I’m trying to decide if I should do a dust cap, also known as a rat stop, on dirt in crawl space. 1-2″ of concrete would be about 2 yards for the area I need to cover. The dirt is actually coarse sand, like masons sand. When I lay in it to do work, it comes off very easy with a brush of the hand. I’ll probably be under the house very little after the job is done. Anyone here think of a good reason to do the slab? Maybe I’m missing something.
Kevin
Skim-coating with joint compound covers texture, renews old drywall and plaster, and leaves smooth surfaces ready to paint.
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I don't know about where you are, but its required here in Gloucester County. it's also helps keep moisture down and can help keep out radon if it's a problem. it doens't have to be pretty either.
I'm in New Jersey, the BI suggested but didn't say it was mandatory. I'd do by the bag, 60 80# bags, rented mixer. I don't think I could move a truck in close enougn to get shoot through the front door. Floor will be ripped up, joists are 24 oc. Just wondering if it's worth all the effort. Added 24" of sand inside foundation so water table is well below, even when it's higher than usual form heavy rain, etc.
Kevin
I'm in jersey as well. If you are trying to pour between the joists, I'd probably just put some 6 mil down and call it good enough. Trying to pour 60 bags of that through the joists while keeping it relatively smooth would be no fun.
"no fun"
Believe me I know, did the piers, 20 bags by hand, and it s@#$ed. With the mixer I should be able to set it on sand between joists and dump from there. If not I will have a 3 ft drop to plastic. Wish I could use a truck but it would take too long, with bags I can work at my own pace. Figure a full day, depending on how fussy I get with the finished surface.
If you don't mind the work, then I would do it right and just pour the slab. You'll be happy you did, and you won't regret not doing it after the floor is back down.
Isn't there something you could spray in? I have "gunnite" on the mind, but I can't remember. Seems like I saw that done once a long time ago...
I could spray in concrete with a line pump, but it's 650.00 for 1/2 day, regardless of the amount of concrete, 1-2 yards in this case.
I don't mind the work, actually look forward to it until I'm 1/2 way through and than I hate it. But I like it again once I reach the finish. Probably alot of guys here could say the same. Think I'll do it. Thanks
It is a good idea to pour a rat slab. Some day you may have to access the crawl space, better off sliding around on a creeper than crawling around in the sand.
Probably keeps termites out and reduces moisture problems.I would pour 2" and float it. Troweling isn't neccessary but does make it easier to slide a creeper on the slab.You can store stuff you don't often use on the slab.
The costs of the slab is minimal.
mike
I thought I'd mix it really soupy to have it sort of self-level. Not to concerned about the strength, not structural.