Insulation of slab-on-ground floors
Understanding how to maximise the insulation of a slab-on-ground floor is an important step to designing an energy-efficient building. So, where is the main heat loss, and how is a slab best insulated?
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By Ian Cox-Smith – 1 December 2008, Build 109
Understanding how to maximise the insulation of a slab-on-ground floor is an important step to designing an energy-efficient building. So, where is the main heat loss, and how is a slab best insulated?
By Trevor Pringle – 1 December 2011, Build 127
Another change since the Canterbury earthquakes is that all reinforcing in slabs on the ground must now be tied into the foundation wall reinforcing.
By Ian Cox-Smith – 1 February 2008, Build 104
Reflective foil insulation products are commonly labelled with a component R-value. This does not signify performance, and should not be confused with the R-values for bulk insulation products.
By Graeme Beattie – 1 December 2011, Build 127
Lessons from the Canterbury earthquakes mean that all concrete floor slabs must now be reinforced with steel bars or welded mesh with a reasonable degree of ductility.
By Alide Elkink – 1 February 2007, Build 98
Timber blocking or herringbone strutting is intended to provide lateral support to floor joists by providing stiffening to the joists and transferring some of the load to adjacent joists.
By Tom Edhouse – 1 June 2013, Build 136
Readers have asked about bracing requirements in two extra situations, so tom edhouse outlines the rules. First up are discontinuous floors or ceilings.
By Neil Lee – 1 February 2006, Build 92, Feature article
Fresh concrete contains significiant water which evaporates over time. Installing floor coverings on the floor slab before it’s dry is a recipe for disaster, so how do you know if it’s dry enough?
By David Sharp – 1 October 2013, Build 138
As the emphasis on smarter, quicker building grows, a BRANZ-led project to develop a simple lightweight suspended timber floor system is an exciting advance that also proves the value of collaborative effort.
By Ian Cox-Smith – 1 August 2021, Build 185, Feature article
The recently released draft of PHINZ High-performance Construction Details Handbook requires some explanation for floor elements as the R-values it uses are different to those most designers will be familiar with.
By Roger Shelton – 1 June 2013, Build 136
BRANZ has been asked recently for help interpreting NZS 3604:2011 bracing provisions for buildings with suspended subfloor structures. Here are a few pointers.