The best types of floor here are solid floors of concrete, covered with a waterproof membrane of asphalt and then finished quarry tiles, accotile flooring, granolithic paving or one of the coloured bituminous floorings which are now on the market. If the basement is part of the living quarters, the finish may be of hardwood strip or blocks set in a bitumen preparation such as Synthaprufe or Aquaseal.
Modern houses are seldom built with basements and, if the site is fairly level, the ground floor can then be constructed as a solid floor, instead of its being carried on joists. The 6 inches of concrete which covers the site can form the base of this. The surface may consist of wood blocks about 1½ inches thickness or even as thin as ½ inch if economy is important and a suitable kind of hardwood is used. They should be laid on ½ inch of bitumen on the concrete after dipping them to half their depth in hot tar, or of tongued and grooved wood boards nailed to creosoted fillets, secured by metal clips to the concrete.
For sculleries, lavatories, etc., tiles, jointed in cement, or terrazzo paving, cork composition or other such non-porous surface, should be used instead of wood. For some public buildings a rubber floor, stuck to the concrete with an adhesive, may be preferred, but is rather costly for general use in dwelling-houses.
When the site of the house is quite level, but not otherwise, a solid ground floor will be cheaper than a joist floor, especially if account is taken of the fact that about two courses of brickwork are saved in the height of the house, by reason of the fact that the surface of the ground floor can be about 6 inches lower. This is because, in a joist floor, the joists and the wooden plates on which they rest must be above the damp-proof course, whereas in a solid floor all that is required is that the wood blocks or fillets must have their under-sides above the damp course.
Quite obviously the solid floor is the more sanitary. Solid floors may be wax polished or varnished and either of these methods of treatment will make them less porous. For ordinary rooms, if a carpet is used, it should not entirely cover the floor, but leave a margin round the room. Fixed carpets do not provide a really sanitary floor covering. Easily removable rugs are much better, as they can be taken up and shaken daily.
Lastly, a word or two with regard to ceilings. Panelled or painted ceilings are the best, being non-absorbent. If distemper is used it should be of high quality on plaster composed of clean sand and gypsum plaster or lime plaster or calcium sulphate plaster. Ceiling papers are sometimes used to hide a poor plaster ceiling but a good washable distemper straight on to the plaster or a painted ceiling are to be preferred on sanitary grounds.
<Callout type="important" title="Sanitary Floors">Solid floors made of concrete and covered with waterproof materials like asphalt, tiles, or cork composition prevent moisture accumulation and pests.</Callout>
Some people like the appearance of a painted embossed paper like anaglypta. This, if well cemented to the ceiling and given two or three coats of paint to seal up all the pores, makes a good finish for those who like it.
Key Takeaways
- Solid concrete floors with waterproof membranes are more sanitary than joist floors.
- Non-porous surfaces such as tiles and cork composition should be used in areas like sculleries and lavatories.
- Panelled or painted ceilings are recommended over ceiling papers for better sanitation.
Practical Tips
- Use high-quality distemper on plaster to create a non-absorbent ceiling surface.
- Install solid floors with waterproof membranes to prevent moisture accumulation.
- Avoid fixed carpets and opt for easily removable rugs that can be cleaned regularly.
Warnings & Risks
- Ceiling papers may hide poor quality plaster, leading to potential sanitation issues.
- Using wood blocks or boards on a concrete floor without proper sealing can lead to moisture problems.
Modern Application
While the materials and techniques described in this chapter are from an earlier era, the principles of using non-porous surfaces for better hygiene and pest control remain relevant today. Modern equivalents like vinyl flooring and epoxy coatings offer similar benefits with improved durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What types of floor coverings should be used in sculleries and lavatories?
For areas such as sculleries and lavatories, tiles jointed in cement or terrazzo paving are recommended due to their non-porous nature.
Q: Why is a solid ground floor more economical than a joist floor on a level site?
A solid ground floor can be constructed directly on the concrete base without additional support, saving materials and reducing construction costs compared to a joist floor which requires additional structural elements.
Q: What are some recommended ceiling finishes for better sanitation?
Panelled or painted ceilings are preferred over ceiling papers as they are non-absorbent. If using distemper, ensure it is of high quality and applied directly to clean plaster.