7 BENEFITS OF HOLLOWCORE FLOORING
Due to their unique combination of durability and reduced weight, hollowcore floors are proving an excellent option for residential builds, be they houses, apartments or even care homes. Here we look at seven benefits of hollowcore flooring, and how the method counteracts some of the most common flooring issues in both the short and long term.
1. Quick and Easy Installation
Because the large floor planks are pre-made, hollowcore is the quickest way to construct an entire floor by craning. Due to the hollowed-out, longitudinal voids, the product is also lightweight, making it even easier to install. The completed floor also provides an immediately safe working surface for follow-on trades, potentially reducing the timespan of the overall project.
2. Flexibility
Hollowcore floors typically span greater distances than timber, giving the designer more options to play with. Any subsequent alterations at a later date can be carried out without the need for any further structural work. Internal block partition walls can easily be built on top of the floor and don’t require any additional support.
3. Flood Resistant
With building on floodplains becoming more prevalent in the UK due to diminishing space, it is imperative for materials to be suitable for their environment. Unlike timber, in the event of a flash flood, concrete floors dry out quickly and efficiently to remain sturdily in place.
4. Fire Resistant
Concrete is inherently fireproof, which has two key benefits. First, there is no requirement for anti-fire chemical treatment whatsoever. And most importantly, in addition to the fact that it won’t burn or melt, the concrete’s thermal capacity absorbs heat, reducing the flames’ spread. All in all, this adds up to an evacuation time which is four times longer than that of a timber floor.
5. Pest Resistant
Another issue with timber it is susceptibility to common pests, such as vermin and termites. Concrete has no nutritional value to sustain such creatures, keeping them uninterested and out of the way. Concrete is also resistant to rot.
6. Sound Insulation
In a residential home, particularly with a family, something that can often go unchecked but later become a matter of significance is the volume of noise between rooms and floors. Concrete floors provide sound insulation between floors and, due to their density, will never cause squeaking or creaking as a wooden floorboard would. Furthermore, as previously mentioned, concrete floors offer freedom when erecting partition walls, which also contribute towards noise reduction throughout the building.
7. Eco Friendly
Concrete floors are energy efficient and help to balance internal temperatures, eliminating the need for air conditioning, which has been shown to have a negative impact on the environment. In the same vein, fewer draughts means less need for the heating to be on. In addition to this, hollowcore floors also have long-term benefits for the environment, as they are 100% recyclable.
Conclusion
Hollowcore is a cost-effective method suitable for steel, concrete or masonry constructions. As highlighted in this article, they’re built to last, and the immediate benefits they offer will remain present within their new building for many years to come.