Floor Preparation

On existing floors, skirting and cupboards should be removed. Uneven floors can be levelled with the use of proprietary levelling compound. In the absence of a damp proof membrane, a 1000 gauge polythene sheet can be used prior to the laying of the Styrofloor.

On new floors, the use of a floor screed is not essential, provided that the floor is level and tamped down. The incorporation of a damp proof membrane should be in accordance with established building practice (see BS8102). Concrete floors should be left as long as possible before laying Styrofloor, to allow adequate time for drying out.

Styrofloor panels should be loose laid on the chosen floor for 48 hours prior to setting out.

Setting Out

Ensure that before setting out, the floor is cleaned, and any loose aggregate or site spoil removed.

It is suggested that the first line of boards be laid against the longest straight wall. All subsequent boards should be positioned so that cross-joints are staggered to produce a brick pattern.

Laying Your Floor

The Styrofloor boards should be laid with a 10-12mm expansion gap at all abutments between walls and the chipboard.

Where there are long uninterrupted lengths of floor such as corridors, reduced expansion gaps, e.g. 5mm, may be used. Square joints, e.g. matwells or threshold joints should be supported on battens.

All joints should be bonded using Water Resistant PVA adhesive. Each board should be tamped with suitable block, tight-up against the adjoining board.

To obtain the best results, allow the adhesive 24 hours in which to harden before removing wedges.

Services

Central heating pipes, cold water pipes and electrical conduits can be accommodated within the Styrofoam thickness. Ensure all services are securely fixed to the floor and, where necessary, cut the foam back to accommodate.

It is recommended that flexible pipe insulation is used to protect the underside of pipework from direct contact with the concrete floor. Direct contact between hot-water pipes and the Styrofoam should be avoided.

After Installation

Check that the expansion gaps are clear prior to the fixing of skirting boards.

Under no circumstances should artificial heating be introduced into the room to facilitate rapid drying out of the building.

Should there be any unevenness of the floor at the board joints it is acceptable to sand down the affected area. Ensure the resultant dust is cleared prior to the laying of the floor finish.

Floor Finishes

The choice of floor finishes should be made with reference to the manufacturers fixing instructions for a floating floor system.

Where continuous flexible sheet (e.g. PVC) is used, this should be turned up at the wall abutments.

Ceramic tiles can be laid onto Styrofloor. For detailed information click here.

Design Points

When using a flexible DPM or vapour control layer then continue the membrane up the wall around the perimeter of the floor.

Provide for a 10mm expansion gap around the perimeter of the floor.

Non-load bearing partitions may be fixed directly to the Styrofloor.

Use extra support at doorwells.