Choosing A Sturdy Floor Structure For Your Home

Are you about to embark on a thrilling self-build construction project to create your dream home for your family? If so, you and your team have probably been spending a lot of time thinking through the various aspects of the building’s structure.

After all, you want to make sure that the ‘bones’ and foundations of your new home are as solid and durable as possible. This is to ensure you and your loved ones can enjoy a happy and, hopefully, hassle-free life in the property you’ve invested so much time, money, and thought into creating.

One of the most vital elements of the structural work of a home is, of course, the flooring. Read on to discover how to choose a floor structure for your self-build that will provide a sturdy foundation, one that is capable of withstanding everything from damp to cracking and low temperatures.

For Quick Installation And Strength – Go For Beam And Block

Beam and block floor systems are incredibly popular for new build properties, and for good reason. Not only do they require minimal preparation compared to other flooring structures, but they can also be installed very quickly, helping to speed up the construction process. Consisting of reinforced beams and sturdy blocks, both made of concrete, this structure provides strength and convenience and won’t crack or shrink over time.

However, there are a couple of things to consider. For one thing, this option is slightly on the pricey side. Another factor, you must be sure to leave a vented airspace of at least 150mm under the floor. This is to prevent toxic gases such as methane and radon from accumulating.

For Even More Speed And Flexibility – Hollow Core Concrete

If you have a sizeable construction budget for your self-build, and you want to make sure the structural work is completed as quickly as possible, hollow core flooring may be preferable to any other structure.

These ready-made, hollowed-out concrete blocks allow for flexibility when it comes to placing your internal walls. They can also be speedily installed, so if you don’t mind the substantial upfront cost, they could be the ideal time-saving solution.

For Load-Bearing Reinforcement – Aluminium Floor Expansion Joints

To help guarantee the strength, sturdiness, and durability of your flooring, it’s a good idea to choose robust floor expansion joints capable of withstanding heavy traffic and bearing significant loads. This helps to ensure that the flooring lasts for longer, making it a worthwhile investment.

Companies such as Veda France specialise in a range of sturdy building joints, including a floor expansion joint made of aluminium, available in either floor-to-floor types or floor-to-wall types, which can be drilled and countersunk on request for added convenience. Compare all options to find the right flooring for your project.

For Upstairs – Consider Time-Honoured Timber

Finally, if your new building is a house, not a bungalow, you may want a different floor structure for the upstairs. Timber is still one of the most popular options for upper floors. Part of the reason is that it is cheap and sustainable, not to mention being easy to alter on-site if required.

However, if you do opt for timber, remember that it can be subject to shrinkage over time, which could lead to creaky floors. To counteract this, you can use timber I-joists, which are a firm favourite of builders and developers as they neither warp nor shrink.

As a result, you can rest assured that you will have a solid, durable, and squeak-free upper floor for your dream home.