Insulated Floor Slab Construction

Up to 80 of heat loss in a floor slab occurs around the edges.

Insulated floor slab construction.

The insulation phase is crucial for a radiant floor. Both codes state slab edge insulation is not required in jurisdictions designated by the building official as having a very heavy termite infestation. But when adding insulation to an existing slab the vapor barrier is laid over the top of the slab before the foam insulating panels are installed. Where insulation is positioned above the slab.

However even a newer slab insulated with r 20 may not be adequate depending on a few factors including the type of. Insulation requirements for slab on grade floors can be found in section r402 2 9 of the 2012 iecc and section n1102 2 9 of the 2012 irc. There are many different soil conditions and corresponding slab designs. This page is about how to build a thickened edge concrete slab on grade fpsf footing on soil with a high water table to prevent frost heave by first installing drainage below the slab.

The first thing to consider when looking into different types of concrete floors is why it s so important to insulate the floor slab. Although building codes differ by region builders typically use r5 and r10 insulation under the concrete slab but floors insulated with r20 contain the heat in your basement far better than those insulated with lower r values. Related slab on grade foundation pages. Perimeter slab insulation heat loss through an insulated slab windows 33 roof ceiling 8 slab 15 6 doors 5 walls 39 insulation and fenestration criteria table 402 1 1 insulation and fenestration requirements by componenta climate zone fenestration u factorb skylightb u factor glazed fenestrationb e shgc ceiling r value wood frame wall r value.

Slab on grade foundation detail design. The compacted aggregate base is first followed by a 6 mil polyethylene vapor barrier then insulation then rebar or wire mesh or both. Mainly heated slabs radiate outward rather than downward so insulation on the edges of the slab is most important. Depending on the use of the building the slab can then be finished ready for use or receive a screed suitable for a floor finish.

Follow label directions and allow it to dry thoroughly. Check out this article for a list of slab edge insulation solutions and episode 125 for my interview with henry edney of maxraft. When a slab is being insulated in new construction the vapor barrier is usually laid down first before the slab is poured.