local history and losing the building altogether can weaken people’s unique sense of community, identity and belonging. When it comes to floor finishes, the first
step in a renovation or adaptation of a building is to establish if the existing floor will be suitable. If a replacement is required the decision-making process may be complex and will often not be as simple as “out with the old, in with the new”. In fact, this approach can sometimes result in new defects arising if the nature of the existing floor and building is not fully understood. Before starting any work in a heritage building, always obtain mandatory permissions, including listed building consent. Works to heritage buildings are sensitive and there are legal consequences if illegal works (affecting the building’s character) are carried out. It is also essential to have a thorough understanding of the way the existing building materials and structure behave. Conservation and heritage experts often talk about “a whole building approach” which uses an understanding of a building in its context to find balanced solutions that save energy, sustain heritage significance, and provide a comfortable and healthy indoor environment. It is necessary to see the building as a system of materials, functions, users and services that are interconnected; and any adaptations and interventions should be designed to work with that system. Common types of ground floor construction There are two subfloor types that commonly crop up specifically in heritage buildings, - “breathable” ground-bearing slabs and suspended joists with a ventilated void below. Both types are subject to damp issues in their own way. Ground-bearing slabs were built directly on compacted earth and therefore required a “breathable” floor finish that lets moisture pass through. From the 1960s onwards ground-bearing concrete floors became commonplace in the UK with or without a damp proof membrane. Suspended wooden floors, i.e., floorboards on joists have been used since Victorian times. Their success relies upon good subfloor ventilation and the use of damp proofing material between the timber joists and their supports. Failures can mean the airflow is reduced, which causes the joists to rot and may also breach the damp proof course.
A new floor in an older building When considering a hardwood floor finish, do not assume the subfloor is dry – a fully dry base may not have been the primary objective of the original builders. Find out if there will be any consequences of fitting thermal insulation and understand what other mechanisms help the floor to function properly, such as DPCs and ventilation, and ensure those elements are not compromised. It is helpful to think of the whole floor construction as a “system”, rather than to focus upon the finish alone. Likewise, it is important to understand the properties of the new floor finish. Armed with a full understanding of site and materials it is possible to establish if the old and new are going to work together successfully. Assess the way moisture and air move
around the building and how this may be affected by a new hardwood floor. If insulation is being added this will influence the temperature and moisture movement, the risk of condensation and rot may increase if there is a miscalculation. Examine the condition of the existing fabric – changes of use can bring about higher humidity than before.
A detailed survey of the existing building and an assessment of its suitability is a good starting point. Historical suitability Wood flooring is one of the materials traditionally specified for historic and heritage buildings. More often than not, a wood floor will be in keeping with the building. The use of authentic, traditional materials helps to retain the character of historic buildings and in turn supports traditional industries and vital craft skills. A solid wood floor will last 60+ years. A material with such a long lifespan is a natural fit for a building that is being refurbished and future proofed. Restoring historic buildings safeguards our national cultural heritage, but it is equally important to equip old buildings for modern use. By selecting materials low in embodied carbon, a building’s whole life carbon impact is reduced. A solid hardwood floor is often the most accurate floor finish in heritage buildings, but we must approach this in a different way from modern buildings. The exceptionally long lifespan of a solid timber floor ensures it aligns with that of the building.
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