Many homeowners choose wooden floors because of their inherent beauty, warmth, and toughness. They can dramatically improve your home’s overall aesthetic and lend a touch of elegance to any area. Making an informed choice when choosing the best type of wooden floor for your needs requires knowing its essential features, such as fire resistance and dimensions.
Wooden floors can be designed and installed with flexibility because they are available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses. Standard widths and lengths can differ based on the manufacturer and type of wood, so you have a lot of options to choose from to make your space look great.
Fire resistance is yet another important consideration. Despite being a flammable material, wood can be made more fire resistant by applying specific treatments and building techniques. Making your wooden floors safer and more fire-resistant can be accomplished by understanding the maximum fire resistance ratings and how to attain them.
In addition, there are other crucial aspects to take into account, like finish, stability, and hardness. Stability is the ability of the wood to withstand variations in humidity and temperature, whereas hardness determines how long it will last and how resistant it is to dents and scratches. The finish prolongs the life of your wooden floors by adding visual appeal and acting as a protective layer.
We’ll go into great detail about each of these qualities in this post so you can decide which wooden floors are best for your house. Whether you’re starting from scratch or remodeling, knowing this stuff will guarantee that your floors are both elegant and useful.
Because of their inherent beauty and toughness, wooden floors are a popular choice. However, to ensure longevity and safety, it’s critical to understand the dimensions, fire resistance, and other important features of wooden floors. You will learn all the important information in this article, including typical plank sizes, fire resistance treatments, and upkeep advice to ensure your wooden floors last a long time. Making educated decisions for a stunning and durable floor will be made easier if you are aware of these factors, whether you are building from scratch or renovating.
- Main characteristics
- Fire protection
- Environmental friendliness
- Frost resistance
- Weight
- Moisture resistance
- Thermal conductivity
- Thickness, length and other dimensions
- Life time
- Strength
- Noise insulation
- Load bearing capacity
- Earthquake resistance
- Why you need to know?
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Main characteristics
Let’s examine in more detail the primary attributes of wooden floors and the information you should be aware of.
Fire protection
Wooden floors’ ability to withstand fire depends on the materials chosen. It’s one story if it’s a large-section log, and a different story if it’s I-beams.
Since wood ignites in a fire, unlike metal, the fire resistance limit in this case is determined by the time interval between the beginning of the wood’s burning and the onset of the structure’s limiting state.
Floors are typically required to have a fire resistance limit of R45. Wooden structures, particularly those with a large cross-section, can have relatively high fire resistance limits because the rate at which their working cross-section decreases during a fire ranges from 0.6 to 1.0 mm/min.
A fire begins slowly, charring the wood as it moves from the outside layers into the interior. The beam starts to sag and eventually breaks as the heat seeps through.
In this instance, modern I-beams crumble in a matter of minutes, while a log at the same temperature will fall in an hour or longer.
There are various ways to increase wooden floors’ fire resistance:
- The first option involves treatment with fire retardants.
- The second is filling the space between the beams with fire-resistant materials such as basalt wool. But it must be well secured between the beams, and not just lie on the rough ceiling. When the ceiling falls from the heat, the insulation will fall with it, and it should remain between the beams and joists for as long as possible.
- Third – applying plaster. A layer of 2 cm increases the fire resistance limits to R60.
Environmental friendliness
From a natural materials standpoint, wood is perfect for building private homes because it doesn’t contain any hazardous formaldehyde resins, industrial glue, or other chemicals.
There is one requirement, though. There should be no mold, fungus, or spore contamination on lumber. Many diseases are brought on by all of these bacteria that enter the respiratory system.
The floors will need to be kept dry during operations going forward because moisture will encourage the growth of parasites. Disinfesting wood as a preventative measure during the construction phase is advised by experts. However, you must be aware that using chemicals will instantly lower environmental performance. It is not possible to be in the room where bioprotection was performed until the chemical microparticles have totally vanished, which should take at least a few days.
It is important to discuss glued laminated wood, where lamellae are joined using glue that contains polyvinyl acetate or polyurethane. The two toxicity levels are FC0 (safe) and FC2 (the most toxic). When purchasing glued laminated wood, you need to ask the vendor for an additional document that details the glue’s toxicity and composition.
Frost resistance
Frost resistance of materials is denoted in regulatory documents by the letter F and subsequent numbers. The material’s ability to withstand frost decreases with decreasing number.
Since wood doesn’t have a standard, it naturally has exceptional resistance to frost, especially if the house’s ceilings and structure are made of Siberian coniferous wood that has been hardened over time.
A tree’s ability to withstand frost is influenced by how much moisture it absorbs. The greater this percentage, the greater the amount of water that will build up and widen the cracks. Even so, though, the moisture will remain evenly distributed throughout the log’s entire structure.
If we are talking specifically about floors, then the only way that icing can occur inside a house is if the attic is open to the frosty wind and there are openings in the ceiling, for example.
Weight
To determine the maximum load that can be placed on a floor, one must know its weight. This is the starting point indicator, to which the weight of the insulation, furnishings, human pressure, etc., are added. d. You can precisely determine the ideal step between the beams and the necessary cross-section of the timber or log for the beam once you know the final figure per square meter of the floor.
SNiP 2.01.07-85* "Loads and impacts" tables and formulas can be used to make accurate calculations. The standard average for individuals lacking the expertise of a design engineer is between 50 and 70 kg/m². This represents the weight of the wooden floor by itself, free of furniture, insulation, and other payload.
Moisture resistance
According to GOST, only coniferous wood is typically used in floor construction. Improved moisture resistance is one of the factors that led to this choice. This is especially beneficial for Siberian larch, which was formerly used in the north to make even drainpipes. It doesn’t just retain moisture; continuous exposure to it makes it more resilient.
For wood to withstand frost, mold, and decay, it must be moisture resistant. Beams can be made more moisture resistant by lubricating them with wax, oils, mastic, and other water-repellent materials. Additionally, proper ventilation of the space can be maintained to prevent condensation buildup.
Thermal conductivity
To arrange for high-quality floor insulation, one must be aware of a building material’s heat conductivity.
The building will be colder if this indicator is higher. The indicators for reinforced concrete, brick, steel, and wood (pine needles) are, respectively, 1700 mW/(mK), 450–650 mW/(mK), and 52000 mW/(mK).
In other words, wood has the lowest heat conductivity of all materials, so insulating a floor with wooden beams will require less resources than insulating a floor with steel beams or reinforced concrete.
Thickness, length and other dimensions
The calculations of allowable loads on a given floor are used to determine the dimensions of floor beams. Compared to the basement floor, which supports the entire weight of the house, the attic floor may have a lower figure. As a result, beam height (on edge) ranges from 10 to 30 cm, and beam width from 4 to 20 cm. The cross-section for logs ranges in diameter from 11 to 30 cm.
Depending on the material selected, there might be options for the beam’s length. For instance, solid wood is rarely available in lengths greater than 6 meters. Any length is possible with glued laminated timber, ranging from 8 to 60 meters or longer.
There are limitations, though, specific to the flights. Standards state that a solid wood (profiled wood) span length of no more than 4.5 meters. Not more than 6 meters for glued. This is because lumber with laminated veneer has more strength.
Life time
In real estate, buildings with wooden floors have an actual and standard service life. Not just the floors but the entire building is taken into account when determining the service life. Groups I through VI are used to group the buildings. Groups III and V buildings have wooden floors. Group III consists of concrete and brick structures with a concrete base, mixed or stone vaults, and ceilings made of metal or wood. A structure of this kind has a 100-year service life.
Frame structures, prefabricated panels, adobe, clay, and floors made entirely of wood are all included in Category V. It states that the service life is 30 years. Regular minor and major repairs are taken into account when calculating these indicators.
In actuality, structures with wood overlap have a lifespan of 100 years or more. The wooden beam has no set end date; it will continue to function as long as the right circumstances are met, such as adequate ventilation within the home, a fixed roof, etc.
Strength
The computed data to the maximum deflection of the bearing beam determines the strength of the wooden ceiling.
Incorrect calculations could lead to an unacceptable defleation of the beam, which could break in half or in a weak spot, or cause it to slip out of the junction with a carrier wall.
Precise information regarding the highest allowable deflection for wood overlap is documented in SNiP II-25-80 "Wooden Structures."
To put it briefly, the deflection from the beam’s length should not be greater than 1/250. Put another way, 1 cm for every 2.5 m. The minimum deflection will result in the ceiling’s destruction if it is trimmed with plaster. The deflection in this instance shouldn’t be more than 1/350. The data for attic and interfloor floors varies slightly.
In a cold attic, the maximum deflection shouldn’t be greater than 1/200. But the needs for beams rise the moment the space is turned into a residential area. Thus, it is customary to reinforce the beams when arranging an attic in the attic.
Noise insulation
When it comes to absorbing noise, wooden floors are the worst kind of construction. There are various types of noise in construction, but airborne and shock are the most common types. In other words, sounds can permeate the entire house due to air seeping through gaps or vibrations in the boards and logs themselves.
Installing sound insulation under wooden floors is essential to avoid the sensation of being in a drum.
The best choice is to use multiple layers to create a spring-like effect. To stop the wood from coming into direct contact with one another, for instance, a cork-like substance is sandwiched between the sheathing and the beams. Mineral wool that has been cut into strips on its side is also placed between the beams for this purpose, first horizontally and then vertically.
For sound absorption, concrete or expanded clay screeds are also utilized. River sand that has been dried and sifted is an additional option. Moreover, it will produce a spring effect, which will absorb most of the vibrations from above. Additionally, it’s important to make sure that the ceilings are tightly sealed to prevent sounds from traveling through the air.
Load bearing capacity
This indicator is computed based on certain information regarding the overlap itself. The length of the span and step, the type of wood, the permitted deflection of the beam, the number of floor beams, and the section of the beam or log are all taken into consideration.
The floor’s load-bearing capacity is its maximum weight capacity. The allowable load on the floor must be determined in order to calculate this indicator.
There are situations where the design calls for a higher load-bearing capacity. It may drop if
- the floor was converted from non-residential premises to residential;
- if the permissible deflection is exceeded;
- if one or more load-bearing beams are rotting.
If one or more issues are found, the floor can be strengthened by widening the beams, building a floor truss, building a column on the lower level, or making a prosthesis for the section of the beam that has been cut off due to rot.
Earthquake resistance
Few people are aware that brick homes are less resistant to earthquakes than wooden homes. This is because wood is naturally elastic. An earthquake with a Richter scale of 7.5 to 9 can be withstood by a wooden house.
Fastening materials are the second crucial factor influencing the stability of the structure. Consequently, special consideration should be given to this particular element if we are discussing wooden floors in a stone house, particularly if the house is located in a risk area.
Why you need to know?
After taking everything into account, we can conclude that building a house and floors "by eye" is a very dangerous practice. Buildings with long lifespans can be achieved through careful selection of materials, computation of load-bearing capacities, and superior floor ventilation and waterproofing. If not, all planning mistakes will become apparent during the first few years that the house is occupied.
Within the first five years, the beams will start to sag if the floor’s load-bearing capacity is not taken into consideration. Furthermore, the residents’ psychological well-being will undoubtedly be impacted by their arched appearance, even if they stay within the acceptable range. It will be terrifying to live in a space with sagging beams.
Poor maintenance and inadequate floor ventilation will cause the beams to rot, mold to grow, blue stains to appear, mildew to form, and other issues that will compromise the building’s ability to support weight and the health of its occupants.
Characteristic | Details |
---|---|
Dimensions | Standard thickness ranges from 20mm to 40mm, widths from 80mm to 200mm, and lengths up to 6 meters. |
Maximum Fire Resistance | Typically up to 60 minutes with proper treatment and construction methods. |
Load-Bearing Capacity | Varies by design, but generally supports up to 500 kg/m² for residential use. |
Insulation | Wooden floors offer good thermal and sound insulation, especially when combined with additional insulating materials. |
Moisture Resistance | Properly treated wood resists moisture, but extra measures are needed in high-humidity areas. |
It’s critical to comprehend the measurements, fire resistance, and other features of wooden floors to guarantee longevity and safety in your house. The size of your space and your unique needs will determine the best dimensions for your wooden floor. Your flooring structure can have the support and stability it needs if your floorboards and joists are sized properly.
The ability to withstand fire is yet another important factor. Despite wood’s inherent flammability, coatings and treatments can greatly increase its resistance to fire. Choosing to build with treated wood and using materials that resist flames will make your floors safer overall.
Dimensions and fire resistance are important considerations, but so are load-bearing capacity, moisture resistance, and acoustic qualities. To preserve the longevity and performance of your wooden floors, make sure these features are taken into consideration during the design and installation process.
You can make wooden floors that are not only beautiful to look at but also safe and long-lasting by taking these important factors into consideration. Putting money into high-quality building supplies and appropriate building methods will give you a sturdy foundation that endures.