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
ECA Industry Awards 2024 shortlist revealed
22 leading businesses from across the electrotechnical and engineering services sector.
Government unveils Skills England strategy
Skills England to transform opportunities and drive growth.
New Government Hub for York Given Planning Green Light
For up to 2,600 civil servants, due for completion by 2028.
Construction Skills Certification Scheme cards
July update on Professionally Qualified and Academically Qualified Person Cards.
BSRIA Briefing 2024, November 22
Sustainable Futures: Redefining Retrofit for Net Zero Living.
The CLC on driving competency in the retrofit sector
Previously published roadmap on skills for net zero.
The first labour government King's speech in fifteen years
Construction industry reactions, support and some concern.
CIOB Retrofit of Buildings Technical Information Sheet
What retrofit is, the approach to be taken and processes to be followed.
Adapting Historic Buildings for Energy and Carbon Efficiency
Historic England advice note 18, free download published.
10 retrofit projects revisited 10 years after completion.
Information orders, building liability orders and SPVs
Key BSA terms and how they impact special purpose vehicles.
Listed despite problems with its design.
Zen and the art of cycling exploration.
Design Council Homes Taskforce launched
To support government 1.5 million homes target within UK climate commitments.