I am closing in a carport in central North Carolina, to add a mother-in-law living space. The current concrete slab is 19’X25′ but is about 2″ below the level we need to make the floor level with the part of the house that will be leading into it. We are also taking up some of the concrete to allow for plumbing in the new bathroom. The contractor is telling me it would be easier and cheaper to break up the all the existing concrete and repour it the level needed, instead of building up over the existing concrete with wood. I am building another car port, so we will be pouring concrete as part of the job, but his solution seems excessive to me. What do you think? Also, what type of barrier would you use between the concrete slab and the subfloor (we plan on putting hard wood floors in the new space?
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if you putting hard wood floors build up with wood. If carpet or tile, I would just pour extra concrete. wood floors do not like concrete, its a moisture thing.
Greetings Rich, Welcome to Breaktime.
If you scroll down in the lower left corner of your screen there is a search function that will take you to previous threads dealing with whatever you type in the search bar.
I typed in 'wood floor over concrete' and got a good supply of data on the subject.
Cheers
have them use the top left "advanced" buton....
better results........
hey rez.... new bodies on board and nothing in their profiles..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Hell, you tell'em then!
ROAR!
Half of the first time posters never come back to this site anyhow.
be en there
Edited 11/29/2004 1:45 pm ET by rez
Rich-
Are there footings under the carport, or is just a concrete slab bearing on earth? If you're "closing it in" and creating living space, you'll need footings to below the frost line- not just a 4" slab on grade. You might want to check with the local building department before you start tearing up concrete, and end up tearing it up again later.
Bob
Thanks, Bob. I apprecaite your feedback I'll definately ask.
As mentioned be sure there is a conventional frost footing. Pour the concrete there are several spray on surface moisture barriers available, on top of that lay 6 mil plastic, then tar paper, cut 4" plywood nailing strips and shoot or drill to the concrete, not solid underlayment, placed 12" apart and apply hardwood, under 3" in width. All will be well, at least with the floor.