Insulating Floors With Styrofoam

Uniclass EPIC
L68151:P7111 F841:X722
CI/SfB
(27) Rn7 (M2)
May 2006
Dow - Building Solutions
Insulating floors with STYROFOAM

Insulating floors: basic principles
This section describes the thermal insulation of floors using By including in the floor construction a layer of thermal
STYROFOAM™ extruded polystyrene insulation from Dow. insulation continuous with that in the rest of the building
It covers the principles, design considerations and envelope, heat loss is reduced and thermal bridges at the
installation methods for groundbearing and suspended junction of the floors and walls are avoided. However,
floors in new build and renovation projects. thermal insulation incorporated in a floor must not
compromise any of the functional requirements.
STYROFOAM Solutions
Agrément Certificate 92/2782 covers the use of
The STYROFOAM Solution for insulating
FLOORMATE 200-X, STYROFOAM SP-X and FLOORMATE
groundbearing and suspended floors in new build and
500-X in groundbearing floors.
renovation is FLOORMATE™ which includes the
products: FLOORMATE 200-X, STYROFOAM SP-X,
FLOORMATE 500-X and FLOORMATE 700-A. ➀
➁
➂
➃
Insulating floors ➄
Floors are classified as:
➅
››› ground floors, in contact directly, or indirectly with
➆
ground.
››› exposed floors, forming lowest part of structure over ➀ screed with light mesh ➃ damp proof
reinforcement membrane (DPM)
un-enclosed airspace (e.g. balcony).
➁ vapour control layer ➄ concrete slab
››› semi-exposed floors, lowest part of a structure over an (VCL) ➅ hardcore with sand
enclosed but unheated space (e.g. a floor over a ➂ FLOORMATE blinding
➆ ground
garage).
››› intermediate floors, having heated space above and Figure 28 >> Groundbearing floor slab
below.
Ground floors may be groundbearing (figure 28) or ➀

➁
suspended (figure 29): all other floors are, by definition, ➂
suspended.
The ground absorbs heat from floors close to or in contact ➃
with it, with high soil moisture content increasing the rate
of loss. Those effects, when combined with the natural
temperature gradient in buildings, can lead to ➀ board or screed finish ➂ FLOORMATE
➁ VCL/slip sheet (SS) 500 ➃ beam and block floor
uncomfortable internal environments, condensation at gauge polyethylene with levelling topping
wall/floor junctions and higher than predicted energy
Figure 29 >> Suspended beam and block floor
usage. Exposed and semi-exposed floors, suffer heat loss to
air, in the same wayother building elements.
®™* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("DOW") or an affiliated company of Dow
STYROFOAM Solutions 35
Determining the floor construction Loadings

Floors must be designed as a whole element taking Floors should be designed to sustain safely the combined
account of all the functional requirements. The position of dead and imposed loads, without excessive deflection
the insulation is influenced by the type of construction, the (Building Regulations 1991: Schedule 1 Requirement A1:
predicted floor loading and the heating regime. Standard 1.1 in Scotland).
Buildings which are to be intermittently heated are usually In self-contained dwellings FLOORMATE ™insulation can
designed with ‘fast response’ fabric with the thermal support the design load when:
insulation on the inside of the structure. Heating systems ››› sited above a groundbearing slab and covered with
which utilise the structure as a heat store require the suitable plywood, chipboard or screed.
thermal insulation to encompass as much of the structure ››› sited below a groundbearing slab and receiving the
as possible. dead load of the slab and the loading transferred
The design of foundations and groundbearing floors is through the slab.
influenced by the site on which the building is to be ››› laid on timber decking and covered with suitable
constructed. The load bearing capacity of the soil should plywood or chipboard.
be established before design work is undertaken.
Load bearing internal partitions must be built off the
Whilst a groundbearing floor is usually an effective
structural floor not the FLOORMATE insulation boards.
construction for domestic and commercial buildings,
Internal masonry walls must have their own foundations.
a ground floor should be suspended in the following
circumstances: For buildings other than dwellings the correct grade of
FLOORMATE insulation should be selected on the basis of
››› domestic buildings on sloping sites where more than
an assessment of the loading by a structural engineer.
600mm depth of infill would be required.
››› where the bearing capacity and nature of the ground The maximum acceptable load on FLOORMATE insulation
varies from one part to another. products is the design load together with a suitable safety
››› where the ground is of shrinkable clay, expansive factor. (The “design load” is that load on the insulation
material or other unstable soil type. which will give a maximum compression of 2% after 50
years)
The site should be assessed for hazards likely to affect In the unlikely event of floor loadings being too high for an
substructure and groundbearing floors such as chemicals available grade of FLOORMATE board the material may be
(particularly sulphates), contaminated material above or in used as vertical edge insulation, which is not subject to
the ground and waterlogged ground. In some parts of the loadings from the floor slab.
UK special precautions are necessary to reduce the entry of
radon gas, details of those geographical areas may be
obtained from the Department for Environment, Food and
Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
Floors must be resistant to ground hazards as outlined in

Building Regulations C1 + C2 (Standard 3.1 - 3.4 in Scotland).
36
Thermal performance
Table 15 gives the thicknesses of FLOORMATE 200–X
required to achieve a range of U-values for ground floors.
Refer to BS EN ISO 6946, BS EN 13370, CIBSE Guide A and

BRE BR 443 ‘Conventions for U-value calculations’ for the
method of U-value calculation.
Heat loss from floors is concentrated at the perimeter.

Whilst an uninsulated ground floor may achieve the
required U-value the use of edge insulation will avoid
thermal bridging at the floor perimeter. FLOORMATE
boards may be installed as vertical or horizontal edge
insulation depending on the application.When used as
vertical edge insulation, FLOORMATE may be placed on the
inside of the external walls (see figure 30), within a cavity or
on the outside of the walls. Where horizontal edge insula-
tion is used beneath the slab maintain the minimum slab Figure 30 >> Horizontal edge insulation below concrete slab
thickness by setting the FLOORMATE boards into the sand

blinding or by increasing the overall depth of the slab.
Refer also to BRE document BR 262 ‘Thermal insulation:
avoiding risks’ and DEFRA/DTLR ‘Robust Details’.
Solid ground bearing floor
P/A 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00
U-values
0.18 25 70 90 110 110 120 120 140 140 140
0.20 25 60 80 90 100 110 110 110 120 120
0.22 - 40 70 80 90 90 100 100 100 110
0.25 - 30 50 60 70 80 80 80 90 90
No insulation 0.21 0.36 0.48 0.58 0.67 0.75 0.82 0.89 0.95 1.00
65mm Screed
Suspended beam & block floor

P/A 0.10 0.20 0.30 0.40 0.50 0.60 0.70 0.80 0.90 1.00
U-values
0.18 50 90 110 120 120 120 140 140 140 140
0.20 30 80 90 100 100 110 110 110 110 120
0.22 25 60 80 90 90 90 100 100 100 100
0.25 25 50 60 70 80 80 80 80 90 90
No insulation 0.26 0.41 0.52 0.61 0.68 0.74 0.79 0.83 0.87 0.90
65mm Screed; block 100 x 440mm, (0.51 W/mK); beam 60mm, (1.13 W/mK)
Table 15 Thickness of FLOORMATE 200-X (mm) to meet U-values (W/m2.K)
Insulating groundbearing floors: design
General description ➀
➁
In a groundbearing floor the ground is used to support the ➂
➃
floor slab for the life of the building. The floor slab is
formed: ➄
››› with reinforced or non-reinforced concrete poured ➅
within, but separate from the external walls, which are ➆
built off separate foundations. ➀ floor finish e.g. carpet ➄ concrete slab
➁ timber board ➅ Damp proof
››› as a reinforced concrete raft combining both
➂ Vapour control layer membrane (DPM)
foundation and floor. (VCL)/Slip sheet (SS) ➆ hardcore with sand
➃ FLOORMATE blinding
Figure 31 >> Insulation between the slab and a board finish

The FLOORMATE insulation can be installed:
››› between the slab and a board finish (figure 31).
››› between the slab and the screed (figure 32). ➀
››› below the slab (figure 33). ➁
➂
➃
Positioning FLOORMATE insulation below the slab avoids
any disruption to the construction sequence. In this ➄
position it supports the floor slab and it is essential the ➅
insulation have sufficient compressive strength: it must also
➆
be placed on well compacted level surface to avoid
➀ floor finish e.g. carpet ➃ FLOORMATE
uneven settlement. ➁ screed with heating ➄ concrete slab
elements ➅ DPM
Because of the difficulty of providing edge insulation to a ➂ VCL ➆ hardcore with sand
raft foundation, FLOORMATE insulation is not normally blinding
installed below the slab in raft constructions (figure 34). Figure 32 >> Insulation between the slab and the screed
FLOORMATE insulation is designed to give the maximum

benefit in groundbearing floor construction:
➀
››› a range of compressive strengths to match loading
➁
conditions.
››› resistant to ground moisture. ➂
››› thicknesses from 25mm to 100mm allow thermal ➃

➄
performance to be matched to project requirements.
➅
Refer to Page 08 for the full physical and performance ➀ floor finish e.g. carpet ➃ DPM
properties of FLOORMATE products. ➁ screed ➄ FLOORMATE
➂ concrete slab ➅ hardcore with sand
incorporating heating blinding
elements
Figure 33 >> Insulation below the slab
38
If FLOORMATE boards are to be installed over a slab the

surface must be even (no more than 5mm deviation under
a 3m straight edge) to prevent excessive deflection of the
finished floor (refer to Agrément certificate 92/2782,
BS 8203 and BS 8204: Part 1). FLOORMATE boards should
only be laid over a slab once the building is weather tight
and should be overlaid as soon as practicable to avoid
damage from follow-on trades.
Screeds
Screeds must neither breakdown nor permit indentation of
the floor finish.
Screeds which are not monolithic with the slab should be

at least 65mm thick (75mm if heated or subject to higher
Figure 34 >> Insulation applied over a concrete raft
loadings) to prevent cracking and curling. They should
incorporate a light mesh (D49 to BS 4483) centrally
Site preparation positioned and passing through any joints in the screed.
A bearing surface for the concrete slab should be prepared An unbonded screed laid over FLOORMATE boards should
by removing all topsoil and vegetable matter and making be separated from the insulation by a slipsheet of 500
up the level to the required height with inert, well graded gauge polyethylene, well lapped and turned up at the floor
fill. The fill, which should pass a 150mm by 100mm screen, edges. Floating screeds must not bridge gaps in the layer
should be laid and compacted in layers not exceeding below.
225mm to finished depths from 100mm to 600mm. Greater
Once laid, screeds should be covered immediately with a
depths may be used for buildings other than dwellings in
polyethylene sheet to ensure a slow cure and help avoid
some circumstances.
shrinkage cracks: the covering should be left in place for
The fill should be blinded with the minimum thickness seven days (BRE Defect Action Sheet 52).
necessary to give a suitable surface for the next layer of the
Where screeds are heated extra care must be taken on site
construction and to protect it from being damaged by the
to avoid failure of the heating elements and cracking of the
hard core. Sand blinding is the most suitable to receive a
screed. Electric heating elements may need to be
sheet damp proof membrane (DPM) or FLOORMATE
separated from FLOORMATE products by a thickness of
boards. Blinding to receive FLOORMATE boards should be
screed; check with the heating system manufacturer before
flat and level so the boards can be laid accurately in a
specifying.
continuous layer without ‘kicking up’ or rocking.
Curing/drying
Concrete slabs
Sufficient time should be allowed for the curing and drying
Concrete slabs should be at least 100mm thick; the need
out of concrete slabs and screeds. Guidance is given in
for increased thickness and for reinforcement should be
BRE publication: ‘Floors and Flooring’ (Table1.3) and
assessed in accordance with BS 8110: Pt 1. Movement
BS 8203.
joints in the slab should be aligned with movement joints
in other elements in the structure. A slip sheet (SS) (which
may be the DPM) must be incorporated between poured
concrete and FLOORMATE insulation.
Thermal bridging
To avoid a thermal bridge at the wall/ floor junction
continue wall insulation down to the bottom of the ➀
concrete slab and install 25mm of FLOORMATE insulation ➁

➂
vertically between the edge of the slab and the inner leaf. ➃
➇ ➄
The exposed edge of the FLOORMATE board will normally
be hidden by the internal plaster and skirting but at ➅
thresholds should be protected with a timber board.

➆
Alternatively, insulating blocks may be used for the inner
leaf of the wall below floor level. ➀ WALLMATE CW-X ➅ concrete slab
➁ floor finish ➆ hardcore with sand
Doors in external walls require openings at floor level ➂ VCL/SS blinding
which need special attention to avoid thermal bridges ➃ FLOORMATE ➇ Damp proof course
(DPC)
(figures 35 to 37). Refer also to BRE document ‘Thermal ➄ DPM
Figure 35 >> FLOORMATE boards above slab junction with
insulation: avoiding risks’ and DEFRA/DTLR ‘Robust Details’. WALLMATE CW-X
Moisture
Building Regulation C2 (Standard 3.4 in Scotland) requires
floors to resist the passage of ground moisture into the
➀
building. Moisture can reach the interior of the building as ➁
➂
either ground water rising through porous construction
➆ ➃
elements or construction water from concrete slabs or
➄
screeds. Specific guidance is given in Approved
document C (Technical Handbook section 3.4 - Scotland).
➅
A DPM placed above the slab and linked to the damp
➀ floor finish ➄ concrete slab
proof course (DPC) will exclude ground moisture and ➁ VCL/SS ➅ hardcore with sand
protect the finish against construction moisture. The ➂ FLOORMATE blinding
➃ DPM ➆ DPC
vapour control layer (VCL) must be positioned on the
warm side of the insulation. Figure 36 >> FLOORMATE boards above slab junction with
STYROFOAM
If the DPM is positioned below the slab a separate moisture

barrier must be included above the slab to protect any
moisture sensitive floor finishes; this additional moisture ➀
barrier will also assist the proper curing of the concrete.
➁
When laying FLOORMATE boards over liquid applied DPMs
➂
ensure the DPM does not contain solvents incompatible
➃
with extruded polystyrene foam. Check with the DPM ➄
manufacturer.
➅
➀ threshold ➃ DPM
➁ DPC ➄ FLOORMATE
➂ concrete slab ➅ hardcore with sand
blinding
Figure 37 >> Avoiding thermal bridges at thresholds, typical

solution
40
Surface water arising from conditions of use, e.g. water

➀
carried on footwear into entrance halls or spillages in ➁
➂
kitchens and bathrooms can damage some flooring or ➃
flooring panels such as chipboard. Where surface water is ➄

likely to occur moisture resistant products or grades of ➅
product should be used throughout the floor construction. ➀ floor finish ➃ pre-formed channel
FLOORMATE insulation is resistant to moisture. ➁ access cover set into screed
➂ services ➄ VCL
➅ FLOORMATE
Services
Figure 38 >> Typical service run in floor screed
Services such as gas and central heating pipes and
electrical cables should be run in a duct set into the screed
or the FLOORMATE boards to allow for access (figure 38). Overlaying FLOORMATE with timber
Services should not be embedded: As FLOORMATE boards do not provide a suitable surface for
››› faults are hard to find, and repair requires the floor the direct application of a floor finish: they must be
finish to be taken up and the screed to be broken up, overlaid with a screed or with a timber based board.
possibly damaging other services. When FLOORMATE insulation is overlaid with a board, there
››› the thickness of the screed is reduced over the service, is a risk of the insulation being compressed where the floor
increasing the risk of cracking. is subjected to relatively high loads for extended periods,
possibly leading to uneven floor surfaces. Check design
Electrical cables less than 50mm from the underside of the load to ensure use of the correct FLOORMATE grade.
flooring panels should be protected from the floor panel’s
Before laying FLOORMATE boards battens should be
fixings by an earthed metallic sheath or earthed steel
positioned at doorways and the foot of stairs and to
conduit.
support partitions, kitchen fittings and sanitary fittings
PVC-covered cables likely to come into contact with (figure 39). The battens should be preservative treated, in
FLOORMATE insulation should be protected by metal accordance with BS 5268: Part 5 (check compatibility of
or uPVC conduit or trunking to avoid the risk of preservatives with FLOORMATE insulation), and fixed to the
plasticiser migration from the PVC. slab through the DPM. (Adequate time should be allowed
Water service pipes rising through a ground floor must be for preservatives to fix and for solvents from solvent based
adequately insulated to prevent freezing (for guidance preservatives to evaporate.)
consult BRE document ‘Thermal insulation: avoiding risks’).
To avoid dampness entering the building the DPM must be
sealed around pipes and ducts where they pass through
the floor construction.
➀
Underfloor heating systems
➁
The use of warm water underfloor heating is on the ➂
➃
increase, for guidance refer to BS EN 1264-4: 2001 and the ➄
Domestic Heating Compliance Guide. ➅
➀ door opening ➃ FLOORMATE

➁ VCL/SS ➄ DPM
➂ timber batten ➅ floor slab
Figure 39 >> Additional support at thresholds
Moisture resistant overlays and finishes should only be Specification

placed once the building is weathertight. They must be The following NBS clauses are relevant to the specification
protected from damage by residual moisture in screeds of FLOORMATE insulation:
and slabs. A slipsheet (500 gauge polyethylene) should E20 Formwork for in situ concrete
always be laid between FLOORMATE boards and the floor 200 Underslab sheet insulation
covering. A construction which is still damp when ››› Insulation: extruded polystyrene boards
FLOORMATE insulation and a boarded finish are to be ››› Thickness: 25/30/35/40/50/60/
installed should be overlaid with an additional DPM of at 70/75/80/90/100/120/140†mm
least 1200 gauge polyethylene, well lapped, sealed at joints ››› Manufacturer and reference:
and turned up at edges behind skirting to protect the Dow Chemical Co. Ltd,
flooring from construction moisture in the wall. Building Solutions,
Timber floor finishes should be applied in accordance with 2 Heathrow Boulevard,
the recommendations of BS 8201. Chipboard should be to 284 Bath Road, West Drayton, Middlesex, UB7 0DQ.
BS 5669 Type C4 18mm thick laid with staggered cross Tel: 020 8917 5050 - Fax: 020 8917 5413
joints. All joints should be bonded with wood grade PVA
adhesive to avoid their squeaking in use; check the FLOORMATE 200-X; STYROFOAM SP-X;
compatibility of the adhesive with FLOORMATE insulation FLOORMATE 500-X; FLOORMATE 700-A
prior to laying. Wedge the panels temporarily at the Board sizes: 1250 x 600mm and 2500 x 600mm†
perimeter until the adhesive has set. Edge profile: butt edge, ship lap
Allow a gap of 10mm or 2mm per linear metre of flooring Compressive strength†: 200kN/m2, 350kN/m2,
(whichever is the greater) between the chipboard and the 500kN/m2, 700kN/m2
perimeter wall. Proprietary expansion joints may be Design loading† : 60kN/m2, 110kN/m2, 150kN/m2,
required for uninterrupted floor runs greater than 5 metres, 250kN/m2
the joints should allow for 2mm expansion per metre of Fire classification: Reaction to fire: BS EN 13164 -
floor. Euro class E
Where there is a likelihood of regular water spillage (e.g.

››› lay sheets on a level bed of sand, not less than 13mm
bathrooms and kitchens) the chipboard must be protected
thick.
by a waterproof covering such as continuous sheet vinyl
››› seal all joints by overlaying with 500 gauge
turned up at abutments.
polyethylene with lapped joints.
For details of laying other timber overlays refer to BS 8203. ››› ensure that insulation is covered with concrete
blinding (see section E10) before fixing slab
reinforcement.
† select appropriate values using STYROFOAM Solutions
Product Data - See page 09
42
M10 Cement:sand/concrete screeds/toppings K11 Rigid sheet flooring ...

290 Floating construction 225 Particleboard floating floor
››› Insulation: (as E20) ››› Base: ...
››› Thickness: (as E20) ››› Preparation: ...
››› Manufacturer and reference: (as E20) ››› Insulation: (as E20)
FLOORMATE 200-X; STYROFOAM SP-X; ››› Thickness: (as E20)
FLOORMATE 500-X; FLOORMATE 700-A ››› Manufacturer and reference: (as E20)
Board size: (as E20) FLOORMATE 200-X; STYROFOAM SP-X;
Edge profile: (as E20) FLOORMATE 500-X; FLOORMATE 700-A
Compressive strength: (as E20) Board size: (as E20)
Design loading: (as E20) Edge profile: (as E20)
Fire classification: (as E20) Compressive strength: (as E20)

Design loading: (as E20)
››› lay insulation with tight butt joints and continue up at Fire classification: (as E20)
all abutments with walls, columns etc. for full depth of

screed. ››› Vapour control layer: ...
››› lay separating layer of 500 gauge polyethylene sheet, ››› Flooring: particleboard to BS EN 312, Type P5
lapping 100mm at joints. Thickness: ...mm

Edges: tongued and grooved all edges
Insulation below screed may also be specified with clause Fit boards together tightly with end joints staggered.
M13 - 260. Glue all joints.
Insulation below flooring may also be specified with:

K11 - 115/125/135/145/215/235/245,
K20 - 150/160, K21 - 120/130
Insulating groundbearing floors: installation
Installation sequence FLOORMATE under

screed (figure 41)
1. When the concrete slab is sufficiently cured check the
surface for trueness and, if necessary blind with sand.
2. Lay FLOORMATE boards with edges tightly butted.
3. Overlay with a slip sheet with edges lapped.
4. Lay screed and leave to cure for at least seven days.
Installation sequence FLOORMATE below

timber (figure 42)
Figure 40 >> Floormate under slab 1. Lay DPM over the concrete slab.
2. Lay FLOORMATE board with edges tightly butted.
3. Overlay FLOORMATE with slipsheet with joints lapped
and edges turned up.
4. Fit flooring boards, leaving a 10mm gap at perimeters.
Key points
››› avoid point loading (eg wheelbarrows and foot traffic)
of FLOORMATE thermal insulation during installation;
provide scaffold boards or similar.
››› protect FLOORMATE boards and DPM while concreting
Figure 41 >> Floormate under screed or screeding.
››› lay insulation over whole floor leaving no gaps.
››› stagger board joints when laying insulation in two or
more layers.
››› use temporary timber battens over perimeter walls to
protect edge insulation (if present).
››› tape joints in DPM and lap with wall DPC. Ensure DPM
is correctly positioned and continuous with DPC.
››› ensure all damp proof membranes and slip sheets are
installed and turned up correctly.
››› ensure reinforcement and installation procedures for
screeds are carried out in accordance with the
Figure 42 >> Floormate below timber specification.

››› allow screeds to cure before any floor finishes are
Installation sequence FLOORMATE under slab applied.
(figure 40) ››› at penetrations of the floor slab by service and soil
pipes, take care to avoid ground moisture bypassing
1. Compact fill and blind with sand.
the DPM. Cut FLOORMATE boards to fit the
2. Fit 25mm thick FLOORMATE boards vertically at the
penetration closely. Fill small gaps with an expanding
edges.
polyurethane foam to form an airtight seal.
››› where services are run within a concrete slab, they
4. Overlay with the DPM, lapping and sealing joints. Turn
should be tested before the slab is laid.
up at edges ready to link into the DPC.
››› keep service runs beneath the flooring to a minimum,
5. Lay the floor slab.
ensure they are accessible for maintenance. Allow a
gap of at least 10mm between timber based flooring
44
panels and the wall.
Insulating suspended floors: design
General considerations
Suspended floors are supported on the walls and can be
➀
formed from: ➄ ➁
››› timber joists and boarding.

➂
››› cast in-situ concrete.
››› concrete beams and block infills.
››› precast concrete units.
Intermediate floors are by definition suspended and are
only required to incorporate thermal insulation if the floor ➃
divides a heated space from an unheated space or outside

air, or when a floor slab extends to form a balcony over the
outside air.
➀ FLOORMATE ➃ hardcore with sand
➁ DPM blinding
FLOORMATE insulation is designed to give the maximum
➂ concrete slab ➄ DPC
benefit in suspended ground and intermediate floors:
Figure 43 >> FLOORMATE boards over cast in-situ concrete
››› a range of compressive strengths to match loading
conditions.
➀
››› resistant to ground moisture. ➁
➂
››› thicknesses from 25mm to 100mm allow thermal
performance to be matched to project requirements.
➃
Consult the technical data on Page 09 for the full physical
and performance properties of FLOORMATE.
➀ board or screed finish ➃ beam and block floor

Suspended ground floors of cast in-situ with levelling topping
➁ VCL/SS
concrete ➂ FLOORMATE
Ground floor slabs may be formed in-situ onto fill which is Figure 44 >> FLOORMATE boards over beam and block floor
expected to settle and is therefore regarded merely as
temporary shuttering. In such cases the slab must be
➀
designed and reinforced as a suspended slab even though ➁
it is, initially, ground-bearing (figure 43). In this type of floor, ➂
the DPM should be laid directly on the slab and then

➃
covered by the FLOORMATE, followed by the other layers of
the floor construction.
➀ board or screed finish ➃ precast floor with
Beam and block and precast ground floors ➁ VCL/SS levelling topping
➂ FLOORMATE
Beam and block floors (figure 44) and precast floors (figure
Figure 45 >> FLOORMATE boards over precast concrete floor
45) should be levelled ie. no more than 5mm deviation
under a 3m straight edge with a screed or grouted prior to
laying FLOORMATE boards. FLOORMATE insulation is best
applied over the beams and beneath a screed or boarded
finish.
Suspended ground floors of timber Thermal bridging

Timber joisted floors involve no wet trades, are simple to In suspended ground floors, as with groundbearing floors,
install and avoid the need for large amounts of compacted it is important to detail wall/floor junctions to avoid
backfill. They can be insulated using FLOORMATE extruded thermal bridges.
polystyrene in several ways:
In exposed floors, there is a risk of thermal bridging at the
››› between joists (figure 46). wall/floor junction where the wall is built off a projecting
››› attached to bottom of joists. floor. Ensure continuity of wall and floor insulation (figure
››› on decking (for example suitable grade of chipboard) 47) or use insulating blockwork and overlapping layers of
laid over joists. insulation (figure 48) or insulate internally (figure 49).
Where the floor structure is timber joists, ensure the space

FLOORMATE boards should not be positioned directly
between the joist and the wall is packed with thermal
onto the joists.
insulation or fix FLOORMATE boards to the underside of the
floor externally and apply a vandal proof soffit. Refer also to
BRE BR 262 ‘Thermal insulation: avoiding risks’ and
➀ DEFRA/DTLR ‘Robust Details’.
➁
The detailing of balconies requires careful attention to
➂ avoid problems with thermal bridging; for guidance refer to
BRE BR 262.
Figure 46 >> FLOORMATE boards between joists
➀ WALLMATE CW-X ➂ FLOORMATE

➁ projecting floor
Figure 47 >> Exposed wall/floor junction, outer leaf supported

independently
46
Cables run close to FLOORMATE insulation may need to be

de-rated in line with IEE Regulations. PVC-covered cables
likely to come into contact with FLOORMATE insulation
should be protected by metal or uPVC conduit or trunking
➀ to avoid the risk of plasticiser migration from the PVC.
➁
Specification
➂
The following NBS clauses are relevant to the specification
of FLOORMATE insulation:
P10 Sundry insulation
➃ 255 Rigid board insulation supported between

floor joists
››› Insulation: extruded polystyrene boards
››› Thickness:
➀ VCL/SS ➂ WALLMATE CW-X
25/30/35/40/50/60/70/80/90/100/120/140† mm
➁ FLOORMATE ➃ DPC/tray
†delete
Figure 48 >> Exposed wall/floor junction, insulation applied as appropriate
internally
››› Manufacturer and reference:
Dow Chemical Co. Ltd,
➀ Building Solutions,
2 Heathrow Boulevard,
284 Bath Road, West Drayton, Middlesex, UB7 0DQ.
➁ Tel: 020 8917 5050 - Fax: 020 8917 5413

➂
FLOORMATE 200-X
Board size: 2500mm x 600mm
Edge profile: butt edge
Compressive strength: 200kN/m2
➃ Design loading: 60kN/m2
Fire classification:
Reaction to fire: BS EN 13164 - Euroclass E
➀ STYROFOAM LB - X ➂ FLOORMATE
/plasterboard laminate ➃ DPC/tray
➁ VCL/SS ››› Supports: saddle clips†† / nails†† / preservative treated
Figure 49 >> Exposed wall/floor junction, lightweight blockwork battens††
inner leaf
››› Fit tightly with closely butted joints, leaving no gaps
Services
† select appropriate values using STYROFOAM Solutions
Central heating pipes are often run in the void below
Product Data
suspended timber floors or within the joist depth.
†† delete as appropriate
When FLOORMATE boards are incorporated in the
construction, it is best to locate the pipework above the
insulation to minimise heat loss into the cold void (figure Insulation laid on boarding may also be specified with:
50). The pipes should be insulated to concentrate heat K11 - 115/125/135/145/215/235/245, K20 - 150/160,
output at the radiators. K21 - 120/130
Run gas pipes below the FLOORMATE boards.
Insulating suspended floors: installation
Installation sequence
Beam and block and precast floors
(figures 45 and 45)
1. Lay topping to provide necessary level surface.
3. Overlay with slip sheet with edges lapped.
4. Lay board or screed finish (allow to cure for at least
7 days).
Timber floors (figure 51)

1. Fix preservative treated battens to the sides of floor
joists so the height of the joist above the batten is the
same as the thickness of the FLOORMATE boards.
2. Cut FLOORMATE boards so they will fit tightly between
the joist and lay on the battens.
Figure 50 >> Services above FLOORMATE boards
3. Lay and fix floor boards.
Key points
Beam and block and precast floors
››› refer to Key Points under Insulating groundbearing
floors: installation.
Timber floors
››› fit FLOORMATE boards tight to the underside of the
floor to avoid air movement between the FLOORMATE
boards and the floor.
››› pack FLOORMATE insulation into any spaces at the
perimeter.
››› at penetrations cut boards around the pipe or duct
and seal the gap with polyurethane foam.
Figure 51 >> FLOORMATE boards between joists ››› ensure underfloor ventilation is clear and not
restricted at sleeper walls.
48
Insulating floors: renovating floors
General considerations Renovating with a concrete groundbearing

Improving the thermal performance of existing floors floor
during renovation can be desirable and economic. When replacing an existing timber floor with a concrete
Existing timber ground floors may be overlaid with groundbearing floor follow the guidance on pages
insulation and a new flooring surface. 35 - 44 of this brochure, taking account of the following:
Timber ground floors in pre-war properties often suffer ››› fill deep sub-floor voids with hard core or a suitable
from rot and insect infestation while the underfloor void non-settling fill to a maximum depth of 600mm.
can be a habitat for rodents. Such floors may be replaced ››› if the DPM cannot be tied into the DPC, it should be
by a groundbearing concrete floor incorporating thermal dressed up behind a skirting.
insulation (see figure 52). ››› block off ventilation openings.
Overlaying existing timber floors FLOORMATE extruded polystyrene can also be used to
When upgrading an existing timber floor the skirting provide floor insulation in conversions, for example when
should be removed and the appropriate grade of converting an agricultural building to domestic use.
FLOORMATE laid. The flooring and finish is then laid on it. Old concrete, stone or earth floors should be removed
The skirting will then be reinstalled or replaced and doors down to a level suitable to accept the new insulated floor.
shortened to open over the new level. Site assessment and preparation in refurbishment projects
should follow the same procedures as for new-build.
➀ timber floor finish

➀
➁ ➆ ➁ VCL/SS
➂ ➂ joist
➃
➃ concrete slab
➄
➅ ➄ DPM
➅ FLOORMATE
➆ DPC
Figure 52 >> Replacement of decaying timber floor with a new insulated concrete floor
References
Agrément certificates ››› BS 743:1970: Specification for Materials for Damp proof
››› 87/1836 Pitched roofs - warm roof concept courses.
››› 88/2105 Cavity walls ››› BS 1202: Specification for nails.
››› 92/2782 Floors Part 1: 2002: Steel nails.
››› 97/3431 Inverted roofs ››› BS 5250: 2002: Code of practice for control of
condensation in buildings.
Building Regulations
››› BS 5427: Code of practice for the use of profiled sheet
››› Approved Documents to the Building Regulations
for roof and wall cladding on buildings.
– A Structure
Part 1: 1996: Design.
– B Fire safety
››› BS 5950: Structural use of steelwork in building.
– C Site preparation and resistance to moisture
Part 4: 1994 Code of practice for design of composite
– E Resistance to the passage of sound
slabs with profiled steel sheeting.
– L1A Conservation of fuel and power in new
››› BS 5268: Structural use of timber.
dwellings
Part 4: Fire resistance of timber structures.
– L1B Conservation of fuel and power in existing
– Section 4.2: 1990: Recommendations for calculating
dwellings
fire resistance of timber stud walls and joisted floor
– L2A Conservation of fuel and power in new
constructions.
buildings other than dwellings
Part 7: Recommendations for the calculation basis for
– L2B Conservation of fuel and power in existing
span tables.
buildings other than dwellings
– Section 7.1: 1989: Domestic floor joists.
››› Technical Handbooks to Building Standards Scotland
››› BS 5502: Buildings and structures for agriculture.
Regulations
Part 23: 1990: Code of practice for fire precautions.
BRE publications Part 42: 1990: Code of practice for design and
››› Thermal insulation: avoiding risks BR 262:2002. construction of pig buildings.
››› Conventions for U-value calculations Part 71: 1992: Code of practice for design and
– B. Anderson BR443: 2006 construction of ventilated stores for potatoes and
››› Building Elements: ‘Floors and Flooring’ – PW Pye and onions.
HW Harris BR 332: 1997 ››› BS 5534: 2003: Code of practice for slating and tiling.
››› Foundations, basements and external walls BR 440: ››› BS 5628: Code of practice for use of masonry.
2002. Part 3: 1985: Materials and components, design and
››› BRE Digest 311. Wind scour of gravel ballast on roofs. workmanship.
››› BRE IP 17/01. Assessing the effects of thermal bridging ››› BS 6203: 1991 (1996) Guide to fire characteristics and
at junctions and around openings in the external fire performance of expanded polystyrene materials
elements of buildings. used in building applications.
››› BS 6229: 2003: Code of practice for flat roofs with
British Standards continuously supported coverings.
››› BS 743: 1970: Specification for materials for damp ››› BS 6398: 1983: Specification for bitumen damp proof
proof courses. courses for masonry.
››› BS 476: Fire tests on building materials and structures. ››› BS 6399: Loading for Buildings
Part 2: 1987. Methods for determination of the fire Part 1: 1996: Code of practice for dead and imposed
resistance of loadbearing elements of construction. loads.
Part 3: 1958: External fire exposure roof test Part 2: 1997: Code of practice for wind loads.
Part 3: 1988: Code of practice for imposed roof loads.
62
References
››› BS 6515: 1984 (1996) Specification for polyethylene European standards

damp-proof courses for masonry. ››› BS EN 1264: Floor heating. Systems and components.
››› BS 8000: Workmanship on building sites. Part 4: 2001 Installation
Part 4: 1989: Code of practice for waterproofing. ››› BS EN 12056: Gravity drainage systems inside
››› BS 8102: 1990: Code of practice for protection of buildings.
structures against water from the ground. Part 3: 2000: Roof drainage, layout and calculation.
››› BS 8103 Structural Design of low-rise buildings. ››› BS EN 13164: 2001 Thermal insulation products for
Part 1: 1995: Code of practice for stability, site buildings - Factory made products of extruded
investigation, foundations and ground floor slabs for polystyrene (XPS) specification.
housing. ››› BS EN 13501: Fire classification of construction
››› BS 8110: Structural use of concrete. products and building elements.
Part 1: 1997: Code of practice for design and Part 1: Classification using test data from reaction to
construction. fire tests
››› BS 8203: 2001 Code of practice for resilient floor ››› BS EN 13370: 1998 Thermal performance of buildings
coverings. – Heat transfer via the ground – Calculation methods
››› BS 8204: Screeds, bases and in-situ floorings. ››› BS EN 13789: 1999: Thermal performance of buildings -
Part 1: 1999 Code of practice for concrete bases and Transmission heat loss coefficient - Calculation
cement sand levelling screeds to receive floorings. method.
Part 2: 1999: Code of practice for concrete wearing
International standards
surfaces.
››› BS EN ISO 6946: 1997 Building components and
››› BS 8215: 1991: Code of practice for design and
building elements – Thermal resistance and thermal
installation of damp proof courses in masonry
transmittance – Caculation method.
construction.
››› BS 8218: 1998: Code of practice for mastic asphalt Other publications
roofing. ››› CIBSE Guide A (1999)
››› CP 1018: 1971 (1993) Electric floorwarming systems for ››› DEFRA/DTLR Robust Details – Limiting thermal
use with off-peak and similar supplies of electricity. bridging and air leakage: Robust Construction details
for dwellings and similar buildings. 2002
››› NBS Domestic Heating Compliance Guide: 2006
List of stockists: Uk and Ireland
Scotland 08 Crewe 15 Norwich

Warren Insulation plc, Sheffield Insulations Limited,
Marshfield Bank Employment Park, Unit 27
01 Aberdeen Middlewich Road, Crewe CW2 8UY White Lodge Trading Estate,
Sheffield Insulations Limited,
Hall Road, Norwich NR4 6DG
Broadfold Road, Bridge of Don, Tel: (01270) 530 800
Aberdeen AB23 8EE Fax: (01270) 530 830 Tel: (01603) 765 660
Fax: (01603) 226 000
Tel: (01224) 825 825
Fax: (01224) 822 892 09 Manchester
Sheffield Insulations Limited, South West
Textilose Road, off Westinghouse Road,
02 Blairgowrie Trafford Park, Manchester M17 1PY
Sheffield Insulations Limited, 16 Bridgwater
The Granary Office, Lower Mill Street, Tel: (0161) 876 4776 Warren Insulation plc,
Blairgowrie, Perthshire PH10 6AQ Fax: (0161) 876 4775 Dunball Industrial Estate,
Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 4TP
Tel: (01250) 873 611
Tel: (01278) 686 000
Fax: (01250) 875 252 Midlands Fax: (01278) 686 006
03 Bellshill 10 Birmingham
Sheffield Insulations Limited, Sheffield Insulations Limited, 17 Bristol
Righead Industrial Estate, Apollo Park, Rounds Green Road, Sheffield Insulations Limited,
Bellshill, Lanarkshire ML4 3NA Óldbury, Birmingham B69 2DF Riverside Business Park,
St Anne’s Road, Bristol BS4 4ED
Tel: (01698) 575 700 Tel: (0121) 655 3050
Fax: (01698) 575 701 Fax: (0121) 665 3075 Tel: (0117) 977 7077
Fax: (0117) 972 1172
North East 11 Chesterfield

Warren Insulation plc, 18 Cardiff
Unit 1, Sheepbridge Centre, Sheffield Insulations Limited,
04 Leeds Sheepbridge Lane, Chesterfield Unit 1 - 10, Block H & J,
Derbyshire S41 9RX South Point Foreshore Road
Sussex Avenue, Leeds LS10 2LF
Cardiff CF10 4SP
Tel: (01246) 450 505
Tel: (0113) 385 7700
Fax: (01246) 456 156 Tel: (029) 2066 2900
Fax: (0113) 385 7701
Fax: (029) 2066 2911
12 Coventry
05 Newcastle Warren Insulation plc, 19 Plymouth
Unit 2A, Longford Industrial Estate, Sheffield Insulations Limited,
Sanderson Street,
Bedworth Road, Coventry CV6 6BP 87 St Mowden Road
off Scotswood Road,
Parkway Industrial Estate
Newcastle Upon Tyne NE4 7LW Tel: (024) 7664 4373
Marsh Mills Plymouth
Fax: (024) 7664 4588
Tel: (0191) 226 3110 Devon PL6 8LH
Fax: (0191) 226 3111
Tel: (01752) 675 400
13 Loughborough Fax: (01752) 675 419
06 Sheffield Kernan Drive, Swingbridge Ind. Est,
Sheffield Insulations Limited, South East
Loughborough LE11 5JF
Nunnery Drive, Sheffield S2 1TA
Tel: (01509) 231 891
Tel: (0114) 241 3000 20 Barking
Fax: (01509) 232 869
Fax: (0114) 241 3001 Sheffield Insulations Limited,
Unit 1, New England Estate,
East Gascoigne Road, Barking,
North West Essex IG11 7NZ
07 Burscough 14 Bedford Tel: (020) 8477 9500
Sheffield Insulations Limited, Sheffield Insulations Limited, Fax: (020) 8477 9501
Tollgate Road, Burscough, Telford Way
Lancashire L40 8LD Bedford MK42 0PQ
Tel: (01704) 898 800 Tel: (01234) 761 100
Fax: (01704) 898 801 Fax: (01234) 272 157
64
21 Colchester Northern Ireland Republic of Ireland
Warren Insulation plc,
Unit 3, 228 London Road, Marks Tey,
Colchester, Essex CO6 1EN
27 County Tyrone 29 Dublin
Insulation Distributors Limited, Corcoran Products Limited,
Tel: (01206) 214 600 49 Gortin Road, Kingsbridge House,
Fax: (01206) 214 610 Co. Tyrone BT79 7HX 17-22 Parkgate Street,
Dublin 8
Tel: (028) 8224 6220
22 Colnbrook Fax: (028) 8224 7220 Tel: 00 353 1677 8163
Warren Insulation plc, Fax: 00 353 1679 3521
Blackthorn Road, Poyle Trading Estate,
Colnbrook, Slough SL3 0DU
28 Belfast
Charles Tennant and Co (NI) Ltd, 30 Dublin
Tel: (01753) 685 131 46 Ravenshill Road, Insulation Distribution Limited,
Fax: (01753) 681 623 Belfast Unit 15, Park West Industrial Park,
BT6 8EB Nangor Road, Dublin 12
23 Ruislip Tel: (028) 9073 1501 Tel: 00 353 1623 4541

Sheffield Insulations Limited, Fax: (028) 9045 0927 Fax: 00 353 1623 4553
Unit 4, Victoria Road Retail Park
Crown Road, South Ruislip HA4 0AF
Tel: (0208) 839 4321
Fax: (0208) 839 4301
South
24 Southampton
Unit 11, Oriana Way,
Nursling Industrial Estate,
Nursling, Southampton SO16 0YU
Tel: (023) 8074 0074
Fax: (023) 8074 0122
25 Southampton
Solent Insulation Supplies,
Central Trading Estate,
Marine Parade,
Southampton SO14 5JP
Tel: (023) 8063 8796
Fax: (023) 8063 1886
26 Tonbridge
303 Vale Road, Tonbridge,
Kent TN9 1TZ
Tel: (01732) 370 500
Fax: (01732) 370 530
Recommendations
The STYROFOAM range of blue extruded foamed

polystyrene insulation products includes FLOORMATE,
ROOFMATE, WALLMATE and PERIMATE.
STYROFOAM products contain a flame retardant additive

to inhibit accidental ignition from a small fire source.
STYROFOAM is, however, combustible and if exposed to an
intensive fire may burn rapidly.
During shipment, storage, installation and use STYROFOAM

products should not be exposed to flames or other ignition
sources.
Fire classification is based on small-scale tests, which may

not reflect the reaction of the products in its end use state
under actual fire conditions.
STYROFOAM products should, when installed, be

adequately protected from direct exposure to fire.
Recommendations about the methods, use of materials

and construction details are given as a service to designers
and contractors. These are based on the experience of Dow
with the use of STYROFOAM products. Any drawings are
meant only to illustrate various possible applications and
should not be taken as a basis for design. Since Dow is a
materials supplier and exercises no control over the
installation of STYROFOAM products, no responsibility is
accepted for such drawings and recommendations.
In particular, no responsibility is accepted by Dow for the

systems in which STYROFOAM is used or the method of
application by which it is installed. The legal obligations of
Dow in respect of any sale of STYROFOAM products shall
be determined solely by the terms of the respective sales
contract.
66
Notes
The information and data contained in this brochure do

not represent exact sales specifications. The features of the
products mentioned may vary. The information contained
in this document has been provided in good faith,
however it does not imply any liability, guarantee or
assurance of product performance. It is the purchaser’s
responsibility to determine whether these Dow products
are suitable for the application desired and to ensure that
the site of work and method of application conform with
current legislation. No licence is hereby granted for the use
of patents or other industrial or intellectual property rights.
If Dow products are purchased, we advise following the
most up-to-date suggestions and recommendations.
Dow Chemical Company Limited
Building Solutions
2 Heathrow Boulevard, 284 Bath Road
West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 0DQ
Tel: 020 8917 50 50

Fax: 020 8917 54 13
Internet: www.styrofoameurope.com
®™* Trademark of The Dow Chemical Company ("DOW") UK-291-UK-628-0305

or an affiliated company of Dow

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Dow - Building Solutions

Insulating floors with STYROFOAM

Ground floors may be groundbearing (figure 28) or ➀

The ground absorbs heat from floors close to or in contact ➃

Determining the floor construction Loadings

Floors must be resistant to ground hazards as outlined in

Refer to BS EN ISO 6946, BS EN 13370, CIBSE Guide A and

Heat loss from floors is concentrated at the perimeter.

thickness by setting the FLOORMATE boards into the sand

Solid ground bearing floor

0.18 25 70 90 110 110 120 120 140 140 140

0.20 25 60 80 90 100 110 110 110 120 120

0.22 - 40 70 80 90 90 100 100 100 110

Suspended beam & block floor

Table 15 Thickness of FLOORMATE 200-X (mm) to meet U-values (W/m2.K)

››› with reinforced or non-reinforced concrete poured ➅

within, but separate from the external walls, which are ➆

Figure 31 >> Insulation between the slab and a board finish

FLOORMATE insulation is designed to give the maximum

››› thicknesses from 25mm to 100mm allow thermal ➃

Figure 33 >> Insulation below the slab

If FLOORMATE boards are to be installed over a slab the

Screeds which are not monolithic with the slab should be

concrete slab and install 25mm of FLOORMATE insulation ➁

thresholds should be protected with a timber board.

If the DPM is positioned below the slab a separate moisture

Figure 37 >> Avoiding thermal bridges at thresholds, typical

Surface water arising from conditions of use, e.g. water

flooring panels such as chipboard. Where surface water is ➄

Domestic Heating Compliance Guide. ➅

➀ door opening ➃ FLOORMATE

Moisture resistant overlays and finishes should only be Specification

required for uninterrupted floor runs greater than 5 metres, 250kN/m2

floor. Euro class E

Where there is a likelihood of regular water spillage (e.g.

† select appropriate values using STYROFOAM Solutions

Product Data - See page 09

M10 Cement:sand/concrete screeds/toppings K11 Rigid sheet flooring ...

FLOORMATE 200-X; STYROFOAM SP-X; ››› Thickness: (as E20)

Board size: (as E20) FLOORMATE 200-X; STYROFOAM SP-X;

Edge profile: (as E20) FLOORMATE 500-X; FLOORMATE 700-A

Compressive strength: (as E20) Board size: (as E20)

Design loading: (as E20) Edge profile: (as E20)

Fire classification: (as E20) Compressive strength: (as E20)

all abutments with walls, columns etc. for full depth of

lapping 100mm at joints. Thickness: ...mm

M13 - 260. Glue all joints.

Insulation below flooring may also be specified with:

Installation sequence FLOORMATE under

Installation sequence FLOORMATE below

Figure 42 >> Floormate below timber specification.

››› timber joists and boarding.

divides a heated space from an unheated space or outside

➀ board or screed finish ➃ beam and block floor

the DPM should be laid directly on the slab and then

Suspended ground floors of timber Thermal bridging

Where the floor structure is timber joists, ensure the space

➀ WALLMATE CW-X ➂ FLOORMATE