From: Neon John 
Newsgroups: misc.consumers.house misc.consumers.frugal-living misc.rural
Subject: Re: Basement concrete floor installation - your opinion re: insulation?
Date: Thu, 09 Jun 2005 20:21:46 -0400

It's a common technique in restaurants and other users of large
refrigerated spaces to lay down rigid foam panels and then pour the
concrete floor directly on top of it.  I don't see any reason why this
wouldn't work in a basement.

The usual construction I've seen and have in my place is pre-fab'ed
metal sheathed, wood framed, foamed in place Styrofoam panels that
latch together with quarter turn latches.  A suitable base is laid
down such as gravel, then poly plastic, the panels and the concrete.

You might check with your nearest commercial refrigeration outfit (NOT
HVAC types but one that specializes in commercial refrigeration) for
some used panels and the information needed to use them.  That's what
I did here for my restaurant.

John


On 9 Jun 2005 08:13:20 -0700, google@karasevstudio.com wrote:

>Hi,
>
>I could really use some advice.
>
>We are installing a concrete floor in a 17x33ft basement of a
>residential building located in Pennsylvania, in order to convert it to
>a more usable space. There is currently bare dirt floor in the
>basement.
>
>Given the heat and humidity of the Pennsylvania's summer climate, the
>local community's practice of pouring concrete over dirt in basements
>(no crawl space) results in significant condensation problems and very
>high relative humidity in basements. The cold floors attract moisture
>from the hot outdoor air.
>
>Reengineering the basement so as to dig up a "real" crawl space etc.
>may not be an option due to costs, and raising the floor more than a
>few extra inches will cut into the headroom.
>
>What are some of the cost-effective ways to seal and thermally insulate
>the concrete floor, to keep it warmer and prevent condensation and
>humidity buildup? Can concrete be poured over some sort of insulation?
>
>Many thanks
>
>Alex

---
John De Armond
See my website for my current email address
http://www.johngsbbq.com
Cleveland, Occupied TN