Typically the floor must be level and uniform within 3 16 inch every 10 feet.
What is a floating concrete floor.
Floating slab as the name tells it resembles a plate that is simply laid over water with no kind of connection between them.
The first element to consider is moisture.
In most cases though a floating floor shouldn t have a problem sustaining normal amounts of weight.
Concrete floors can be susceptible to settling and cracking over time and this is a more frequent problem when an existing structural slab has adapted to a finished residential flooring surface such as when a basement or loft condo has been converted to living space.
But this direct installation will result in a floor that s cold underfoot.
Concrete is a porous substance so moisture can pass through it.
Though it appears solid concrete is a permeable substance that can absorb and release moisture.
Concrete as a subfloor is a better option if you plan to have something really heavy sitting on that floor.
Many basement flooring materials like paint epoxy tile and rubber flooring for example can go down directly over the basement s original poured concrete floor as long as the concrete is in good condition.
Floating floors can be pieced together like a puzzle leading to a more cost effective and environmentally friendly approach by eliminating smelly and messy type adhesives and shortening the time spent on installation.
Floating floors can be laid on concrete but the technique is important.
The combination of the underlayment and flooring raises the height of the floor 1 1 2 in so be sure the extra height doesn t create problems around cabinets in doorways or at transitions to other types of flooring.
Learn how to use a grinder.
Also be absolutely sure that the concrete doesn t get damp because of exterior water problems.
A floating floor is a floor that does not need to be nailed or glued to the subfloor.
If you are installing a locking or floating floor not attached to the subfloor just make sure that the subfloor is clean.
There can be issues with different types of floating floor products when laid over concrete.
A sprung floor is a special type of floating floor designed to enhance sports or dance.
Many floating floors don t respond well to moisture so they may require a moisture barrier to be laid first.
Another key advantage of choosing a floating floor over a non floating type is how it reacts to changes in humidity.
Use a long level and tape measure to check that the floor is level.