Daily Tip for Home Builder – Concrete Slabs

You can read anywhere about the actual pouring of a slab. But, here are some tips that you might otherwise overlook: When laying a slab that will be tiled or set with stone/marble, finish the slab surface with just a wood float and not a steel trowel and no additives to concrete. This makes the best bonding surface for later thin-set mortar. Slightly rough surface for slab is best for many reasons (hides imperfections, slip proof, bonding of cementateous coverings, etc.) Move the screed in a saw-like motion resting it on outer boards that act as guides. Powered screed does the best job. Drains can be installed under the slab before pouring if needed for natural springs or if the surface of the slab could collect water. Be careful that the drain cannot work in reverse and pump water onto the slab years later. Consider special termite-sand under the slab. The sand particle size is too large for the termite to carry and too small for them to get between them when packed tight. Run all electric, gas, water, and cable in PVC conduit under the slab and in block walls. Cover ends with duct tape to keep conduit clean and ready for runs later. Waste/drain lines should be cast iron when buried in concrete. Don’t use a Hilte gun to attach your bottom plates to slab; instead use J-bolts set in the wet slab to create strength for hurricane-force wind. Or, use a butterfly shape strap that is set in cement and then later wrapped over plate and up the side of stud and nailed onto stud.