I currently have a contractor rebuilding an old substandard extension to up-to-date regulations. My wife has got her heart set on having real reclaimed floor boards. The new floor build up is proposed to be concrete with a screed finish, with the obvious DPM and insulation below.
I have talked to a few old friends that, (like myself )have been in the construction industry for many years. I want to fix 50mm battens into the 70mm screed so that the battens are approx 5-8mm proud of the screed surface. Then I want to fix the real floor boards to these battens much like fixing floorboards to joists. This would give the floor a small degree of flex when walking on them, much like the real thing.
My builder thinks that my building inspector will dismiss this idea as there would be a small air gap between screed and underside of boards that must have ventilation. I had mentioned laying a felt underlay and even another DPM over the battened floor prior to fixing the boards.
Apart from fitting laminated or solid wood flooring which often have small gaps underneath them once installed, has anyone got solid knowledge or evidence that my idea is unworkable, in breach of regulations or just plane crazy?
Thanks for reading and I look forward to your responses.
miketherock.