What is included in the floor structure?
What is included in the floor structure?
The floor as a whole basically consists of three layers.
The most important is the load-bearing layer, the bare floor. This is often made of reinforced concrete or a lightweight construction (steel or wood) and, together with the load-bearing walls, forms the framework of the building. The structural slab is dimensioned by a structural engineer.
The second layer is formed by the technical superstructures, which have to fulfil several tasks. On the one hand, it must be possible to lay the building services pipework in them, but on the other hand, the transmission of airborne and impact sound must be reduced. If the ceiling is in an exposed location, it also has thermal insulation and sealing properties, for example in wet rooms.
The third layer is the visible surface. This must be resistant to mechanical and weather-related influences as well as having a visual and functional effect. An appropriate surface texture can reduce the risk of slipping, for example.
If we take a closer look at the individual elements of a structure in a residential building as an example, it normally consists of the following components:
1. the bare ceiling
2. the separating layer or vapour barrier to protect the construction from moisture
3. the impact sound insulation which can also serve as thermal insulation
4. PE film
5. the screed. In new buildings, this usually contains the underfloor heating and is laid as a floating floor. It must be separated from the surrounding walls by a continuous strip to prevent sound transmission. There are cement-bound wet or flowing screeds, which are easy to lay and can withstand high loads. It is also the first choice for new builds due to its sound-insulating properties. Lightweight dry screeds are laid as an alternative, especially in renovation projects. Both serve as the basis for the final floor covering.
6 Flooring surfaces can be parquet, laminate or carpet. If there is increased moisture exposure, a waterproofing layer is applied first, followed by tiles, porcelain stoneware or other water-resistant materials.Coatings and PVC flooring are also possible alternatives.
The total height of all layers of the floor structure in residential buildings is approx. 15-18 cm. Together with the load-bearing reinforced concrete ceiling, this results in ceiling thicknesses of approx. 38 cm.
