Replies

1. 
   Fred_Matthews | Feb 02, 1999 10:48am | #1

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   A buckled floor? How far is it buckled? From what?
   Cracked concrete is one thing to fix, buckled concrete an entirely different animal.

1. 
   rlampe | Feb 03, 1999 06:54am | #2

   *I mean that there are high spots where I presume water presure has pushed the floor upward in the middle causing it to crackand slope away. I haven"t measured the difference but I bet there is a good 6" between high and low spots and the rooms are no bigger than 18x10. I have already removed the worst floor w/ a sledge. And I have no desire to do any more. We are now thinking of leveling the floor w/ concrete and then imbedding concrete board on top of that, while the concrete is still wet. Are we crazy?

1. 
   Fred_Matthews | Feb 03, 1999 09:39am | #3

   *I would say that you have a problem which is unresolved. A concrete slab which has buckled and has elevation differences of 6" has:1) enormous hydrostatic pressures beneath the slab2) extreme differential settlement caused by incomplete or inadequate compaction3) substandard concrete4) all or a combination of the aboveIn a nutshell, yes you are crazy to put finished flooring of any sort on this concrete. Run, don't walk, from this project.

2. 
   Guest_ | Feb 06, 1999 09:10am | #4

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   6" is a MAJOR problem you need the help of some to inspect the site. This could be the start of the house moving away........or falling down. I agree with Fred if you're not up to snuff on concrete walk away. Don't let the home owner talk you into leveling the floor.

3. 
   figuers | Feb 06, 1999 09:52am | #5

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   based on your description, the concrete floor needs to be removed and repoured (including proper water proofing/drainage). If the client balks at the cost, do not do partial repairs. That is the quickest road to a lawsuit (even if you have a hold-harmless clause in your contract). Also, look at the walls. if the floor has moved 6 inches, there may be structural damage to the walls (from the excess water loads).

1. 
   Lyle_Popson | Mar 20, 1999 09:25am | #6

   *Hello All, need suggestions, bught a house with a very good - bad slab. When poured, the center ended up 2" higher than the Perimeter. The house was framed to adjust for the "crown " in the slab.the ceiling and walls are plumb and level,but all floors slope to the outside walls. I need to figure out the most practical metod for leveling the floors. 3 rooms will be carpet 3 rooms will be hardwoods the baths and kitchen will be ceramic.

4. 
   Guest_ | Mar 20, 1999 05:54pm | #7

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   As much as I hate the stuff, Gypcrete or any of the self-leveling compounds. If you want to do the job "finished" there is only one way and that is to level the slab.

5. 
   Lyle_Popson | Mar 26, 1999 06:04pm | #8

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   Any suggestions on what material to level 0" to 2"
   over 2400SF. the slab is level at perimeter and
   strucuraly sound, just finnished pourly and two inchs
   high in the center and the house was framed to
   adjusted to accomidate the crown in the s

6. 
   Guest_ | Mar 26, 1999 06:43pm | #9

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   Lyle

   Gypcrete is the material of choice in my opinion when you are looking at 2" difference in elevations.

   Not trying to put you into a corner, but how did this happen?

7. 
   Lyle_Popson | Mar 27, 1999 02:25pm | #10

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   Gabe, This house was Well built 9 years ago buy the
   previous owner. The slab got away from him "got a hot
   load in the center" Why he didn't pour a level coat
   befor he framed I do not know. It's a great house
   otherwise. ?? what is Gypcrete and where do you find
   it in Houston. Thanks for the input

   LP

8. 
   Guest_ | Mar 28, 1999 07:52pm | #11

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   Lyle, go to any flooring company, they can steer you in the right direction. You probably want to get the material in bulk...sounds like you'll be using alot of it.

   Incidently, gypcrete is incompatable with portland cement-based products, ie., setting ceramic tile. So, if you ever change your mind about floor coverings...

9. 
   Lyle_Popson | Mar 30, 1999 07:33am | #12

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   Thanks for the info Rich,
   3 Rooms are going to be carpet Approx.3x240sf
   living dinning entry to be wood Aprox.1000 sf
   baths and kitcen/utility to be Ceramic tile=700sf
   I,m leaning more towards pouring latex fortified
   sand mix2" to 0" in all rooms but i am concerened
   about cure time for the wood area.
   the slab is about a foot above grade in Houston
   Texas.
   thanks again for all the help LL

10. 
    rlampe | Mar 30, 1999 07:33am | #13

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    I am remodling a basment apt that has buckled cracked concrete floors. The owner wants to put vinal floors over the concrete. As I see it the floors wouldn't last long over this surface. Does anyone know a fairly easy method to level the floors. Is there a pour on product that could be put over the concrete. The ceilings are also very low and I don't want to and much height to the floor.