Loadbearing - timber joist floors & ceilings

Load-bearing – timber joists floors & ceilings are widely used in internal application in both commercial and residential applications, whenever it is necessary to meet or exceed the requirements set by the applicable Approved Document E of the Building Regulations. It is a traditional method offering airborne sound insulation of36 - 66 Rw dB, impact sound insulation of 78 - 48 Lnw dB, substantial thermal performance of 0.25 - 0.14 (W/m²K) and fire resistance of between 30 - 90 minutes.

Certain consideration should be taken into account upon installation, including:

• in order of avoiding defects to the ceiling finish, seasoning timber must not contain moisture exceeding the values set in the BS 5268: Part 2;
• cavity barriers should be installed of required by Building Regulations;
• dehumidification or increased ventilation may be required whenever there is a risk of condensation occurring on top of the vapor control layer resulting in plasterboard becoming damp;
• Gyproc Sealant should be used to seal the gaps and small air paths for optimum acoustic insulation;
• electrical services should be installed in accordance with BS 7671.