Messages and Online Forum Q&A

Re: Walk Out Basement - Follow up

From: info@builderswebsource.com
Category: Foundations and Basements
Remote Name: 63.198.181.43
Date: 05 Sep 2001
Time: 01:46 PM

Comments

Without seeing the condition first hand, we can only speculate about the best remedy.

However, here are some tips:

1) There is probably a reason that the foundation is the way it is...and my guess it is related to frost-heave and providing drainage and expansion for the foundation. This is just a guess, however.

2) If you fill this void with concrete and it is not well anchored to the foundation, it WILL crack...and likely crack through the tile as well. In fact, if you already see cracks in the basement slab, we strongly recommend that you first use a crack isolation membrane on the slab prior to setting the tile. I've seen many basements with beautiful tile jobs, only to find cracks running through wherever the slab is cracked. Isolation membranes are available from any reputable tile supplier and are made by several manufacturers.

3) As to how best to handle your particular situation is puzzling. If it's just a couple of inches you're talking about...and your tile is relatively large (at least 12" square or larger), then you might be able to pack it in with grout to provide some support, but we're still concerned about settlement and/or heaving. A picture would be worth a thousand words here, but without that, our best recommendation is to consult with a local tile contractor who can see the condition first hand and make a recommendation.

Let us know what you decide to do. Good luck!

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