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Concrete Upper Floor AdvantagesThere is an increasing use of concrete upper floors in private houses. Compared with traditional timber floors, concrete upper floors offer the following benefits
QualityQuality is a prime concern of designers, developers, builders and ultimately homeowners. The robustness of a concrete floor adds to the quality of a house. Concrete floors act as a thermal store; this can reduce heating costs especially when under-floor-heating systems are used.
Flexibility of DesignPrecast floors can generally span greater distances than timber floors, providing the designer with more options. By using a concrete floor, it is possible for the homeowner to have the choice of room layouts.
Sound InsulationNoise at home is a major source of concern to occupants. Concrete upper floors provide improved sound Insulation between floors - essential for households with teenagers and powerful music centres! Also, block partition walls can be supported on precast concrete floors, further improving sound insulation between rooms.
Precast concrete floors can be constructed for a variety of loading conditions, and do not suffer from the squeaks associated with timber floor construction.
Rapid ConstructionAs only simple installation techniques are required, precast floors are quickly installed. Typically on a masonry structure, in one day, a team can install approximately:
Immediate Safe Working PlatformAs soon as the precast elements are installed following trades can safely use the floor. Precast upper flooring systems allow early construction of the inner leaf of walls and block partitions.
Minimal Drying ShrinkageHomeowners do not experience the maintenance costs associated with cracked finishes resulting from the shrinkage of traditional timber suspended floors.
Fire ResistanceMilbank precast concrete floors can offer fire resistances ranging for 1/2 hour to 1 hour depending upon floor type. Where necessary the fire resistance can be upgraded.