Q.
Briefly explain the types of flooring in our homes.
A.
The type of floors specified in building plans will determine the materials required as well as which sub-contractors or specialists are going to be involved in the building project.
There are many floor coverings and floor finishes for our homes and buildings, but in construction there are only two basic types of floor structure from which we can choose.
The one is made using
(1) concrete and the other is made with
(2) timber. Both may be used for ground-level floors and both may be used for upper storey floors.
A third alternative, suitable only for ground floors, relies on using impervious floor units that are laid directly on compacted ground or fill.
In special circumstances, steel slaps can be used for floor construction.
There are many different ways to construct buildings, but normally the choice is between conventional bricks or blocks and some type of timber frame method. Both types of building may utilise either concrete or timber floors, or both. It all depends on the design. And sometimes these two materials are combined, for example with timber that is laid over concrete.
There is quite a lot of leeway in the building regulations regarding floors, provided the floors are safe and fire resistant. They must also be strong enough to safely support their own weight and the weight of whatever is placed on the floor, as well as the weight of the people who walk on the floor. Floors of laundries, kitchens, shower-rooms, bathrooms and any other rooms where there are toilets must all be water-resistant.