DIY Builds
DIY Builds
Photo: Ksenia Chernaya
A void is left under the floor of at least 150mm between the soil and underside of the beam. If heavy clay soil is present it is good practice to increase the void depth to as much as 225mm or possibly more. All organic material must be removed from the soil and the surface should be treated with weedkiller.
Properly curing your concrete improves strength, durability, water tightness, and resistance for many years. The first 7 days after installation...
Read More »
When temperatures dip below 40 °F, the chemical reactions that strengthen concrete slow down and can lead to weaker concrete. If concrete curing...
Read More »
These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.
Learn More »Infill blocks are then positioned between the T-beams, these blocks are usually lightweight concrete. A sand cement grout is often brushed over the surface, filling any gaps providing a good load distribution and avoiding movement in the blocks. The grout also keeps insects and vermin out and assists with air tightness. Insulation is usually positioned on top of the beam and block floor, a concrete topping or screed is then laid onto the insulation. An upstand perimeter insulation is installed around the edge of the concrete topping or screed in order to prevent thermal bridging. Some insulation manufacturers recommend a separation/vapour control layer between the insulation board and the screed to prevent interstitial condensation and the seeping of screed into insulation board cracks. Timber deck finish can also be used – if this is specified a vapour control layer must be included in the design under the timber deck. A void is left under the floor of at least 150mm between the soil and underside of the beam. If heavy clay soil is present it is good practice to increase the void depth to as much as 225mm or possibly more. All organic material must be removed from the soil and the surface should be treated with weedkiller. This void must be ventilated with air bricks or ventilation sleeves positioned in the external walls in order to avoid the potential build up of gas. Ground levels under floor should be relatively level, otherwise external walls become retaining walls and would need to be designed accordingly. A DPM or concrete oversite in not usually required, unless needed for gas or vapour protection as per the Building Regulations. Some manufacturers do recommend a DPM over the beam and block floor before insulation – be sure to check manufacturers instructions. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) blocks are also used as infill between the beams. Not only do these blocks provide excellent thermal performance, they increase construction times as they are lightweight and easy to work with. The blocks are either designed to lap under the concrete T-beam in order to prevent cold bridging, or an additional insulation layer is positioned over the EPS infill blocks. More manufacturers are developing EPS block systems which have varying profiles and methods of construction. They are fast, efficient and would be likely to over take the concrete blocks in popularity over the years due to their enhanced benefits. If we now revisit the functional requirements of a floor construction and apply the characteristics of the beam and block floor, we can establish whether the beam and block is a suitable option for our flooring system.
How to add value to your home Create a parking space – Spend £2,000, add £13,000. ... Spruce up your back garden – Spend £4,000, add £9,000. ......
Read More »
Most sheds range from $1,500 to $10,000, but a small, prefabricated shed can cost as little as $300, while a custom-built shed with high-end...
Read More »
These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.
Learn More »
If your neighbour owns the wall or fence You can't make changes to your side without their permission, such as painting it. If the wall or fence...
Read More »
How to secure your shed Make your garden unattractive to thieves. Secure the roof and windows. Choose the right doors and locks. Secure your shed...
Read More »
The recommended shed floor plywood thickness is 3/4 inch pressure-treated exterior-grade CDX plywood. This type of plywood won't sag when used on a...
Read More »
Does a shed add value to the house? Once you figure out what kind of shed you want, you'll likely wonder if it actually will increase the value of...
Read More »
Promotion