How is a concrete slab

This article is about how to build a concrete ceiling. Pouring the concrete ceiling is a common technique in Europe. However, although it is more expensive and takes more time compared to the wooden ceiling, it has several advantages that might make you think again in the construction of your home. Therefore, the construction of the concrete ceiling of the stiffness of your home will be much better, and it can withstand more weight, compared to lightweight structures. On the other hand, the concrete ceiling has good sound insulation and more durable.

But this technology has some disadvantages such as high cost of the project or the fact that pouring the concrete ceiling can take up to several months until you can actually build a wall and roof. In addition, you have to build the formwork to be able to build a concrete ceiling.

Pouring the concrete ceiling is difficult without the help of a qualified engineer. In addition, you must comply with the rules in order to obtain a building permit. The thickness of the concrete ceiling varies depending on the weight that it should support, but it is usually in the range of 5-6 "for residential buildings. It is necessary to take into account the weight of the valves, as well as concrete weight for reliable construction is very important.

In order to build a concrete ceiling, you need the following:

materials

1 × 4 wood planks for construction formwork / plywood 4 × 4 wooden beams to support the ceiling / metal fittings, nails / screws for fastening the formwork

Tools

protective gloves, glasses, tape measure, carpenter's pencil, square, saw circulation, fretsaw to create a formwork hammer.

Tips

Use protective clothing, thoroughly clean your tools after the project is completed, wear safety glasses and gloves to avoid possible injuries, make sure that the formwork of the ceiling on the ideal level

Time

A few hours maybe days, depending on the surface of your basement and the number of workers

How to formwork for concrete ceiling

In order to build a concrete ceiling, you need to do the right formwork. Construction Formwork is a complex process, but if you have experience of working with wood, you will succeed.

Full information on the formwork, as well as strengthening, should be provided in the plan of your home. Remember that the construction of the concrete ceiling is essential to the longevity of your home that you should consult with a qualified professional before embarking on such a project. In addition, you must comply with all regulations and obtain all necessary permits for the construction, that would not expose themselves to unnecessary threats.

smart Board: During the construction of the formwork, you must use wood treated under pressure, make sure it will withstand the weight of reinforcement and concrete.

As you can see in the picture, you have to build the first row of the formwork, with a 4 × 4 board. This structure must be set 2 × 4 wooden planks or plywood. The first option is better for a project with a tight budget, but we recommend that you use sheets of plywood, then the lower part of the ceiling will be quite all right, and you do not have to make an extra effort to make it even.

If you are using wooden planks, you should make sure that they are straight and in good condition. Also, make sure that you do not leave gaps between the boards, it may cause leakage of concrete.

Smart advice: during the construction of the formwork, you must use a level to make sure that it is horizontal, otherwise you will spend money and time to correct these deficiencies.

You can look at the ceiling inside the house to get a better idea about the procedure. It may seem strange to you, but it is the correct way of pouring the concrete ceiling. You should notice that there are many 4 × 4 boards installed every 15 ", this is done in order to withstand the weight of the structure and concrete.

Smart advice: Use the adjustable fittings of metal in the construction of the concrete ceiling. It can withstand more weight and is easily adjusted to the height of your room.

We have prepared this sketch to show you in detail how to look ceiling formwork structure. As we have said, these items will be provided by the architect, but we want you to become accustomed to these construction machinery.

Smart advice: Use a spirit level 4 'to make sure that the form and level of support is right plummet. Construction of the concrete ceiling requires, in most cases, to build a strong reinforcement, otherwise it will not be stable, and the walls will not withstand the weight.

If you are using a 4 × 4 overlap, you should carefully attach them to the bottom of your ceiling. Therefore, you should use 2 × 4 boards and some nails to fix them firmly. Use a level to check whether the correct plummet at the supports.

Strengthening of building structures for concrete ceiling

Once you have constructed the formwork for pouring concrete, you have to create and fix in position the valve. Concrete ceiling almost floating, it relies only on the number of walls and columns, so you have to use a lot of reinforcement (architect calculates the required number of)

Smart advice: if your timbering from wooden boards, it would be good to stretch the plastic film over the entire surface, to prevent concrete leakage.

In this photo you can see close-up rebar to reinforce concrete ceiling. You may have noticed thick iron rods, you are wondering what are they for? Reinforcing rods are placed at the top of the wall and connected with the rest of the reinforced concrete ceiling. Thus, the concrete ceiling will support the walls and will be more tough and durable.

Smart advice: you always have to follow building plans, or you can put your safety at risk.

In this photo you can see the strengthening of the structure around the stairs. You may have noticed that we used a lot of reinforcement around the stairs and along the walls.

Smart advice: such projects must be carried out by qualified and experienced professionals, so you have to learn the basic principles for themselves. We recommend that you hire an experienced architect and a team of skilled workers.

How to pour concrete on the ceiling

After installing formwork and strengthen the structure, you have to pour all the concrete. Therefore, you should rent equipped with pump and several hoses machine to pour concrete into the ceiling formwork.

In addition, you should order the required amount of concrete from your local company (they deliver it by car). You should know that there are several types of concrete, so make sure you order one that is listed in your construction plans (usually for ceilings, you should use the B250). Ideally, you should hire an engineer to oversee the workers, who poured the concrete ceiling.

Smart advice: if the surface to fill the large, it is better to start from the far corner. In this case, you do not have to run on the wet concrete with hose. In addition, you should wear rubber boots to protect your feet from the concrete contamination.

After completion of the pouring of concrete into the form, you have to align it from one end to the other. But first you have to knock the concrete, to make sure there are no air pockets left in the concrete.

 Make sure that you have leveled the surface properly, make sure that it is flat. However, in most cases you will need to fill the screed after the concrete ceiling is dry, to make it perfectly smooth.

Next, you have to wait a few months until the concrete ceiling has dried completely. Once the ceiling is dry, you can remove the formwork and to continue construction of the walls and the rest of your home.

Smart advice: if the outside temperature is high, you should spray water concrete, at least twice a day.

Water sprayed concrete, otherwise ceiling may crack. In the worst case, you will have to start all over again, if the cracks are too deep (cracks may affect the rigidity of the ceiling).

Smart advice: Do not remove the formwork is too early, otherwise the ceiling crack or become crooked. That is why it is important to consult a qualified structural engineer.

After the ceiling has dried properly, you can start building the walls and roof of your home. Pouring the concrete ceiling is not very difficult thing if you follow the instructions of your structural plans.

Smart advice: just make sure you are installing the strengthening of properly. Make sure you use the right tools and materials to get the project done in a professional manner.

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