Polystyrene insulation between concrete/chipboard floor...

[DIYNotIan]

Hi all

Hope I've posted this in the right forum.....

I'm trying to decide on what to do with my kitchen floor... I found out over the weekend that the base of the floor is concrete - there is then a layer of polystyrene insulation, on top of which is then the main T&G chipboard floor. I don't think there are any joists from what I can see (would there usually be joists in this scenario?).

If we decide to tile the room, the advise we've been given is that it would make a lot of sense to remove the chipboard and insulation and tile directly onto the concrete.

But being a DIY and building novice I'm not sure what th downsides of losing the insulation would be. I'm guessing the room will be a bit colder in winter, but are there any other drawbacks or can it cause any other problems? Is there anything that can be used to add a little insulation back? Will the tiles and the adhesive give any insulation?

And one other question - damp proof course. Is this usually beneath the concrete and if so do I have anything to worry about with regards the damp proof course?

Many thanks

Max

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

How thick is the chipboard and how thick is the polystyrene? Sometimes there are battens, sometimes the chipboard just 'floats' on the insulation.

 

[DIYNotIan]

It's all been put back now I'm afraid so I can only guestimate on the polystyrene. I'd say it was around 25mm, no more the 30mm. The chipboard is 18mm.

 

[mointainwalker]

I'm not sure what th downsides of losing the insulation would be. I'm guessing the room will be a bit colder in winter

The floor will feel significantly colder to your feet and ankles.

Will the tiles and the adhesive give any insulation?

Negligible. Not worth talking about.