It is possible to achieve very high levels of thermal insulation in exposed upper floors. The designer has a choice of where to position the insulation: for concrete floors, either above or below the floor, or for timber joist floors, between the joists.
Many clients perceive that rooms above exposed upper floors will be hot. However, it is possible to achieve very high levels of thermal insulation in exposed upper floors.
The designer has a choice of where to position the insulation: for concrete floors, either above or below the floor. If insulating below the structural floor, the insulation can be laminated to a variety of
materials thus the floor can be insulated and finished in one process.
Insulating above the structural floor reduces the thermal mass of the floor allowing for fast warm up. However, if only part of the floor on that storey is exposed it may cause problem with steps between finished floor levels.
The fire resistance of the exposed floor should comply with Building Regulation requirements. This will be between 30 and 120 minutes, depending on the purpose group of the building and its height above ground.
