Topic: Insulated Concrete Slab Conundrum

Re: Insulated Concrete Slab Conundrum 

Forgot to add in my post above, I'm suggesting 40mm PU cut into 100mm tall strips on the inside of the slab. Between slab and foundation strip, not on the outside

Pete

Re: Insulated Concrete Slab Conundrum 

Pete - thanks for your reply and numbers.
I'm coming to the conclusion that all the BRANZ stuff I've seen on this subject does not consider these connections between slab and footing.
I've put some R values into a spreadsheet I've done myself but don't seem to come out with the same numbers.
If you could post a little more info on your maths then that would be great.

Re: Insulated Concrete Slab Conundrum 

Hi guys,
I notice the same poster I've been talking to elsewhere. Hello :)

I've done masses of modelling on concrete foundations. You may find it interesting/useful:

Test Series 2: Introduction to Modelling Concrete Foundations with THERM
http://neuralnetwriter.cylo42.com/node/1810

The most surprising result I got was how important the moisture content of the soil is.
Because I've modelled lots of different insulation options hopefully this will allow people to make better informed decisions on how much and where to place insulation.

Re: Insulated Concrete Slab Conundrum 

Hi Steve,

Its been a while :) Hope your keeping well.

good useful info you have there

cheers
Pete

Re: Insulated Concrete Slab Conundrum 

Hi Pete :)
Yes, very well thanks, trying to stay warm on this cold concrete floor LOL

I'm afraid my memory is really bad re people. I only have a vague idea what work you do <blush>

I've certainly learnt a lot recently. Unfortunately it raises almost as many questions as it answers !

Ho hum.....
Steve

Re: Insulated Concrete Slab Conundrum 

I sometimes have a vague idea of what I do too. I'm a product design engineer (hardware, software, specification, reliability, production, customer liaison etc). Small company in Masterton designing industrial telemetry units
Pete

Re: Insulated Concrete Slab Conundrum 

There are plenty of products in NZ to give thermally broken slabs. Try any of the polystyrene type blocks that get filled with concrete. Not putting pipes near the edge is a load of rubbish and you will only end up with cold feet.

Re: Insulated Concrete Slab Conundrum 

Good work.
A general simplicityI use is: if it's wet, go for underfloor, if its dry go for perimeter insulation.

I haven't got results yet, but I'm doing some research on an underfloor thermal store.

Re: Insulated Concrete Slab Conundrum 

Hi Russell,
I was very interested to read your post as the ground we are planning to build on is clay, and we had been working on the assumption that the slab should be insulated below as well as the perimeter. Could you tell me how I could find out more information about the insulating effects of clay and how to tell if this would be a good idea for us?
Thanks
AT

Re: Insulated Concrete Slab Conundrum 

Hi Have used the Fully insulated Max Super Floor at www.maxsystem.co.nz after comparing all available on the market. I am very happy with the result and was laid in two days!

Re: Insulated Concrete Slab Conundrum 

I wasn't aware cornerstone sold a floor system like the Max System Super floor, I live in a Max System Home and by utilising the ideal thermal evelope my home is constantly warm