If the insulation is going below the slab the damp proof membrane dpm is laid next followed by the insulation a polythene separating layer and the concrete slab.
Insulation of mat concrete slab details.
Concrete moisture conditions and drying rate.
Less common is a third method.
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.
This insulation aligns with rigid foam sheathing that covers the framed walls above grade.
The concrete walls go about 12 above grade except where the doors are and then they drop to grade.
Vapor retarders some times referred to as vapor barriers insulation etc.
Illustration by chris roche.
Buried horizontal or sloped wing insulation installed around the exterior perimeter of the building to raise soil temperature.
Sub grade and sub base the sub grade is the ground on which the floor is built.
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.
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.
Upgrading concrete slab floors converting existing unheated basements garages and storage areas into habitable rooms is a popular way of increasing living space without constructing an extension.
The interior of the walls have r 10 eps performguard insulation from the footing to the sill and the entire prepared slab gravel base has more r 10 2 1 2 foam over 6 mil poly.
Given the 4 foot thickness of the slab for this project a mass concrete mix design with a low heat of hydration was needed in order to avoid thermal cracking.
In new hampshire chris roche is pulling together plans for a new energy efficient home.
Such spaces typically have a sound level concrete slab floor but lack sufficient floor insulation to achieve the thermal performance targets for.
Rigid insulation is placed vertically on the exterior face of the foundation wall.
So even with no danger of freezing insulating blankets will often be used on a thick mat slab.
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.
In climate zones 4 through 8 the most common locations for insulation are at the perimeter of the slab installed vertically and under the slab installed horizontally.