2" Cement Cap (floor)

copusbuilder

An engineering firm has requested an estimate (ball park at this point) for the following scenario. The upper floor has 2" of lightweight concrete that is cracking. We have run into this in the past and have been using a product called Pro red that dries and allows the floor to move underneath or an anti fracture with waterproofing. This engineer has requested a screed screen and an epoxy type mortar???? Calling the engineer is not something i want to do at this point.. Any help would be greatly appreciated.. Below is an excerpt from the report.

It should also be noted that the upstairs floor has a two inch (2”) deep cement cap which has
cracked and failed in numerous areas. Repairs of these areas would need to be accomplished
by installing a screed screen and repairing with an epoxy type mortar. The remaining sags in the
second floor are partly due to the type of construction utilized in this 1970 structure and the
mentioned breaks in the cement cap. Recommended repairs include the repairs of the cement
cap and any structural components identified at that time. Further, due to the limited scope of
this type of inspection it is impossible to determine small areas of structural integrity in the floor
system. If questions do arise during the repair of the floor system – then it is recommended that
we be requested to return and investigate further.

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AkA Richard Cranium

Donedat

Just curious, is the cement cap capping a normal subfloor?

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copusbuilder

Not really. There were a hanful of builders doing this in the late 70's. They claimed it eliminated squeaky floors and was quiet when walked on.

One area of town in particular had it used. Couple that with piss poor framing and we have major settlement. We have had to install steel beams where these builders ended second stories in the middle of a 16' garage door.
Had a second stories turn out to be the cause of a bow in the middle of a bathroom? Made for interesting conversation with the owner

Funny thing is the owners all talk about the builder being such a gifted designer builder? Even after years of fixing crap? The public is so damned stupid

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Donedat

What is it. Do they just form up a concrete pad and crain lift it in place over the joists or something?

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copusbuilder

They pour it over the plywood. Then they build the walls of the second story and continue on up?? It always cracks and sometimes turns to powder after years of vibration...Can get messy?
talked with the engineer and he could not remember the "epoxy" coating and I still cannot find anything on it? Have tried my tile stores, tile setters, flooring stores,,,forums,,, I may have to have the engineer drug tested

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justin savage

go to www.dur-a-flex.com

Mike Finley

Why wouldn't the fix be to remove it?

copusbuilder

2" drop on all commodes, Tile having to be removed, All 2x4" walls sitting on top of concrete, All vanities, base and trim would be short?? Just to touch the tip of the iceberg.
I have not seen this yet but get the feedback that the engineer overplayed the concerns on this particular home? It is going through negotiation and I am unsure what is going to happen at this time..

Justin, I think you nailed what I am looking for. Many thanks!

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AkA Richard Cranium

basinbuilders

I had this same scenerio in moses lake, wa. however, the cementuous material was poured in after the walls were framed.( this was not apparent until after further investigation) to add to the fun, the original builder only poured cement in certain areas of the house (foryer, hallway, and bathrooms.) i removed the concrete and reelevated the floor to flush out with the remaining subfloor

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