The advantages to use raised floor in house

Raiased Floor Introduction

In the 1960s and 70s, elevated access floors came to prominence as a way of servicing IBM computers that were being increasingly installed in office environments. The BBC also used such floors to distribute services to offices and studios around it. In many ways, little has changed since the 1980s, though what is likely to be found inside the gap has a lot to do with heating, ventilation and data requirements.

Technological advancements have necessitated change as witnessed within various facets of the society and economy at large. This advancement has also influenced the construction industry with the recent developments of intelligent buildings. Smart buildings are becoming increasingly popular with the ever-changing needs and preferences of tenants and owners of office buildings, and with the new IT and telecommunication technologies. This floor system is also used in the construction of residential homes. This paper tries to get an in-depth view of this new trend.

House raised floor

As the name suggests, raised floors are elevated floors stabilized over a solid substrate ranging from two inches to two meters above the base level. Elevated access floor systems are made of panels with a particular cover supported on vertical pedestals, the height of which can be modified, creating a space (plenum) which allows the various service systems to be housed. Raised floor systems, often termed as access floors are used in specialized areas such as IT labs, computer rooms and data centers, general open office areas, training and conference areas, exhibit spaces, support spaces for offices, including electrical closets, fan rooms and clean rooms.

Access floors are most widely used for running wires, electrical wiring and HVAC ducts. Running cables and electrical wiring through the open space between the panels and the subfloor allows easy access and flexibility; cables can be re-routed, replaced and upgraded without construction and minimally interfering with the daily business operations. A house with an elevated flooring system is also more effective in heating and cooling.

Advantages of using house raised floors

A house raised floor system can be an element of benefit to any building. What therefore, are the advantages achieved by use of this floor system?

Ease of access

As has been identified above, access to the building installations is made easy by this system thereby reducing on time that would have been spent in making adjustments and repairs for houses without raised floors. This ensures flexibility in maintenance of such floors.

Cost savings

From the flooring, the building can be air-conditioned, thereby reducing energy costs. Air conditioning equipment can be placed in the plenum (space between the two floors) to allow cool warm air to be expelled by perforated panels into the building.

Stability and durability

This is a floor distinguished by its consistency and longevity, and is always simpler than on regular floors if you want to make changes to the tiles.

Flexibility

Raised floor makes it easy to adjust effectively to changes without hindrance from the ongoing structural limitations. The aesthetics as preferred by owners or the occupants is not compromised in this case as it can be easily achieved. The tiles are easily moved and the floor plan can be redesigned as per the liking of the occupant.

Raised Floor Installation

The house raised floor system is very flexible in installation unlike the conventional floors. Moreover, it is also cheaper to put in place.

Why people like raised floors in houses

Raised floor houses are a common thing. It has been practiced since time immemorial for a myriad of reasons. Below are reasons why people love raised floor houses.

In Europe 

Europe experiences varied kinds of climate, ranging from Mediterranean climate to Oceanic climate and Continental climate. All these kinds of climate feature aspects of the weather that are great determinants of the kind of housing that characterizes Europe. The four seasons are prevalent in Europe with factors such as high precipitation rates and high temperatures very common.

A great percentage of construction in Europe employ raised floor systems. This is as a counter measure to effects of the weather such as floods during periods of excess precipitation. Additionally, the high and low temperatures are also countered through this system because of the ability for ventilation. It is for these reasons, and insurance from risks brought about by weather that most people love raised floor systems in Europe.

In UAE and Arabic

The UAE and the Arabian lands are characterized by very high temperatures. It therefore is only wise to employ raised floor systems to counter the great temperatures. 

Materials used for house raised floors

Calcium Sulphate Raised floor

The Calcium Sulphate Core panels provide outstanding underfoot support and provide an impressive degree of soundproofing. Calcium sulphate (gypsum) is a non-combustible flooring product that has superlative physical and structural properties all of which are important for raised floors. Furthermore, it offers good anti-static properties, waterproof, fireproof, rot proof and heavy load properties.

Chipboard core Raised Floor

The chipboard system consists of middle chipboard core flooring items, top HPL / PVC laminates, and under the bottom galvanized steel sheet, or aluminum foil. The four corners are covered with strips of PVC edging. Class A flame spread rating good performance, excellent uniform and rolling load performance, waterproof, and rot-proof are among its properties that make it suitable.

How to install raised floor

Column positioning

When marks have been made and finished levels have been tested, the first operation to be performed while laying a raised floor is to position the columns on the traced modular grid following the set points.

Positioning of the cross-section stringers

Then the columns are joined together using cross-section stringers that are screwed and bound to the ends of the columns with fixed joints.

Positioning of the gaskets on the cross-section stringers

PVC gaskets are mounted on the cross-section stringers to give better protection to the panels.

Levelling

The framework is now able to be levelled in line with the completed floor heights on the property.

Positioning of the panel

The panels are placed on the assembled structure and inspected at each apex to ensure that the structure is properly resting.

Completion of the flooring

The floor is finished once the edges have been cut and a final check has been carried out.

References

https://www.thenbs.com/knowledge/the-nbs-guide-to-raised-access-floors

https://www.granitech.com/pavimenti-sopraelevati.php?sez=pavimenti-posa-opera