed to dramatically spout water away from buildings.
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.