Expansion gap in concrete floor
 

I was doing some repair work in the finished basement which involved
removing lower part of drywall. This exposed a perimeter gap of about
1/2 inch all around the floor slab which was filled with strips of
black cork-like material. This material apparently absorbed the
mosture from the ground soil in many places and had to be removed.
What do I do now? Do I fill the expansion gap with polyurethane caulk
or can I put DryLok type hydraulic cement to permanently seal out any
moisture?

Anyway, what is the purpose of this gap? Was it just to prevent
problems during curing or is it still needed now? Will I cause
structural problems if I fill the gap with cement? The house is 20
years old and the floor slab is in perfect condition with no cracks.

Thanks,
David

David wrote:
I was doing some repair work in the finished basement which involved
removing lower part of drywall. This exposed a perimeter gap of about
1/2 inch all around the floor slab which was filled with strips of
black cork-like material. This material apparently absorbed the
mosture from the ground soil in many places and had to be removed.
What do I do now? Do I fill the expansion gap with polyurethane caulk
or can I put DryLok type hydraulic cement to permanently seal out any
moisture?

I suggest a good calk. If needed use a backer.

I might add that despite all the adds for products, trying to seal out
any moisture is not a practical objective. Keeping it away is most
important with sealing the exterior of the walls second. Drains and sump
pumps are the last chance backup.


Anyway, what is the purpose of this gap? Was it just to prevent
problems during curing or is it still needed now? Will I cause
structural problems if I fill the gap with cement? The house is 20
years old and the floor slab is in perfect condition with no cracks.

Thanks,
David

--
Joseph E. Meehan

26 + 6 = 1 It's Irish Math

I am about to pour my basement floor and I am putting a 2x4 all around the
perimeter which will later be removed, The idea is that if any water leaks
through the wall it will end up in the channel and flow to the sump. Water
cannot get onto the floor. Maybe this is what yours is actually for and
someone mistakenly filled it with caulking.
"David" wrote in message
om...
I was doing some repair work in the finished basement which involved
removing lower part of drywall. This exposed a perimeter gap of about
1/2 inch all around the floor slab which was filled with strips of
black cork-like material. This material apparently absorbed the
mosture from the ground soil in many places and had to be removed.
What do I do now? Do I fill the expansion gap with polyurethane caulk
or can I put DryLok type hydraulic cement to permanently seal out any
moisture?

Anyway, what is the purpose of this gap? Was it just to prevent
problems during curing or is it still needed now? Will I cause
structural problems if I fill the gap with cement? The house is 20
years old and the floor slab is in perfect condition with no cracks.

Thanks,
David