Hello, I've read several threads where people have done an extension with a basement, and to avoid cracks around the joint, the old part hasn't been anchored with the new one. Instead, they use an elastic joint. I was thinking of doing the same, but a bathroom is going to be built on the floor above the new basement that stretches over that joint. Since I want to use self-leveling compound and install tiles, I'm concerned about the elastic joint and the spliced floor joists, as I anticipate problems with potential settling of the extension.
My new plan is to redo the floor joists in the new bathroom so they rest on the outer wall of the extension and a wall in the basement further into the existing house. This way, I would have no joints in the bathroom floor structure. Does anyone think this sounds like a good or bad idea? However, I realize that if settling eventually occurs, I might instead have problems where the floor meets the wall; what do you think?
Grateful for some wise opinions
My new plan is to redo the floor joists in the new bathroom so they rest on the outer wall of the extension and a wall in the basement further into the existing house. This way, I would have no joints in the bathroom floor structure. Does anyone think this sounds like a good or bad idea? However, I realize that if settling eventually occurs, I might instead have problems where the floor meets the wall; what do you think?
Grateful for some wise opinions
Hello! Assuming proper groundwork is done, settlement damage should not be an issue. The cracking between new and old concrete is mainly due to concrete shrinking over a long period, even after it has set (dried). But from what I understand, you are planning to build a bathroom on the floor above, so that should not be a problem. However, this assumes that the groundwork is done correctly according to the current conditions on site.
Thank you for the response.
So in other words, I can splice the wooden floor joist at the old exterior wall and lay it on the new extension's exterior wall. I expect the basement walls to be masonry, not cast, but of course, the slab is cast.
However, if the entire extension sinks somewhat despite this, don't I risk the self-leveling compound etc. cracking right over the joint?
So in other words, I can splice the wooden floor joist at the old exterior wall and lay it on the new extension's exterior wall. I expect the basement walls to be masonry, not cast, but of course, the slab is cast.
However, if the entire extension sinks somewhat despite this, don't I risk the self-leveling compound etc. cracking right over the joint?