All you need to know.
Benefits of suspended timber floor.
A suspended floor is a ground floor with a void underneath the structure.
Timber flooring gives an elegant and aesthetic look and only seems to get better with age.
How to insulate suspended timber floors.
The floor can be formed in various ways using timber joists precast concrete panels block and beam system or cast in situ with reinforced concrete.
As coldwarrior and you said the underside of the floor has to be ventilated normally using a breezeblock type blocks leading externally.
A suspended timber floor is the chosen way for many builders and consumers because of the following facts.
A timber suspended ground floors contain a number of boards including tongued well grooved and man made boards like plywood or timber beams.
This creates a small gap and allows ventilation and air movement to prevent damp forming in the timber joists.
Approximately up to 15 of heat is lost through uninsulated floorboards adding icynene spray foam insulation product beneath the floorboards it seals the gaps between floors and skirting boards to reduce draughts and the chance of condensation.
If i was buying a house with suspended timber floors i d factor in the cost of replacing them with poured concrete underfloor heating as part of the purchase.
You can also insulate from above using a similar method.
Suspended hollow or timber floors also have a tendency to creak as the nails work loose over time.
Besides lending a feeling of warmth it has an eternal appeal as the beauty and value of timber floors never go out of fashion.
It is more cost effective in residential areas.
Benefits of suspended timber floor insulation.
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.
This can cause cold draughts between the boards.
This insulates the floor but still allows some air to circulate preventing the timber from getting damp and rotting.
It has simply the best construction way for sloping sites low lying areas or sites with bad climatically conditions.
The answer to this problem can also be found in our project about stopping creaking floors and stairs.
Why use suspended timber floor.
There are a few ways to insulate a suspended floor but the best most breathable way is to hang insulation under the floorboards.
A timber floor transforms a house into a home with its naturally warm vibe.
Timber suspended ground floors.