Home Repair (alt.home.repair) For all homeowners and DIYers with many experienced tradesmen. Solve your toughest home fix-it problems.

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
  #1   Report Post  
Posted to alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2
Default prepping for floating floor

I have read a number of posts regarding self-levelling a floating
floor.
In my case, I am working in a slightly below ground apartment suite
that has a concrete floor. The room I am working in dips 3 inches over
about 12 feet. I am trying to put in a floating floor since the old
carpet was hideous, but do not want to create a mammoth job for myself
as it is only a single bedroom and does not justify an extensive amount
of work or money.

** For the pragmatic among you:

My initial hope was to simply ignore the slope. Although it would be
nice to have it level too, I was more concerned with dips and valleys.
If I am willing to put up with a slightly uneven floor, I assume that
the primary drawback is 'bounce' in the areas of the floor over a
valley. I have also seen quite a variance in 'allowable' flatness
variations. I recognize that a 'proper' floor should be something like
1/8" over 8 feet, but have also seen posts that pragmatically
indicate that even dips of 1/8" over a couple of feet may be
acceptable, particularly if one can secure down the middle of these
sections to make them less mobile. Also, I was wondering if
realistically one can get away with less evenness in the direction
perpindicular to the direction that you are laying the floor. I
realize that this is all a little hacked, and not officially
recommended, but would appreciate any feedback on these ideas -
including future problems that any of these 'hack solutions' may cause.
(I don't mind losing out on the aesthetics of a perfect floor, but
want to clearly understand any 'flaws' that I may decide to live with).

** For those who maintain a 'do it properly attitude', perhaps you
could comment on the options below:

By the sounds of it, one option is to fill the room with a layer of
sand screed until it is close to level, and then (optionally ?) use a
self-leveller to make it even truer. (this would bring the concrete
slab above the low end of the drywall - I assume that I would leave a
3/4 inch gap or so between the edge of the new concrete and the wall -
is this ok?).

I was wondering, however, if it would be a little easier (or advisable)
to simply toss down some plywood and shim it where necessary to achieve
a fairly even surface. This would also allow me to secure down any
sections that may still 'bounce' a little if the end job is not
perfect.

The dip also rises again as the floor goes into the bathroom (where I
was hoping to lay tile).
This may also affect the decision above...(?)

Thanks very much,

- RG

  #2   Report Post  
Posted to alt.home.repair
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 180
Default prepping for floating floor

I have a similar mess and am anxoous to see replies. There's a couple
other avenues you can try:

1) Mudjacking - problematic - may not be able to lift the slab

2) Topping with high density high-tech concrete. May be marketed as
Acousticrete. They prime your floor, mix up the stuff, and pump it in.
Drawbacks - expensive; weight may further depress slab.

Reply
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules

Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
wood or concrete basement floor Jess Home Repair 5 March 21st 09 09:26 PM
prepping for floating floor [email protected] Home Repair 1 July 18th 06 05:18 AM
Install hardwood floor on convex surface MM Woodworking 2 August 10th 04 09:32 PM
Repair Holes and Levelling a Concrete Floor JJC001 UK diy 6 April 29th 04 10:17 PM
anyone try BONA / BonaKem TRAFFIC or MEGA floor finishing products? JP Home Repair 20 November 11th 03 01:49 AM


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 04:29 PM.

Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004-2024 DIYbanter.
The comments are property of their posters.
 

About Us

"It's about DIY & home improvement"