*
I’m looking for any information someone may have about installing lightweight concrete over my existing floor to level it out before I lay down new Wilsonart hardwood flooring. I have about a 15×20 foot area to cover and my lowest spot is 2″ so I’m going to need more than just a couple of bags from the local hardware store.
Any ideas for sources or techniques?
Making mitered head casings is a breeze with this simple system.
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial NowGet instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
*
You don't want to use typical lightweight concrete for this job. It can't be feathered, it won't bond well to the wood floor, and it's brittleness will lead to horrible cracking and deterioration in short order.
An option would be self-leveling gypsum concrete underlayment. Many of these products are intended for renovation use over wood floors. Visit http://www.maxxon.com/ to tour one manufacturer's offerings. Get in touch with a representative and ask detailed questions to see if your specific situation can be permanently and acceptably address by their product. If things still look good, have an experienced subcontractor do it or read all installation data carefully to make sure you know what to expect.
*Mark I agree with Dave but 2" is a lot to fill. Sounds like another problem that you're covering up.
*Mark,I have read the other posts. I would assume that the area you want to cover/level up may have been an add-on porch[wood frame-lightweight concrete?] that you now want to turn into living space?Correct me if I am wrong.If the above IS the situation, you have other alternatives other than trying to get a Gip-Crete applicator on your job-site for less than $1500.00.Ever heard of "deck mud"? Yes you can combine sand, lightweight aggregate and Type I-II Portland to help fix your problem. Would be easier if you could spare an inch or so at the highest elevation so the minimum thickness is at least 7/8". A real tile guy from the old school would know exactly what I am talking about....especially if he knew you wanted to place a floating hardwood floor over it. I could be wrong about your situation but if I am right and you don't want to bore the others with the details, email me. Of course the band-width here at Taunton seems unlimited, maybe we should "think outside the box".Jeff
*
Thanks for the input everyone. I have heard of problems with too much moisture being added to the concrete and then drying leaving some pretty serious cracks.
I'm open to advice on other ways to help with this problem. The foundation has been fixed so I don't think I'm dealing with a problem that will get progressively worse. This is a 100 year old farmhouse so I guess dealing with this is just par for the course.
I could split the difference and not go for totally level which would cut down on the amount needed.
I'm open to any input!!
Mark
*
I'm looking for any information someone may have about installing lightweight concrete over my existing floor to level it out before I lay down new Wilsonart hardwood flooring. I have about a 15x20 foot area to cover and my lowest spot is 2" so I'm going to need more than just a couple of bags from the local hardware store.
Any ideas for sources or techniques?
*
Hi Mark,
IF you have repaired the foundation, why can't you repair the slope in your floor, instead of trying to spend money to cover it.
IF your house has settled, or a post has settled, shouldn't you consider, raising it back up and getting things back into plumb?
Once you start patching and adding to your home, the cost to do a proper repair escalates.
Just a thought you might want to consider.
Gabe