Retrofit Suspended Timber Floor Project

This property in North Oxford was a standard 80s construction with no insulation underneath a ventilated suspended timber floor. As such the floor in the property was extremely cold on the feet during the winter months. The homeowner opted to do this as a DIY project using carbon locking, sustainable & vapour open products from PAVATEX.

The first stage required lifting of the existing floorboards as the intention was to reuse products wherever possible. It is recommended to use a pallet breaker & pry bar to lift the floorboards.

Once the nails have been removed a breathable membrane was lapped between the joints, ensuring adequate airflow below the joists. Make sure you do not block any breather bricks on the perimeter of the building, these are vital to prevent moisture build up in the floor and prevents the joists from degrading.

Around the full perimeter of the building, Pavafix 150mm airtightness tape has been used to create an airtight connection between the wall and membrane. Pavafix 60 has been used on the membrane overlaps.

Pavaflex is then laid between the joists. It is recommended to cut the Pavaflex 10mm wider than required to it friction fits into position and prevents air pockets where cold spots can occur.

After returning the original floorboards back it was then topped with Pavanatur, an 8mm wood fibre underlay that is ideal for use under parquet, laminate and wooden floor finishes.

If you want to further improve the overall airtightness an additional DB3.5 membrane can be installed over the floorboards and taped to the wall using Pavafix 20/40mm.