New research conducted by CSR Hebel has established clarity around the application of different flooring systems to satisfy energy efficiency provisions in the BCA, which are set to get more complex.

The research was conducted on suspended ground flooring systems and compared the heating and cooling loads of Hebel’s PowerFloor aerated concrete flooring to the commonly used Particle board floors with foil. The research found that on average the PowerFloor used 18.4% less energy to heat a building in a location like Brisbane and 6.4% less energy to cool a building in a location like Canberra when compared to particleboard with foil.

The research was administered by independent auditor Ecospecifier Pty Ltd and they utilised Accurate simulation models that confirmed PowerFloor to be a significantly superior thermal product than particle board for suspended flooring.

Hebel PowerFloor is solid flooring solution for ground floors on sloping sites, and separation floors in two storey and multi residential buildings. In addition to the inbuilt thermal performance, this aerated concrete floor has enhanced acoustic properties which are particularly important for buffering noise transference between ground and first floors. The unique benefits of acoustic and thermal insulation along with thermal mass make PowerFloor aerated concrete floors an ideal solution where comfort and energy efficiency are a priority.

Hebel PowerFloor steel reinforced concrete panels are easily installed over timber or steel joists to give an excellent base for just about any floor covering. Panel lengths are designed to suit standard joist spacing which means there is minimal wastage on site. Quick to install, Hebel PowerFloor concrete flooring allows other trades to follow in 24 hours and is not affected by weather during installation. PowerFloor offers a solid base compared to particleboard without the cost of suspended concrete floor.