Whether you are renovating your Jefferson County home or building from the ground up, pouring concrete in a crawlspace has many benefits.
This month we examine the common uses for crawlspaces in Missouri homes and how you can ensure the best concrete pour. Finally, we will discuss some benefits of choosing concrete for your crawlspace floor.
What is a Crawlspace?
A crawlspace is part of a home's structural foundation, which provides access to areas below the ground, such as drainage systems, electrical wiring, and plumbing.
Crawlspaces are usually part of homes and other buildings built on sloped terrain, providing easy access to the area beneath the structure. The crawlspace houses the water heater and furnace in many Missouri homes.
Crawlspaces also provide additional insulation and ventilation to the area below the home, as well as for storing items and providing access for maintenance and repairs.
Preparation is the Secret of a Successful Concrete Pour
Yes, pouring concrete in a crawlspace under a house is possible, but as with other home improvement and construction applications, preparation is the key to success.
Before beginning, you will want to ensure that the ground and foundation are level and that the proper subgrade is in place. The surface must also be dry and free of debris before pouring concrete.
Next, determine your concrete thickness and whether you need to add any reinforcements, such as steel rods or wire mesh, to ensure the poured concrete is durable and structurally sound.
Steel rods, or reinforcing bars, are placed in the concrete to add tensile strength and support. These rods help reduce the risk of cracking and other structural damage due to changes in temperature and other environmental factors.
Wire mesh, meanwhile, is used to help hold the concrete together and provide shear strength. This helps to further reduce the risk of cracking and other structural issues.
Select the Right Mix
Selecting the appropriate concrete mix is also essential for a successful project. The appropriate concrete mix for a crawlspace will depend on the specific application.
In general, we recommend a mix that has a lower water content, as this will result in stronger and more durable concrete. You should consider a mix less prone to cracking, such as a self-consolidating concrete (SCC) mix.
Pour in Layers
Pouring concrete in a crawlspace should be done in layers, allowing each layer to set completely before adding the next.
Once the concrete is dry, seal any joints or cracks to protect the concrete and foundation from any further cracking that could compromise the integrity of the pour.
Benefits of Concrete in a Crawlspace
There are many benefits to pouring concrete in a crawlspace. These include protecting the home from moisture, mold, and mildew and providing an even, stable surface that is easy to clean and maintain.
A concrete floor is also more durable than other materials, such as wood or carpeting, and it helps to reduce the risk of structural damage due to changes in temperature and other environmental factors.
Additionally, a concrete floor can help to insulate the crawlspace, making it more energy-efficient.
Conclusion
Pouring concrete in a crawlspace is a viable choice for Missouri homeowners who want to get the most out of the space in their homes. If you are considering ditching the dirt or carpet flooring in your crawlspace, Arnold Ready-Mix is here to help.
From reliable advice (based on over 50 years of experience) to quality concrete mixes delivered to your project from one of our three mixing plants, we are Jefferson County's trusted source for concrete.