Floor Slab Insulation Detail

4 10 2012 3 climate zones e301 1 6 5 8 4 slab r value table 402 1 1 insulation and fenestration requirements by component e402 1 1 climatezone slab r valued 4 10 2 ft 5 10 2 ft 6 10 4 ft 9.

Floor slab insulation detail.

Depending on the use of the building the slab can then be finished ready for use or receive a screed suitable for a floor finish. Rigid insulation is placed horizontally under the slab perimeter and vertically in the joint at the slab edge. Continuous insulation is applied directly to the underside of the slab and extends inward horizontally from the perimeter for the distance specified or continuous insulation is applied downward from the top of the slab and then extends horizontally to the interior or the exterior from the perimeter for the distance specified. Any cooler surface in contact with the slab will try to steal its heat.

Illustration by chris roche. Additionally a layer of rigid foam is used between the framing and ventilation space behind the brick cladding. In this insulation detail at the perimeter of the slab a total of 6 inches of rigid foam insulation separates the interior slab from the outdoors. The insulation phase is crucial for a radiant floor.

Below grade need vertical insulation at the slab perimeter. Slabs lose energy primarily as a result of heat conducted outward and through the perimeter of the slab. The codes are silent about whether above grade slabs need to be insulated. Such spaces typically have a sound level concrete slab floor but lack sufficient floor insulation to achieve the thermal performance targets for new habitable rooms.

Otherwise both codes require that slab on grade floors with a floor surface less than 12 in. Remember that your slab will be about 75 degrees f. These codes do not require any insulation for slabs that are more than 12 in. A plywood bottom plate helps to stabilize the double stud wall.

Mainly heated slabs radiate outward rather than downward so insulation on the edges of the slab is most important. Installing slab insulation around the perimeter of the slab will reduce heat loss and make the slab easier to heat. If headroom is tight then the only option may be to break up the existing slab dig further down and build up an entirely new floor.