Solid Hardwood, Engineered and Laminate Flooring - Leveling slab prior to install
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ldela
08-16-05, 11:43 PM
I'm preparing to float an engineered plank floor over the slab and I've got a 1/8" wide crack in the slab that looks like it's causing about a 1/2" rise in the surface over about 5'.
My first question is, should I fill the crack and with what? Not sure whether such a crack presents a moisture risk?
Second question: seems like the best way to level it will be to sand or grind the high spot. My question is, can concrete be sanded with an orbital or belt sander or do I need a special grinder?
Thanks in advance for your help!
My first question is, should I fill the crack and with what? Not sure whether such a crack presents a moisture risk?
Second question: seems like the best way to level it will be to sand or grind the high spot. My question is, can concrete be sanded with an orbital or belt sander or do I need a special grinder?
Thanks in advance for your help!
em69
08-17-05, 05:31 AM
First of all, are you sure the concrete has stopped rising? You should do anything until it has completely settled.
Sanding would be a very messy job. The last thing you want is to breath in concrete dust.
If at all possible, use a floor leveller, or apply some type of skim coat to even out the surface.
Although an 1/8" is nothing to be concerned about, I would probably fill in the crack with some type of expandable joint sealer and then level.
Sanding would be a very messy job. The last thing you want is to breath in concrete dust.
If at all possible, use a floor leveller, or apply some type of skim coat to even out the surface.
Although an 1/8" is nothing to be concerned about, I would probably fill in the crack with some type of expandable joint sealer and then level.
Carpets Done Wright
08-17-05, 07:31 AM
This crack is telling yoy that one side of your house is falling. This needs to be fixed before it is too late!
The pad your concrete was poured on was not checked and prepared to be stable. More then likely they just started forming the concrete without sight prep. Going over what is there. :wall:
You can band aid it, but that is not going to solve the loss of value if you ever deside to sell. Now you know it is there, it must be disclosed to the next buyer, or you can be held liable.
The pad your concrete was poured on was not checked and prepared to be stable. More then likely they just started forming the concrete without sight prep. Going over what is there. :wall:
You can band aid it, but that is not going to solve the loss of value if you ever deside to sell. Now you know it is there, it must be disclosed to the next buyer, or you can be held liable.
ldela
08-17-05, 08:09 AM
Thanks for the advice. I don't think the crack is a sign of any serious foundation problems, as the house is 17 years old and there are no other signs of foundation issues (cracked mortar, walls, etc.). I'm pretty sure it's just a settling crack. There is no difference between the levels of either side of the crack, it just seems to have caused a slight 'hump' in the floor and I'm trying to figure out the best way to get rid of it. Floor must be installed this weekend for move-in the next weekend.