A private home’s concrete floor installation is an essential part of the building process since it offers a strong and steady base for the whole building. This procedure entails a number of crucial actions that guarantee the floor is sturdy, level, and able to bear the weight and use typical of a residential environment.
First things first, the base needs to be prepared. In order to avoid settling problems in the future, this involves removing any debris from the site and making sure the ground is level and compacted. A consistent and stable concrete surface can be achieved with the aid of a well-prepared base.
Subsequently, a gravel or crushed stone layer is applied to facilitate drainage and offer a sturdy foundation for the concrete. This layer aids in preventing moisture buildup beneath the concrete slab, which over time may cause cracking.
When the base is prepared, the edges of the concrete floor are defined by putting forms or molds around the edge. When the concrete mix is poured and leveled, these forms also aid in keeping it contained. To reinforce the concrete and reduce cracking, reinforcement materials like wire mesh or rebar can be added inside the forms.
After that, the concrete is mixed in accordance with the project requirements and poured into the space inside the forms that has been prepared. In order to guarantee that the concrete is leveled and distributed uniformly, efficiency is essential during this step. To achieve the desired finish and remove any excess concrete, the surface is smoothed and leveled using a variety of tools such as floats and screeds.
Ultimately, time is needed for the concrete to properly cure and harden. Depending on the type of concrete used and the weather, this curing process could take a few weeks or several days. To avoid cracking and guarantee the long-term durability of the freshly poured concrete, it is crucial to shield it from excessive moisture loss and extreme temperature swings during this period.
Homeowners can guarantee that the concrete floor in their private residence is installed correctly and provides a strong foundation that will support their property for many years by carefully following these steps.
- Is it possible to do?
- Requirements
- Construction and pie
- What kind of concrete is suitable??
- Rules for creating a solution
- Tools for work
- Step-by-step instructions for creating
- Features of screed with heated floors
- Rules and technology of care
- Advantages and disadvantages
- Cost of work on the device
- Video on the topic
- Which floor is better to make in a private house? Concrete or wood?
Is it possible to do?
A concrete screed becomes the most practical choice for laying a level foundation when building a cottage. Any kind of flooring, including laminate, parquet, solid boards, and high-end decorative parquet, can be installed using this technique.
An even coating can be formed with a maximum height difference of 2 mm per 2 meters if the screed is properly organized. For the majority of decorative floors, like block parquet or long solid boards, this method works best.
Requirements
It’s crucial to follow technical specifications when creating a concrete floor in a country home. This ensures that the coating will be dependable and long-lasting, maintaining its original characteristics over time. Please refer to document SNiP 2.03.13-88 for guidance.
The following key elements are included in regulatory requirements:
- Soil under the floor. The soil must have such properties as to prevent deformation of the concrete base as a result of seasonal expansion due to moisture or natural subsidence. It is not allowed to use soil that has not undergone the compaction procedure.
- Litter layer. Installed only after high-quality compaction. The concrete class of the underlying layer must be equal to or exceed parameter B 22.5. Deviation from the horizontal is allowed no more than 15 cm for every 2 meters. The use of gravel or sand bedding is allowed.
- Performing waterproofing. An underlying material is used if the concrete floor is formed in an area where capillary water passes. The height of the rise in moisture is determined at 2 meters for clay, 50 cm for a fine sand fraction, 30 cm for a coarse sand fraction.
- Sound and heat insulation layer. The thickness of the layer depends on the type of room. In heated rooms, thermal insulation is provided along the perimeter adjacent to the walls or foundation. The material has an additional advantage – compensation for thermal expansion.
- Finish screed. Performed when it is necessary to level the surface of a concrete layer and lay utility networks. A layer of 15 to 20 mm is laid above the utility pipelines.
Technical specifications can be changed based on the features of a particular location and the design documentation.
Construction and pie
You must adhere to the appropriate pie gender in order to form a sturdy concrete base:
- Compacted soil. Laid out as a bottom layer to receive and distribute the main loads.
- Sand. Helps remove excess moisture. Designed to protect the concrete screed from heaving during severe frosts in winter.
- Crushed stone. Ensures uniform load distribution and protects against possible shrinkage.
- Waterproofing. Necessary to give the solution increased strength properties and protection from moisture from the soil. Eliminates the release of concrete milk from the screed into the ground.
- Rough screed. Needed to distribute the load, separate the thermal insulation layer and bedding.
- Insulation. Retains heat, protecting against heat loss from interior spaces.
- Finish floor. Top layer before laying final flooring.
It’s crucial to complete the tasks in the correct order. At that point, the concrete base will satisfy all strength and safety standards.
What kind of concrete is suitable??
For the best arrangement of a concrete screed in a private residence, use the M300 solution. Installation of the material in locations with high humidity levels is resistant. Since the M200 and M250 brands have nearly identical qualities, they are also utilized. They can be utilized for the foundation of low-rise buildings as well as for the construction of low stairs.
Rules for creating a solution
To create a cement-sand mixture, standard mortar consists of the following ingredients:
- cement;
- water;
- medium sand.
One part cement is usually mixed with three parts sand. The proper amount of water is added to create a homogenous solution with ideal characteristics.
Tools for work
The following set of tools is required to complete installation work correctly:
Concrete mixer | Used for mixing concrete mixture from the main components |
Shovel | Performed for leveling sand, gravel or soil, mixing concrete |
Capacities | Iron buckets are used to carry and temporarily store cement |
Rammer | Used to uniformly compact soil, gravel and sand beds |
Building level | Used for marking walls, monitoring the correct location of beacons |
Rule | Used to create a flat and smooth surface of newly laid screed |
Trowel | It is possible to work with a minimum amount of solution manually |
Wire brush | Facilitates easy cleaning of hardened concrete layers |
Construction wheelbarrow | Provides convenient transportation of cement and sand |
Needle roller | Capable of removing air from a freshly laid solution, eliminating the formation of internal cavities |
It is preferable to order a concrete mixer if you intend to work in a large area. This helps apply the composition to larger spaces and saves time.
Step-by-step instructions for creating
Laying a concrete screed on the ground without installing floors is the most efficient installation method. The actions are carried out in the following order:
- Soil compaction. The soil is leveled with a rake and stones are removed. The surface is compacted using a compactor.
- Adding sand. Cover the material with a layer of at least 10 cm. Next, tamping is performed again, and the sand is watered to give greater density.
- Steam and waterproofing. Lay polyethylene film with an overlap of at least 5-10 cm.
- Laying insulation. High density polystyrene foam is commonly used. To do this, the panels are fixed tightly to each other. If you need a smaller sheet, it can be cut using a sharp construction knife.
- Pouring the coating. Install a reinforcing mesh, mix a dense cement solution and set up beacons. Cement mortar is laid out in strips, after which leveling is carried out using the rule. A needle roller is passed over the surface to prevent the formation of cavities in the screed.
When installing a concrete screed in a frame house, the wooden base is waterproofed, dry backfill is applied, a second layer of waterproofing is applied, and edge tape is fastened. Once the screed is finished, the last self-leveling floor can be poured.
Features of screed with heated floors
A concrete foundation is created before a heated floor—either electric or water—is installed. A 3-5 cm thick layer of direct screed is applied. There are tiny holes made in the surface that range in diameter from 4 to 5 cm. It guarantees improved heat transfer.
In the event that the thickness exceeds 5 cm, the floor surface will heat up slowly and poorly. Less than 3 cm of layer may cause frequent cracking and overheating of the surface.
Additional details in the video:
Are you going to put in a concrete floor in your home? Comprehending the technology underlying this procedure is essential for the project’s success. There are several important steps involved in installing a concrete floor, from preparation to pouring and finishing. This article examines the necessary methods and supplies and provides helpful advice on how to prepare the site, choose reinforcement, and pour. If you understand these principles, you can create a concrete floor that meets your needs, adds value to your home, and is comfortable and long-lasting, regardless of whether you’re building from scratch or remodeling an existing space.
Rules and technology of care
Following the concrete screed installation, the surface needs to be properly maintained. When the steps are taken correctly, the structure’s stability is maintained and the humidity level drops very gradually, preventing the new coating from cracking.
For several days, water is sprayed onto the surface in this manner. Film is then applied to the screed to slow down the rate of moisture loss. Next, the surface is examined for flaws. Grinding can be used to process small irregularities. Consequently, the surface takes on an elegant appearance.
Only 28 to 30 days after pouring can you begin finishing with a decorative layer. The concrete screed reaches its full strength during this period. Next, a unique paint is used. You can also cover it with parquet, linoleum, laminate, or ceramic tiles or porcelain stoneware.
Advantages and disadvantages
Because concrete screed levels the floor to zero when properly poured, it is incredibly durable and ensures uniform floor covering laying.
Principal benefits of using concrete mixtures to create screeds:
- Strength. Floors made from concrete mixtures have good strength characteristics and can withstand critical loads of several tons.
- Compound. With the right choice of concrete grade and mixing, it is possible to maintain the level for up to 30-50 years without the risk of cracking.
- Heat resistance. Concrete screed is a good cushion for heat retention. And in the case of laying heated floors, thermostatics and heat transfer are organized at low cost.
- Mobility. After creating the screed, it is possible to cover the floors in a final renovation with any material – tiles, linoleum, parquet boards, laminate, marble.
- Sanitary standards. A well-equipped screed with hydro- and vapor barrier prevents the formation of mold and mildew under the floor covering, which in turn minimizes the formation of allergic and asthmatic reactions in the body.
When pouring a floor, there are numerous benefits, but there are drawbacks as well. Among them are:
- large mass;
- the complexity of pouring, which requires the work of a large team of workers;
- costs and time for grasping to obtain high -quality coating.
Cost of work on the device
In a country home, experts install a concrete screed by doing the following tasks:
- dismantling the old coating;
- applying a primer;
- pouring concrete mixture;
- sanding the finished surface.
The average cost of organizing a concrete screed is 450 rubles per square meter.
Step | Description |
1. Preparation | Clear the area, remove topsoil, level the ground. |
2. Insulation | Lay a layer of gravel and sand, compact it well. |
3. Formwork | Build wooden forms to hold the concrete. |
4. Reinforcement | Place a steel mesh or rebar grid for strength. |
5. Pouring Concrete | Mix and pour concrete into the formwork. |
6. Leveling | Use a screed to level the concrete surface. |
7. Curing | Let the concrete cure, keeping it moist. |
8. Finishing | Apply a final finish if desired, like polishing. |
To guarantee longevity and durability, installing a concrete floor in a private home requires a number of important steps. First, it’s important to prepare the subfloor. This entails removing any debris from the area, making sure the surface is level, and perhaps adding a vapor barrier to stop moisture from penetrating the concrete.
The mixing and pouring of concrete is the next step that needs close attention. Strength and homogeneity depend on the proper mix consistency. To remove any lumps or uneven areas, the concrete needs to be leveled and smoothed after it has been poured. The use of floats and screeding tools is common during this procedure.
For the concrete to develop strength, proper curing is essential. Depending on the kind of concrete mix used, this may require maintaining the concrete’s moisture content and temperature for a few days or even weeks. In addition to ensuring that the concrete reaches its maximum strength, proper curing helps prevent cracking.
To improve the concrete’s durability and stain resistance, sealing it after it has cured may be required. Moreover, polishing or finishing a floor can enhance its appearance and maintenance-friendliness.
All things considered, putting in a concrete floor in a private home involves meticulous planning, exact execution of every step, and continuous attention to detail. Homeowners can make sure their concrete floors are long-lasting, aesthetically beautiful, and functional by adhering to these recommendations.