Styrofloor2023-10-18T09:26:45+01:00

Styrofloor

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The Ultimate Solution to Floor Insulation

Styrofloor® is an insulated flooring panel, comprising of P5 moisture resistant chipboard and XPS (extruded polystyrene). Styrofloor® provides a simple method of insulating floors in both new build and refurbishment projects, and may be used for a variety of applications that require efficient and effective floor insulation.

Watch our video on how to install Styrofloor insulated floor panels

Benefits

Styrofloor® can be used to insulate floors in residential and commercial projects for both new build and refurbishment. It is also suitable for use in conservatories or conversion projects.

Other benefits of Styrofloor® include:

Zero Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP), and Low Global Warming Potential (GWP)

Combines insulation and floor finish in one panel

Eliminates the need for a final screed

Simple and fast to install

Achieves building regulations

Excellent compression resistance

Resistant to moisture

Easy to handle, cut and lay

P5 grade chipboard is a high duty board designed for floor use including humid applications. The chipboard incorporates a tongue and groove detail on all four edges for ease of installation. Our chipboard is moisture resistant grade P5. XPS is a closed cell insulation foam with good water resistance. This eliminates the need for a vapour control layer in the floor construction.

Styrofloor® thickness (mm) & thermal resistance (m2k/W)

P / AUninsulated Floor436893118168
Ratio'U' Value0.991.852.713.585.30
(W/m2K)Improved 'U' Value by the addition of Styrofloor
0.100.210.170.150.130.120.10
0.200.360.260.210.180.160.12
0.300.490.330.260.210.180.14
0.400.60.380.290.230.190.14
0.500.730.420.310.240.200.15
0.600.820.450.330.250.210.16
0.700.910.480.340.260.210.16
0.800.990.500.350.270.220.16
0.901.050.510.360.270.220.16
1.001.100.530.360.280.220.16
P= Exposed Perimeter of Floor (Metres) A= Area of Floor (Sq. Metres)

Area calculator

Thermal Calculations

In order to calculate how much floor insulation is needed, please refer to the P/A (Perimeter / Area) table above.

The perimeter / area ratio is calculated by dividing the length of exposed perimeter wall (in Meters) by the floor area of the room to be insulated (in square meters).

The exposed part of the wall is any wall which is connected to an unheated space e.g., the outside of the building.
Rooms with less exposed perimeter will require less insulation and vice versa.

Example Calculation

A living room to be insulated has a total floor area of 16.4 square meters. Along the perimeter of the room, there is 5.3 meters of wall which is attached to the outside of the building.

Therefore, the p/a ratio is: 5.3 divided by 16.4 = a p/a ratio of 0.33. This figure is rounded up to the nearest figure on the table which is 0.4

If the U Value requirement for the room is 0.22W/m2k, the 118mm Styrofloor® board would be required which achieves a slightly better U Value at 0.21W/m2k.

If you require assistance with thermal calculations, please contact our technical department on 0114 249 5626.

Insulation Properties

Board Dimensions
Length2400mm
Width600mm
Standard Overall Thickness* (18mm Chipboard)Thermal Resistance (M2K/W)
43mm0.89
68mm1.56
93mm2.27
118mm2.83
168mm4.36
*Other thickness available on request
  
XPS Properties
Compressive Strength300kPa
  
Chipboard Properties
Density695kg/m3
Moisture Content5-13%

Conservatories

A conservatory floor is an important construction element and incorporating insulation is vital. All year-round use of the conservatory will be enhanced by installing Styrofloor®.

Styrofloor® should be installed on a dry concrete or beam and block base without a screed.

Styrofloor® is a floating floor and expansion gaps must be provided around the perimeter. Floor coverings such as tiles, carpet and laminate flooring are all compatible with Styrofloor®.

Garage Conversions

The conversion of garages into a living space is a growing trend. Effective floor insulation is essential for living areas as it continually reduces costs and provides environmental benefits. Transforming the garage floor is made simple by the use of Styrofloor® insulated flooring. One simple operation to fit insulation and a floor surface. Just apply your chosen floor covering for a final finish.

Lofts

Styrofloor® floor insulation boards can be laid over joists to improve energy saving in the loft space. It also provides a surface suitable for storage and foot traffic. (Please note: You should consider the need to comply with building regulations, which may be more involved in large loft conversions where a fire resistance is required.)

Summer Houses /
Garden Rooms

Styrofloor® offers the perfect solution for your summer house or garden room, providing both effective insulation and simple installation.

New Build

The design of floor systems to achieve Part L of the Building Regulations is easily achieved when specifying Styrofloor® insulated flooring panels. A range of standard boards are available for delivery to mainland UK. Depending on the method of floor construction there is a corresponding thickness of Styrofloor® to achieve your required U value.

Renovation

Styrofloor® is suitable for use when upgrading/renovating an existing floor. If the floor is sound and dry Styrofloor® can be laid directly over the existing structure. If the floor is damp then it is good practice to install a polythene layer before the application of Styrofloor® insulation boards.

Step One:
Floor preparation

Styrofloor can be laid on existing or new floors. On existing floors, ensure that the skirting is removed and where necessary level use a proprietary levelling compound. New concrete floors should be left as long as possible before laying Styrofloor to allow adequate time to dry out. Providing that the new floor is level, the use of a floor screed in not essential.

Step Two:
Damp proofing

The incorporation of a damp proof membrane should be in accordance with established building practices (see BS8102). In the absence of a damp proof membrane, a 1000 gauge polythene sheet can be used prior to laying the Styrofloor. Where continuous flexible sheet (e.g. PVC) is used, it should be turned up at the wall abutments.

Step Three:
Setting out

Ensure that all subsequent boards are positioned so that cross-joints are staggered to produce a brick pattern. All joints should be bonded using water resistant PVA adhesive. When laying adjoining boards, ensure that the tongue and groove joints are engaged and then tap each board with a suitable block to ensure it is tight-up against the adjoining board.

Step Four:
Laying your floor

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

All joints should be bonded using Water Resistant PVA Adhesive, to obtain the best results, allow the adhesive 24 hours in which to harden.

Wedges/spacers can be used between the wall and edge of the Styrofloor to help press tongue and groove detail together while the glue hardens.

Step Five:
Finishing up

To obtain the best results, allow the adhesive 24 hours in which to harden before removing wedges. Check that expansion gaps are clear prior to the fixing of skirting boards. Should there be any unevenness, Styrofloor can be sanded down to the required level.

The final floor finish can now be laid directly onto Styrofloor. Carpet, laminate or tiles can be used onto the chipboard which provides a sturdy and long lasting finish.

Our friendly and knowledgeable team are on-hand to offer expert advice and help.

Tel: 0114 275 2881
Fax: 0114 278 6840

Sales: sales@panelsystems.co.uk
General: mail@panelsystems.co.uk

Frequently asked questions

Are there any other product options?2023-04-20T09:55:31+01:00

Styrofloor® is available in bespoke thicknesses to better suit the application and/or thermal requirement. Styrofloor® can also be supplied using 22mm chipboard where heavy foot traffic is anticipated. Contact our Sales Office for more details on 0114 249 5626.

What thickness of Styrofloor® is required?2023-04-20T09:55:06+01:00

This will depend on two important factors. If the project is subject to Building Regulations then there will be a need to achieve a certain thermal performance i.e. U value. In this case, refer to our Insulation Properties section. If the project is not subject to Building Regulations then you can choose whatever thickness you can accommodate in your construction. The thicker the panel the higher the level of energy saving.

What is the weight of Styrofloor®?2023-04-20T09:54:41+01:00

Each Styrofloor® panel weighs between 19.5Kg to 25.4Kg depending on the foam thickness.

What size is Styrofloor®?2023-04-20T09:53:56+01:00

Styrofloor® is 2400mm in length by 600mm wide. Approx. 8ft by 2ft

Is Styrofloor® resistant to moisture?2023-04-20T09:55:54+01:00

Yes. The chipboard grade is suitable for humid conditions. XPS insulation is a closed cell foam and therefore resistant to moisture. This therefore makes it suitable for use in kitchens and bathrooms.

Installation

Will Styrofloor® require fixing to the floor?2023-04-20T09:58:29+01:00

Styrofloor® is laid as floating floor system and therefore does not require direct fixing to the floor.

Are fixing instructions available to download?2023-04-20T09:58:04+01:00

Yes. See our installation page.

What if the floor is uneven?2023-04-20T09:58:53+01:00

If your floor is not level, then use sharp sand to fill up to a max. of 6mm. Over 6mm use a self-levelling compound.

What types of floors are suitable for Styrofloor®?2023-04-20T09:59:23+01:00

Styrofloor® can be used on most floor construction system including concrete, beam and block, and timber joists. When laying over timber joists for domestic properties, the joists should be at least 38mm wide, with spacings up to 600mm apart. For commercial applications please contact the sales department for a loading calculation.

I have a U value to achieve, which thickness do I need?2023-04-20T09:59:48+01:00

If required, we can provide a detailed calculation to support the required thickness. Please contact our sales office on 0114 249 5626.

Can I lay ceramic tiles over the Styrofloor®?2023-04-20T10:00:10+01:00

Yes. The choice of adhesive and grout should be for a floating floor and the Tile distributor should advise of suitable brands.

Will the floor construction require a damp proof membrane?2023-04-20T10:00:34+01:00

Yes, if required by the floor construction.

Will a vapour control layer be required?2023-04-20T10:00:57+01:00

No. Styrofloor® is laid without a vapour control layer.

Can I use electric matting UFH over Styrofloor®?2023-04-20T10:01:18+01:00

Your UFH supplier should advise on its suitability for installation on a floating floor.

Can Styrofloor® be cut?2023-04-20T10:01:46+01:00

Yes. Use a fine-tooth power saw or similar.

Can Styrofloor® be purchased locally?2023-04-20T10:02:11+01:00

We do supply a range of builders merchants however we recommend that you contact our sales office for additional information.

Panel Systems

Can I open a trade account?2023-04-20T10:02:57+01:00

Credit accounts may be considered for larger, or regular orders. Please contact our sales office for further details on 0114 249 5626. Other payment methods include credit card through our online shop.

Where is Styrofloor® manufactured?2023-04-20T10:02:34+01:00

Styrofloor® is manufactured in Sheffield, UK.

Contact us

Get in touch to find out more about pricing, or to discuss your requirements in more detail.

Get in touch to find out more about pricing, or to discuss your requirements in more detail.

Call us on 0114 249 5626

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