Metal reinforcing bars, or rebar, can be used to strengthen concrete crawl spaces.
The best materials for a basement floor are gravel, crushed stone, or concrete, with concrete being the best of these options. The concrete will prevent the entry of moisture and insects. Construction work that needs to be done on the mezzanine will be much easier with a finished concrete floor. Concrete must be poured after installing the plinth and laying the foundation walls. Concrete floors will be difficult to install once the structure has started.
The concrete will keep moisture and bugs out of the crawl spaces.
Although the best crawlspace flooring is concrete, most crawlspace flooring is not. The typical floor is simply dirty. The main reason to build a house in a small space is to save money. A full basement is a better option, but the additional cost may not fit the builder’s budget. Crawl spaces are adequate if a proper vapor barrier and ventilation are installed.
Gravel is one of the best materials for a basement floor.
To install a concrete slab in new construction, several steps must be taken. After the baseboards and foundation walls are complete, a French drain system should be installed on the outside of the foundation. If any portion of the foundation is below grade, these areas must be waterproofed.
Before pouring the concrete base, all electrical or plumbing ground connections must be made. At this point, a six-mill plastic vapor barrier should be installed on the ground in the walkway area. A preferable method for this is to lay down about three inches of crushed stone or gravel before laying the vapor barrier.
Concrete for a slab floor is often poured over wire mesh or steel rebar grating, which increases strength and durability.
Once the vapor barrier is in place, steel reinforcement can be added, but is not required. Half-inch (1.27 cm) steel bars can be added on 24-inch (61 cm) centers or wire mesh can be placed before the concrete is poured. The additional steel reinforcement will ensure the best floor of the access space.
The concrete slab should be poured 4 inches (10.16 cm) thick. A floor drain can be installed, but may not be necessary. In many cases, water heaters and furnaces are installed in the basement.
If the existing mezzanine floor is dirty, some improvements can be made to give the owner the best floor possible. A six mil plastic vapor barrier must be installed. About 3 inches (7.62 cm) of crushed stone or gravel can be applied over the plastic to hold it together and allow work to be done in the crawl space without ripping the plastic.
