A floor is actually the bottom surface of an object or an area. Floors range from very simple dirt on a sandy cave to several-layered wooden surfaces created with state-of-the-art technology. Floors can be wood, stone, concrete or any other smooth material that is able to withstand the expected weight. In addition, it is important to note that the most common types of flooring are laminates, epoxy, fiberglass, vinyl and MDF. Epoxy and fiberglass floors are also susceptible to moisture and water leaks, which should be considered when installing.
Hallways and doorways make up about half of the total floor area in a building. Both hallway and doorways should be carefully planned so that there will be no space gap between the floor and adjacent walls. For instance, a long hallway leading to a first-floor bedroom should have a minimum width to allow sufficient movement between adjoining rooms. It is also necessary to consider the function of the door or hallway. For instance, hallways are used for pedestrian traffic, while living areas are used for family gatherings. In such case, appropriate floor plan with an attractive design is needed, such as the one presented in the examples below.
One of the most popular types of flooring is solid concrete floors. It is a durable, practical and environmentally friendly option that can be applied on almost any floor surface. There are two types of concrete floors – stamped and poured. Stamped concrete floors are pre-built panels that are fixed in molds during manufacturing; poured concrete floors are manufactured as concrete slabs in large amounts that are later set in molds.
Another type of flooring that offers a number of benefits is engineered flooring systems that include beams and column. The beams in this kind of floor system are typically built from wood, tile, steel and other materials. Most of the time, such beams are used to provide additional space beneath the ground. The added space improves accessibility for cleaning, repair and other activities.
One common alternative used for solid ground floor construction is concrete slab system. This system is composed of four to six levels of solid ground slab. The floors are held together by tie rods that were previously placed through holes in the ground. There are many benefits that come with using this system, including low maintenance and energy efficiency.
Many homeowners are unaware that their house has joists, which are part of the foundation. Home foundations are weakened when wet areas such as a basement, crawl space and attic get damaged. If these areas are not waterproofed, dampness can penetrate the whole structure. Water damage can cause significant damage to the interior and exterior surfaces, causing drywall cracks, warping and mold buildup. For instance, if your house’s foundation is made from solid ground flooring, the subfloor will serve as an additional moisture barrier, helping to prevent the moisture from getting inside your home.
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