14 votes

How do I go about repairing/redoing this uneven and damaged basement concrete floor?

The best solution would be to break it all up and re-pour a nice monolithic reinforced slab. That's also expensive and a lot of work, so you might want to consider attempting "not the best" ...
Ecnerwal's user avatar
  • 201k
3 votes

How do I go about repairing/redoing this uneven and damaged basement concrete floor?

Any half hearted attempt to "repair" the floor will eventually end up cracked again, in all the same spots as they move independently from one another. The only real chance would be to cut ...
GarnetNation's user avatar
3 votes
Accepted

How to replace a few Barricade subfloor panels

The manufacturer responded with the following: The dimensions of our panels changed, over 5 years ago now. They were at one time manufactured using a 5/8” OSB, resulting in a 7/8” thick panel. Once ...
Simon LeVasseur's user avatar
3 votes
Accepted

How can I clean cats' urine from my basement walls?

I assume you want to keep the cats either way. What I would suggest is a three-pronged solution Remove the carpet. It's just going to be easier to clean going forward. Sealed concrete is good, but ...
Machavity's user avatar
  • 24k
2 votes

Which wire and conduit with already-present outlets in the basement

Romex sleeved in conduit for physical protection is FINE. But annoying when already installed, as you have to disconnect, sleeve and reconnect, which is a pain, doubly so if you are not entirely comfy ...
Ecnerwal's user avatar
  • 201k
2 votes
Accepted

Steel H beam sizing for 42 foot length, 18 foot maximum free span. What size do I need?

For a single floor's loading and assuming simply supported boundary conditions, there's a 6" deep wide-flange section, W6×25, that passes for bending strength, but it fails because of excessive ...
popham's user avatar
  • 5,153
2 votes

How should I address lengthwise cracks and other issues in old floor joists?

Those aren't cracks. They're "checks", and generally aren't considered a problem. It's what wood does and their presence doesn't significantly affect the members' strength. See also any log ...
isherwood's user avatar
  • 129k
1 vote
Accepted

What should I use to fill former drainage channels in my basement slab?

Standard concrete mix is just fine, though you could partially fill the void with sand to save cost and effort. Even a 2" deep patch would be adequate for a narrow channel in a place where it won'...
isherwood's user avatar
  • 129k
1 vote

Basement wall framing - Attaching top plate with pipes in the way

Nonbearing walls commonly pick up loading from the floor. It's actually kind of a nice feature. When you walk on an upper floor, part of the load gets redistributed to the lower floor. The worrying ...
popham's user avatar
  • 5,153
1 vote

What are the black tubes protruding from my basement slab?

We use it for water softener and humidifier drains. It is a a lot cleaner than tie wrapping them to the floor drain screen like the gas furnace and air conditioner.
Eugene's user avatar
  • 11
1 vote

Can I use pavers as a basement floor in an 1830s farm house?

"Suitable" is subjective, and not for us to decide. Whether that sort of floor is appropriate for your usage is your call. That said, I think what you're asking is whether there would be any ...
isherwood's user avatar
  • 129k
1 vote

Basement finish: how to fit drywall to foundation over stairs

I have done what kreemoweet suggests, but I used a few concrete screws (Tapcons) to hold the sheets while the adhesive set and deal with any problem areas. Use tape-on (paper-faced) corner bead where ...
isherwood's user avatar
  • 129k
1 vote

Basement finish: how to fit drywall to foundation over stairs

Glue the drywall to the concrete wall. You could use 1/4" thick board. If you must have drywall there.
kreemoweet's user avatar
  • 2,518
1 vote

Putting in a basement bathroom and contractor hit/repaired foundation trench pipe?

They make furncos that attach 5" vitrified clay pipe to 4" pvc or abs. They are expensive and would require more concrete exposed to install. In the case of perimeter drains that are ...
Fresh Codemonger's user avatar
1 vote

Basement flooding only with heavy snow fall

Typically your first solutions would be sloping ground away and water spout drainage. The good behavior during heavy rain suggests that these solutions aren't useful in your case. Pumping a well ...
popham's user avatar
  • 5,153
1 vote

How can I figure out how to remove this pipe?

Is there a way I can tell if there's anything connected to it that would cause problems if I just cut the pipe? Make sure you are equipped with the tools and materials needed to repair the pipe (e.g.,...
Jimmy Fix-it's user avatar
  • 35.1k
1 vote

Can sealed self leveling underlayment alone support the weight of a washer and dryer on a laundry room floor?

USG and Mapei have self levelers that can be used as a finished floor. Maybe you can add a thin coating of 1/8" which is the minimum.
CrunchyBroad's user avatar
1 vote
Accepted

Can sealed self leveling underlayment alone support the weight of a washer and dryer on a laundry room floor?

From their technical literature: Do not use as a permanent wear surface. It also mentions: Prime all surfaces with an appropriate Custom® primer before application of LevelQuik RS. Refer to ...
popham's user avatar
  • 5,153

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