Most builders are already familiar with the reliability and performance of STRUCTAflor® particleboard flooring. But when it comes to improving thermal comfort and energy efficiency, STRUCTAflor® Ultimate takes things to the next level. Engineered for the Australian climate, it combines structural strength with advanced insulation performance, creating the ultimate solution for energy-conscious residential and commercial projects.
Why Thermal Efficiency Matters?
Insulating a building properly is one of the most effective ways to reduce energy use and improve comfort. Poorly insulated floors allow heat to escape in winter and enter during summer, forcing heating and cooling systems to work harder. The floor makes up a significant portion of a building’s external envelope, so improving its thermal efficiency can have a major impact on indoor comfort and running costs.
In suspended timber floors, particularly in platform construction, subfloor insulation is essential. STRUCTAflor® Ultimate was developed to deliver measurable improvements in thermal resistance by increasing the overall R-value of the floor system.
Understanding R-Values
A 'R-value' measures how effectively a material resists heat transfer. A higher R-value means greater insulation performance. R-values can be considered in two ways:
- Product or material R-value: the insulation performance of the material alone.
- System R-value: the combined insulation value of the floor structure, air gaps and any additional insulation working together.
The direction of heat transfer also matters. In cooler climates, insulation should prevent heat escaping downwards through the floor, while in hotter, humid areas, it should limit heat entering upwards from the subfloor. STRUCTAflor® Ultimate helps manage both, depending on the design and environment.
STRUCTAflor® Ultimate: How It Works
STRUCTAflor® Ultimate is manufactured with a metallised foil layer laminated to the underside of each board. This reflective surface significantly reduces radiative heat transfer, keeping interiors warmer in winter and cooler in summer.
Each sheet is made from precision-milled wood flakes bonded with moisture-resistant resin. The upper surface is resin-enriched for added protection during installation, and the edges are wax-coated to prevent moisture ingress. This innovative design combines thermal performance with durability, giving builders a product that works hard in every condition.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Improves the overall R-value of the flooring system.
- Enhances thermal comfort and energy efficiency.
- Reduces heating and cooling costs.
- Treated for termite protection to Australian Standards.
- Meets BAL 29 compliance for bushfire-prone areas.
- Manufactured in Australia from sustainably grown plantation pine.
- Backed by a 7-month exposure warranty.
Product Range and Load Capacity
STRUCTAflor® Ultimate comes in three colour-coded thicknesses to suit varying load requirements:
- 19mm YELLOWtongue®: Standard residential flooring
- 22mm REDtongue®: Heavy-duty residential or light commercial applications
- 25mm BLUEtongue®: High-load commercial and industrial projects
Each product is third-party certified by the Engineered Wood Products Association of Australia (EWPAA), ensuring compliance and performance.
Designed for Sustainable Construction
STRUCTAflor® Ultimate reflects Porta’s commitment to sustainable manufacturing. Produced in Australia from plantation-grown pine, it supports local jobs, reduces transportation emissions and ensures a smaller environmental footprint. Its built-in energy efficiency and long-term durability make it the ideal choice for modern, environmentally conscious builds.
STRUCTAflor® Ultimate. The smarter, stronger and more sustainable way to build energy-efficient floors.
