I'm in the process of converting the crawl space foundation at home and am currently at the stage where I'm ready to pour. I had a contractor here today who suggested pouring with something more quick-drying to speed up the build. I asked if he meant EPS but didn't get a clear answer, he said he would get back to me.
I will have water-based underfloor heating with 200mm of styrofoam.
Does anyone even mix EPS or a similar product for 24m2 manually? Is there any reasonable tool to rent for that?
If I order concrete by truck, I need a rotor pump at a cost of about 12k. But after just calculating with EPS, I doubt there's any economic benefit. You still have to level it, and it probably takes more hours too.
Is there an alternative to EPS that is quick-drying and preferably allows you to lay 100mm in one go without needing to level afterwards?
I will have water-based underfloor heating with 200mm of styrofoam.
Does anyone even mix EPS or a similar product for 24m2 manually? Is there any reasonable tool to rent for that?
If I order concrete by truck, I need a rotor pump at a cost of about 12k. But after just calculating with EPS, I doubt there's any economic benefit. You still have to level it, and it probably takes more hours too.
Is there an alternative to EPS that is quick-drying and preferably allows you to lay 100mm in one go without needing to level afterwards?
Know-It-All
· Västra Götaland
· 12 296 posts
No answer to the concrete question, but 200mm insulation is a bit on the low side if you're using underfloor heating. Add another 100mm if you have the possibility.
No concrete alternative takes more than a few hours to set. Then, of course, some time before you can start the underfloor heating. You can get a super smooth surface without levelling. And no, you wouldn't want to mix a 10cm thick slab of 24 sqm by hand. It's cheaper to bring in a concrete truck + pump.
A concrete worker is probably preferable over a carpenter who talks about "quick-drying concrete."
A concrete worker is probably preferable over a carpenter who talks about "quick-drying concrete."
What is it that you want to continue with that makes you even wish for a fast-drying one?
If you consider "regular" concrete, it will take a while before you can coat the concrete with impermeable layers, but that's about the only limitation you have.
If you consider "regular" concrete, it will take a while before you can coat the concrete with impermeable layers, but that's about the only limitation you have.
I have had a dedicated concrete contractor look at the job as well. However, I have not discussed with them if they had any quicker-drying alternatives, only standard concrete. Since we live in the countryside, these companies are quite a distance away and cost a few extra thousand just for time/driving, which is why I checked with a local guy whom I know has poured several foundations.
I probably forgot to mention that I intend to build a bathroom in part of the area, which is why it would be preferable if it could go a little faster. How much can be built up while the concrete dries out? I'm thinking of interior walls, etc.?
I probably forgot to mention that I intend to build a bathroom in part of the area, which is why it would be preferable if it could go a little faster. How much can be built up while the concrete dries out? I'm thinking of interior walls, etc.?
Know-It-All
· Västra Götaland
· 12 296 posts
Interior walls can be built up after a few days, but the moisture needs to dry out properly before closing the floor.
Know-It-All
· Västra Götaland
· 12 296 posts
Place a dehumidifier after the casting is complete to make it dry faster.