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Thanks nealtw. It seems like the acrylic sealer route would be pretty easy to do. While I am shooting for more of a permanent solution, and this sounds like more of a temporary thing which needs to be reapplied periodically, I suppose it would not hurt to try it to see how it goes.

Hello. As I described in an earlier post (http://www.houserepairtalk.com/f39/n...project-11441/) I've been working on converting my crawlspace to a basement. I am just about done. I just need to work on the staircase framing reinforcement a bit and add a handrail. However, my big issue now...

Almost done ...

Thanks BridgeMan. I did mix it a little too wet, but where I really went off the rails based on what you are saying is that I trowelled way too early. It was like a slurry I was pushing around. My next slab section will be this weekend. I'll make sure to not use so much water this time and...

Thanks BridgeMan. I just laid my 3rd slab section but I think I've gone from bad to worse (unrelated to my earlier problem). I think I know what I did wrong but I'm hoping to get some expert advice here before doing the next section. I laid and wood floated the first two sections early in...

Here are some photos. They don't really show much detail. One slab section is done curing and the new one is just about to get some plastic laid on top. I have one question... On the second slab section I was not able to trowel the surface as smoothly as I did with the first one. I...

I just laid the first section of my basement slab. I'm now preparing the area for the next section and discovered a small, half-rotted stump that is just at the level where I intend to lay my concrete. The subgrade is otherwise completely virgin, hardpacked ground. The stump is rotted enough...

I'll need to wait another couple of days on that photo. I forgot to grab a shot between troweling and keeping it wet for curing. I pulled the plastic back tonight but the moisture just ruins the shot.

Thanks nealtw. That was a useful link. My test slab section will be tomorrow evening. My fingers are crossed. :-)

I am ready to start placing my basement slab doing one small (8'x8') section at a time (thank for the idea BridgeMan) . I am trying to educate myself on the finishing process before i start mixing. Everything i read says this: 1) Screed 2) Bull float immediately after screeding to push the...

Thanks guys. Good info. That's one less thing for me to worry about.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I am about to pour the concrete floor for my basement project. I'll be doing this in sections that match how I would have cut the control joints if I did the whole floor in one shot. I'm wondering how to do the vapor barrier. I've been reading that even small...

Thanks for the replies. I feel better about the suggestions the concrete guy made. Bridgeman, I guess I should not have made it seem like such a crazy idea that I would pour the floor myself. Since my original post, I'm thinking more about it and I'm starting to take the idea seriously...

I have been posting sporadically here for the past year as I work through my DIY crawlspace-to-basement project. I am just about ready for my concrete floor which incidentally will be the first thing I'll not be doing myself for obvious reasons. I've spent some time on Angie's List and found...

In my crawlspace-to-basement project I am to the point where I am installing the PVC perimeter drain before the concrete slab is installed. I'll have several cleanouts that will naturally have to travel through the slab. My question regarding those cleanouts is how close to the slab edge is...

Nealtw, You must have been reading my mind! I was shopping around for a slab-edge dimple product like you suggest. The last thing I want to do is get the I am looking at ECP Water Channel Draim Board. There is a very small amount of dampness that is accumulating on one section of footing...

Hello. I am preparing to pour the concrete slab in my crawlspace-to-basement project. I will have a perimeter drain next to the footings to drain any moisture that makes its way under the slab. I plan to install several cleanouts along the drain. Since after the concrete slab is in place...

Thanks BridgeMan. I've seen Quikrete 5000 all over the place so that would be a convenient alternative. I'll use it for those wedge shaped gaps as well. I'll posted pics of everything when I'm done.

Hello. I am almost done laying the block for the retaining wall for my crawlspace-to-basement conversion project. Naturally, I need to fill the cores that have rebar. However, I am having a tough time finding that product. The local big box home stores don't carry it and the concrete place...

Thanks for the replies. I feel better about forging ahead with my intended floor height. I'll just make sure to compact my gravel base real well and use a good amount of wire mesh reinforcement. I'll also order a higher than normal PSI mix from the concrete contractor.