Alternative Construction Research Guide - GCCDS

floorsconstructionprocessspeeddeliverymethodrequiredequipmentspecializedlaborwindresistancewaterresistancefireresistancethermalperformancelife spanenvironmentalimpactproductversatilitymarketexposurecodeapprovalaffordabilitycoastalconsiderationssubfloors w/ finishes2x6 tongue & groovepre-cast panelscast in place floorsTongue and Groove Wood FloorsTongue and groove floors are assembled usingdimensional lumber with pre-routed tonguesand grooves that allow the boards to be fittedtogether securely. These floors take longerto install than a plywood subfloor, but oncesanded and sealed, the result is an attractive andcomfortable finished floor. The strength of thecontinuously interlocked deck allows increasedjoist spacing and provides additional lateralstrength to the house, an important considerationin hurricane- and tornado-prone areas.Suspended Cast-In-Place DeckSuspended cast-in-place decks are an elevatedfloor system that utilizes site-cast reinforced slabssupported by cold-formed steel joists. The steeljoists are designed to house the formwork for theslabs above, so that formwork either remains apart of the structure after the concrete has cured,or is removed and re-used for other projects. Thissystem is often used in combination with ICF wallsand a concrete foundation system.Pre-Cast Floor PanelsPre-cast concrete panels are more common inmulti-family units and commercial constructionthan in single-family homes. As concretebecomes common in residential construction,manufacturers are attempting to scale down thesize and cost of these pre-cast panels in orderto make them a more viable option for homeconstruction.(FIG.D) PRE-CAST FLOOR PANELS can betensioned off-site and are often hollow. Pre-castpanels can be utilized for quickly assembled, strongand fire-resistant floor systems.FURTHER INFORMATIONFlooring Systems small component systems• The Short and Long of Floors (www.shortandlongofit.com/renovate/flooring.html)• GreenHomeGuide (www.greenhomeguide.com/index.php/know-how/entry/803/C220/)• Toolbase (http://www.toolbase.org)NOTES ON FLOORING