During the construction of any house, at a certain point, there is a need to equip the floors. If we are talking about the first floor, then the easiest way is to lay the floors directly on the ground. If the house has a basement, then this method will not work.
Many people consider this option not the best, they find a lot of disadvantages in it. But all the shortcomings are associated with mistakes made during construction. If done correctly, then the floors laid on the ground are no worse than other variations.
1.You need to competently prepare the foundation
Over the years, the soil under the floor will gradually sink. A solid foundation will help to avoid this. As a rule, coarse sand is best suited for these purposes. They need to fill the void between the foundation, and then tamp it well.
This is where the builders make their first mistake. The thick layer is completely rammed. Let's think about it: in this way it will not be possible to harden the entire thickness of the sand, no matter what tool you use, be it manual or mechanized. After a while, the sand base will begin to sag in some areas, which will entail deformation of the floor.
It is necessary to tamp the sand in layers, about 30 centimeters each. This is the only way to make it durable along the entire perimeter of the floor.
2.Don't forget to clean up the soil
We are talking about soil mixed with roots, grass and other organic matter. Over time, it will rot, the soil will begin to sag. Be sure to remove this layer of soil.
3.Errors when arranging waterproofing
As a rule, the waterproofing layer is made of ordinary polyethylene. It must be laid under the screed, but not under the floor on the ground. It's just that when the outside temperature is above zero, the soil releases moisture.
The steam will rise to the plastic wrap and condense on it. As a result, the soil will sink. Moreover, water does not bode well for the reinforcing frame, it will deteriorate from exposure to moisture.
It is best to take a vapor barrier membrane for waterproofing.
4.Laying the cut-off layer correctly
When laying the membrane, you need to make sure that it goes 20-30 centimeters onto the wall. Thus, moisture is cut off both from the bottom and from the sides.
5.Pouring the foundation
In 85% of cases, developers make a mistake when pouring the foundation. For these purposes, they use concrete M50 or M75. The cost of the material is low, and besides, there is no need to add crushed stone to it. A vapor barrier layer must be laid on concrete. It is normal to put the membrane on the sand, no matter how well it is rammed, it will not work.
6.Error when choosing thermal insulation
When choosing a material, its density must be taken into account. As a rule, everyone looks at the thickness of the insulation, but this is wrong. If the material is dense, then under the influence of loads it will not crumple and deform. The best option is polystyrene foam plates with a density of 35 kg / m3. In the case of mineral wool, its density must be at least 160 kg / m3.
7.Choosing concrete
Often M50 concrete is bought to form the floor. However, it is not strong enough for structures laid on the floor. You need to buy concrete of a higher grade:
- If the floors are planned to be covered with linoleum or laminate, then M100.
- If tiles, stone and other similar materials are laid on top, then M150.
8.Reinforcing frame - a required element
Today, fiber is gaining popularity, from which the reinforcing frame is made. It is added to concrete to increase crack resistance.
But this mixture is not suitable for the formation of a floor on the ground. The reinforcing frame must have different properties. Its functions include holding the poured concrete floors in a monolithic structure. It is imperative to install such a frame. For these purposes, it is best to use a steel mesh. The approximate size of the cells is 100 by 100.
To some, all these errors may seem insignificant. However, it is because of them that the integrity of the structure suffers. Often, developers do not agree to pour floors directly onto the ground, since they consider this option unreliable.
If you follow all the requirements and do not make mistakes, then in terms of their operational characteristics, such floors will not lag behind other structures. Therefore, you can safely fill the floors on the ground, following the above tips.
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