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Homeowner Forum / Construction / November 2006New concrete floor
I am just about finished digging out my barn floor. I intend to lay gravel, sand, damp proof sheet, insulation (polystyrene), about 4 inches of ready mixed concrete with steel work. My question is at what level/order do I place the polystyrene insulation and what are the benefits of its location. Thanks for any info. fred Fred: The polystyrene should be placed on top of the vapor barrier and the concrete cast upon the insulation. The reason is that the purpose of the vapor barrier is to prevent moisture from being forced into the insulation under the pressure that is created by the temp. diff. Bring the vapor barrier up the sides if possible and lap the joints by about 12-18". Your reference to the damp proof sheet, I asssumed to be the vapor barrier. You should try to use 10 mil Visqueen but at least 6 mil if you can't find the 10 mil. >I am just about finished digging out my barn floor. > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > fred >I am just about finished digging out my barn floor. > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > > fred Vapor barrier under insulation. Not all insulation board is rated for under slab use. Check the manufacturer's web site and make sure yours is. Why are you putting down sand? Steve. > Why are you putting down sand? Sand should be put down under a vapor barior and on top of it under to ensure the plastic is not torn on the jagged base and on top so the concrete doesnt go off like a rocket while finishing it. > >I am just about finished digging out my barn floor. > > [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Steve. > Sand should be put down under a vapor barior and on top of it under > to ensure the plastic is not torn on the jagged base and on top so > the concrete doesnt go off like a rocket while finishing it. By "go off like a rocket", I assume you mean set up really quickly. I thought that pouring conrete directly on a plastic vapor barrier typically delays the setting up of the concrete, as there is nothing to absorb the excess water used for placement. The sand layer on top of the vapor barrier would provide a more normal setting up time, as it can absorb some of the excess water. Have I got this backward? Thanks, Wayne In a previous post Wayne Whitney wrote... > By "go off like a rocket", I assume you mean set up really quickly. I > thought that pouring conrete directly on a plastic vapor barrier > typically delays the setting up of the concrete, as there is nothing > to absorb the excess water used for placement. The sand layer on top > of the vapor barrier would provide a more normal setting up time, as > it can absorb some of the excess water. Have I got this backward? No. You got it right. However, the tip about putting 2 layers of sand with the vapor barrier between is a pretty good one. BTW, ACI has issued new guidelines on using a plastic vapor barrier. Basically, they are saying "DON'T USE ONE", unless you have a high ground water problem and you have a flooring material that will have problems with moisture (carpet, vinyl, wood). In other words, try to take care of any moisture BEFORE it can migrate through the slab. This will be the case in most installations, so in most cases a vapor barrier is not needed.  SignatureBob Morrison, PE, SE R L Morrison Engineering Co Structural & Civil Engineering Poulsbo WA bob at rlmorrisonengr dot com > In a previous post Wayne Whitney wrote... >> By "go off like a rocket", I assume you mean set up really quickly. I [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > through the slab. This will be the case in most installations, so in most > cases a vapor barrier is not needed. I think Wayne may hose down the sand before pouring. Wayne and Bob, is that a good idea? Stuart// Sorry was out of town for a while.. No you are correct the sand layer on top does allow a more normal set up time. The plastic accelerates the process greatly and on a hot day concrete poured directly on plastic can damage the whole slab because of the heat generation. To answer the question below (even though I was not asked) yes you should spray down the sand or dirt or baserock or whatever you are pouring over not wet wet but lightly moist. > > Sand should be put down under a vapor barior and on top of it under > > to ensure the plastic is not torn on the jagged base and on top so [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Thanks, Wayne |
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