GROUND FLOOR CONSTRUCTION
Function
This is the bed upon which future floor finishes shall be place. Walls shall also be built off the floor bed.
The bed comprises;
- A concrete floor bed typically 150 mm thick resting on a bed of hardcore.
- A bed of hardcore covered in sand to stop concrete coming in contact with soil and offer a stable bed for the concrete slab.
- A mesh of steel of steel to secure the concrete.
- A polythene sheet to stop rising damp ( damp proof membrane).
Potential problems
Likely problems are;
- Ingress of water as rising damp in the absence of or poorly done damp proof membrane.
- Uneven settlement of the concrete slab causing cracks.
- Infestation of termites
The potential problems entioned above need a more detail discussion because once not dealt with in the correct way during construction, they affect the building throughout its life and in extreme cases may render the building uninhabitable.
Fortunately, the cost at construction is minor and the construction procedure simple and straightforward.
Rising damp and flooding
Dampness in building is one of the biggest defect in construction. In a separate forum we discuss effects of dampness in buildings but in summary they are;
- Development of mound likely to cause diseases.
- Break down of building fabric and finishes ( weaken concrete structures and walls, break up of constituent materials in floor, wall and ceiling finishes, destroy timber structures, cause rusting of reinforcement steel and cause electric shocks)
- All the above would make living in such spaces pretty hazardous.
Water from surrounding surfaces
Water may flow from surrounding surfaces and into the building and consequences are similar to those described above.
The solution is to ensure the underside of the ground slab is at least 150 mm above the surrounding surface.
Termite control
If not controlled, termites shall destroy all your joinery fittings (kitchen worktops and shelves, cupboards, wardrobes and wall units) and then head for the furniture and furnishings.
They are also an unsightly mess in the house.
