Construction Of Floor Over Open Space

Adding living space above a two story area is typically less expensive than putting a new addition onto your home because we are using the existing roof and foundation.

Construction of floor over open space. If i build a new room over an unheated space i use open web floor trusses at least 16 in height. Block off any open floor joists running from the garage ceiling to under other parts of the home to prevent the infiltration of airborne pollutants see the guide garage rim band joist adjoining conditioned space for more information. Stack three 2x4 blocks on the concrete floor at each stud location and measure the stud length for each stud along the wall by measuring from the string line down to the top of the blocks 1 block for the sill plate and 2 blocks for the top plate cut the studs to length making sure to keep them in their proper order. For this example our new proposed space would cost between 4000 and 5000.

However if the walls are load bearing removing these walls can be a difficult time consuming and expensive process because that load must be transferred elsewhere. A room used solely for sleeping might need to carry only 30 psf whereas a garage floor over a basement would need 50 psf or higher. Ceramic and stone tile will be too heavy and too difficult to install on the access door. Most types of tile can be used above crawl spaces unless there are significant moisture problems in the crawl space.

Even if you install a moisture barrier this moisture can. The stack effect insures a steady and cold flow of air through this type floor system during the heating season. Tile floors usually require an special underlayment on top of the subflooring. The insulation install is often suspect and the biggest drawback is lack of attention to the rim joist area.

Installation or construction of either floor plan takes on two different methods. Air seal the band and rim joists and any penetrations. In an existing home if you want to convert a closed to an open floor plan you may be able to remove non load bearing walls 1 more easily than it would be to construct new walls. Open concept homes skyrocketed in popularity in the 1970s and by the mid 90s nearly all new construction incorporated some version of an open floor plan or great room.

The major exception is any crawl space access door in the floor. Do it yourself video on how to insulate the exposed floor over an unheated area using roxul comfortbatt r28 canada or r30 usa and roxul comfortboard is i. An inaccessible attic space on the other hand might have a live load of only 20 psf. Installing a hardwood floor directly over a crawlspace exposes the wood to moisture from the ground and from the air in the crawlspace.