R-Floor - Under slab Insulation System
To further compliment the R-WALL Formwork, why not choose the R-Floor Under slab system. The system seamlessly connects to the R-WALL, encasing the entire build in a full thermal envelope, preventing cold bridging and further enhancing the resulting energy efficiency of the home. Is this wasn't enough the R-Floor system is laid directly onto a sand blinding reducing concrete usage!
What exactly is R-Floor Under Slab Insulation?
​
R-Floor Underslab insulation is a high compressive strength (300kpa) non porous insulation laid below a concrete slab. A typical detail is shown below;
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
What are the advantages of R-Floor?
​
R-Floor has a number of advantages as detailed below;
​
-
Reduced Concrete usage - The concrete usage within the build is reduced. This results in obvious build cost savings.
-
Better energy efficiency, thermal comfort and a healthier living environment - By encasing the home in a full and complete thermal envelope (in combination with R-WALL formwork) you have eliminated cold bridging (the cause of damp spots and reduced energy efficiency), therefore resulting in cost savings in heating bills.
-
Reduced Carbon footprint - by using R-Floor your are reducing your carbon footprint in two ways - less concrete therefore less carbon at build stage and over the builds lifetime through less heat requirement.
-
Protection - the R-Floor separates entirely the floor slab and walls (in combination with R-WALL) from the ground, therefore isolating the concrete from effects of the freeze-thaw cycle.
-
Thermal Mass - Enhances the gains from Thermal mass. The Floor and walls effectively act as storage heater retaining and regulating the heat within the home.
​
How is R-Floor Underslab laid?
​
A structural engineer should always be employed to design the Underslab (please see our structural engineer recommendations page here).
​
The ground is excavated to a suitable substructure. A compacted stone and level sand blinding is put over the substructure and the insulation cross laminated in 2 layers to the desired thickness. The upstand is secured around the perimeter and the concrete pad created to engineer specifications laid to the desired correct depth. The R-WALL formwork connects to the upstand and the envelope is created.
​
The video below demonstrates this process;
​
For more information or technical details please contact R-WALL
Green Guide Rating A+
Just like R-WALL's formwork the flooring has attained a BREEAM Green Guide Rating A. The insulation is made using carbon dioxide as the main blowing agent, the insulation board has an Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) of zero and a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of less than five.
Case Study
R-Floor and basement construction
Location: Mylor
Requirement: Basement Construction with under slab insulation
U-Value: 0.14 (Passive House level)
Products used: R-Walls Standard Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) with 8 inch Tie system & 100mm R-Floor
​
The client wanted to achieve Passive House energy efficiency with zero cold bridging, whilst maximising the benefits of Thermal mass. His build had a basement element making full use of the sloping site.
​
The picture to the left shows the Insulated flooring laid on compacted hardcore and sand blinding ready to pour the concrete slab.
The slab was then strengthened with steel reinforcing mesh​ placed onto pedestals to ensure the required cover of concrete.
​
Starter bars were placed around the perimeter in the location where the R-WALL basement retaining walls will be constructed.
​
The concrete slab is then laid. Ready for the next stage.
​
The next stage of construction is the basement walls. Pictured is the Standard R-WALL Insulated Concrete formwork system which is built off the slab.
​
In accordance with the structural engineers specifications on this build, rebar has been secured into the wall using the R-WALL tie integrated locators. This allows the builder quick and accurate location of the reinforcement giving a 40mm or 50mm cover of concrete.
​
The walls will be completed with cavity closers ready for pour. Once poured the basement would require a waterproofing system implemented by a qualified technician. Please see our recommended companies here
The versatility of R-WALL is then realised in the next stage above ground.
The non retaining above ground element of the build does not require the larger 8 inch concrete core. Therefore the client choose to reduce cost and increase space by dropping seamlessly to a 6 inch R-Wall Tie. With the reduced thermal insulation (achieved by the surrounding ground structure at basement level), the client also upgraded to the Supreme R-WALL formwork above ground (100mm insulation inside and out) achieving passive house level energy efficiency.
​
Such integration is made possible by R-WALL non modular system. R-WALL is probably the most versatile Insulated Concrete Formwork system on the market!
​
The Client is so happy with his first R-WALL build that he has started another in the neighbours garden!