Engineered Floor Systems
In most homes, solid-wood "dimensional" lumber joists support the floors. Building product manufacturers have developed alternatives to lumber floor joists that conserve natural resources by using smaller trees and recycling waste lumber, or by using alternatives to lumber.
Wood and Composite Floor Trusses
These trusses are built like steel beams, with a top and bottom plate joined by a vertical web. The web is made from either wood composite or metal. Floor trusses are precisely engineered for specific lengths and loads, so the builder selects the exact specification needed.
These products provide superior strength, using far less materials without relying on mature or old-growth timber. They’re also less expensive than solid wood – and lighter and easier to handle on the job. As well, composite floor truss systems are far less prone to the squeaking that’s typical with conventional lumber joists.
Steel/Concrete Floor Systems
These floor systems are now coming into use, particularly where in-floor radiant heating is used. A network of steel floor joists supports a layer of high-strength concrete. In homes with radiant heating, the heat distribution tubing is encased in the concrete, warming the entire floor.
Steel/concrete floor systems offer the added advantage of low-noise transmission, so walking around in the home is quieter.
R-2000 is an official mark of Natural Resources Canada.
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