Basement foundation

[Andy Beet]

Hi all

So i am about to install 15 square feet of laminate floor in my basement as a base for my new gas fireplace. The previous owner had a similar idea to install a fireplace but built this ugly masonary hearth with fitted carpet around it. He never did buy the fireplace and sold the house to me with a partially finished basement.

I have removed the hearth and cut away most of the carpet. I noticed however that he nailed the tack strips into the concrete floor. As i remove these (to make way for the laminate floor) i am finding that parts of the concrete floor chip away when i remove the nails from the strips.

I have now stopped, as i am wondering if i should either pound the nails into the concrete floor or remove them then fill in the holes in the floor. If i remove them what would be the recommended filler? Any other comments or things i should be aware of?

Thanks a lot
Andy

[majakdragon]

You can try pounding them in however, he may have used a powder actuated nailer and the nails may bend over and then you will have to pull them anyways or worse yet, grind off what is sticking out. You can get masonary patch. Just read the directions for use and decide which one fits your needs. Good luck.