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
UK Construction Week, London is here !
Debuting major international pavilions and much more.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Plumbing and heating for successful retrofit and renovation
Low temperature underfloor systems and heat pumps.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Delays on construction projects
Types, mitigation and the acceleration of works.
From Chaucer to Fawlty Towers.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.
Net zero electricity grids BSRIA guide NZG 5/2024
Outlining the changes needed to transition to net zero.
CIOB Global Student Challenge 2024
Universitas Indonesia wins for second year running.
New project and cultural district described in detail.
The nature of EPCs, crticism and inaccuracies.
History, issues and redesign.
From waste recycling to energy performance the hierchy.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.