Flooring

FLOORING

1. REQUIREMENTS OF GOOD FLOORING

1. Hard and Smooth surface

2. Adequate Strength, Stability and Durability

3. Tendency against wear and tear

4. Non-slippery surface

5. Resistance to thermal changes

6. Low construction cost

7. Less maintenance

8. Damp resistance

9. Good appearance

10. Fire resistance

11. Sound insulation

2. SELECTION OF FLOORINGS

Although certain points may be common for the Ground and Upper Floors, certain distinct different points are to be observed in each case.

1. Selection of Floorings for GROUND FLOOR

1. Durability: Flooring surface should be durable.

2. Appearance: Floor coverings like concrete, tiles, terrazzo, etc., provide attractive appearance.

3. Hard Surface: A floor should be hard enough so that indentation marks do not occur while dragging loads on it. On this point, Concrete, Marble, Stone, etc., coverings are satisfactory. But, floor coverings such as Rubber, Plastic, Cork, etc., are not satisfactory.

4. Non-Slippery: Flooring surface should be non-slippery.

5. Initial Cost: The most expensive floor coverings are Marble, Rubber Tiles, Special Clay Tiles, etc. Moderately expensive floor coverings are Slate, Terrazzo, Vinyl Tiles, etc. Concrete coverings are the most economical.

6. Comfort-condition: Floor coverings like Tiles, Linoleum, Plastic, Cork, Wooden Blocks, etc., provide comfort to the users. Floor coverings like Concrete, Marble, Slate, Terrazzo, etc., may make the users feel tiresome. Because, these floors are very cold in winter.

7. Damp Resistance: Floors should be able to resist dampness (particularly Ground Floor). Floor coverings like Rubber, Linoleum or Wood do not provide resistance to dampness.

8. Thermal Insulation: Floor covering should be heat-resistant.

9. Ease of Maintenance: Maintenance of the floor surface should be easier.

10. Noiselessness: The floor should not transmit noise. Rubber flooring, Asphalt flooring, Cork flooring are good to avoid noise production and noise transmission.

2. Selection of Floorings for UPPER FLOORS

For Upper Floors, the selection of the type of floorings depends on the following factors:

1. Floor loads

2. General type of

3. Function of the building

4. Plan of the building

5. Initial cost

6. Ease of Maintenance

7. Noiselessness

8. Non-Slippery

9. Comfort Condition construction

10. Thermal Insulation