VIEWPOINT INSULATING FLOORS: CONSIDERATIONS FOR MERCHANT
CUSTOMERS Matt Neary, National Sales Manager at Knauf Insulation
IN LAST MONTH’S column we looked up to the roof for insulation solutions, now it’s time to bring that discussion to the floor. Although often the last thought when retrofitting, up to 15% of the heat in a room is lost through the floor, making it an important consideration in the fabric first approach. Heat loss isn’t the only factor here however, as internal or separating floors are primarily insulated to dampen acoustics.
We will review the regulations, common uses, and suggested products to help you guide customers through the best options for retrofitting, extending an existing property, or starting a new project.
Understanding flooring regulations The key references for achieving compliant floor insulation are Approved Documents L and E of the Building Regulations. Approved Document L (Conservation of Fuel and Power) now sets strict U-values for floors. The maximum allowable U-value is 0.18 W/m²K for new buildings or new elements in existing structures and 0.25 W/m²K for improvements to existing floors. Approved Document E (Resistance to Sound) addresses the need for acoustic insulation, specifying levels of sound insulation required to reduce noise transmission between rooms and adjoining properties. Although the negative health impacts of noisy environments are not fully understood, evidence does show it can contribute to poor concentration, interrupted sleep and stress, so acoustics are an important consideration. Compliance with these regulations is vital for creating buildings that are both energy- efficient and acoustically comfortable.
24
using flexib any of th
using a slab or roll, mineral wool’s flexibility means it will adapt to any irregularities on the surface of the joists and any seasonal movement.
Suspended timber ground floors
A suspended timber ground floor is common in older properties and provides an ideal opportunity for retrofitting insulation. If there is a basement to the property or a substantially large crawl space, then it may be less disruptive and easier to install the insulation from below. A glass mineral wool slab, such as OmniFit® Slab 35, is ideal in this instance as it is easy to manoeuvre in confined spaces. The slabs can be friction fitted between the floor joists and secured with polypropylene netting. But access from below isn’t always possible and in these instances, installing a mineral wool roll from above will be easier. To secure the insulation, your customers will need to drape netting over the joists and push the roll between them. Whether your customers are
Structural floors Structural soffit floors, usually made from concrete or composite materials, are often visible from below and typically separate a habitable room and an unheated area such as a car park or commercial unit. Insulating these floors on the underside is preferable as it mitigates condensation and maintains the usable space of the floor above. In these cases, it’s important to use insulation that not only provides thermal and acoustic performance but also has a pleasing finish.
us
or co visib sepa
Products such as wood wool panels or soffit linerboards are ideal for these applications. Wood wool panels, such as Heraklith® Tektalan A2 SmartTec, offer excellent thermal and acoustic insulation properties while providing a natural, aesthetically pleasing finish. Similarly, Rocksilk® Soffit Linerboard combines high performance with a smooth, attractive surface, making it suitable for visible applications. These products can be mechanically fixed to the
underside of the floor, ensuring a secure and effective insulation layer.
Separating floors Separating floors, which divide different units within a building, and internal floors, which separate rooms within the same unit, primarily require acoustic insulation. The main goal for these floors is to reduce sound transmission between rooms and living spaces.
For these applications, an acoustic glass mineral wool roll is highly recommended. Mineral wool is the most effective insulant at reducing sound transmission and reverberations. The fibre matrix encourages the absorption of sound waves, converting them into heat energy, where other insulation types simply let the sound pass through.
Products like our Acoustic Roll can be installed between floor joists or in suspended ceiling systems, providing an effective barrier against both airborne and impact sound. Ensuring proper fitting and gap-free installation is crucial to achieving the desired acoustic performance.
Futureproof floors Whether dealing with suspended timber ground floors, structural soffit floors, or separating and internal floors, the right insulation solution will contribute to creating buildings that are not only energy- efficient but also quieter and more comfortable.
As building standards evolve towards stricter environmental and safety regulations, understanding the nuances of flooring insulation is essential. By providing expert guidance, merchants can help create homes that are truly fit for the future, delivering lasting benefits for occupants and the environment alike. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net July 2024
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72
