Basement Floor Patch Material

[Jeff K]

I recently had a waterproofing company install a sump system / interior drain tile around the perimeter of my basement. They also dug up a large portion of the interior floor to install drain lines for a bathroom. The company uses mortar mix over wash rock to patch the floor. The carpenter I'm working with is concerned about mortar mix being used as the floor material as he is concerned about shrinking and possible later cracking.

The waterproofing contractor uses mortar mix because it is easier to work with than concrete and says it works just as well as concrete because it goes over that wash rock. He advises against nailing into it however and says we should use construction adhesive for the bottom stud plate. The perimeter floor is done and the bathroom floor is still open pending the plumber's attention this week.

What is the recommended material for patching a floor like this and is mortar mix an acceptable solution?

Thanks for any advice you can provide.

Jeff

[joed]

Mortar mix is the wrong material. It is too soft. They should have used concrete mix.

[Wgoodrich]

Joed is telling you straight ! If I were you to ease your mind when you put your foot down, I would call your local concrete supply company in your area. They are specialist in this subject and most often will readily tell you the negative results of plaster as a concrete patch and then tell you the correct concrete patch mix they advise to be used. They also can tell you how it is mixed and how much it costs to buy and install. Then go visit your contractor that tore out your basement floor to install a system that will be proven to be lacking in design. Doubt you will have a very good experience when you have the next week long hard rain. Just curious, when you talk to the inside perimeter drain guy with the plaster for concrete floor repair what is the gallon per minute rating your your sump pump and at how many feet of head. See if he can answer that question. Might be fun !

Good Luck

Wg

[joed]

He advises against nailing into it however and says we should use construction adhesive for the bottom stud plate.

He knows it is the wrong stuff and too soft to hold nails. Might even break up. That is why he advised against nailing into it.
Do you know how thick the mortar is that he installed?

[Jeff K]

The mortar mix is about 2 inches thick over wash rock. I thought exactly the same thing when he advised against nailing into it.

Thanks for your replies. I'm hearing the same thing from just about everyone except this contractor who is standing behind this application. I expect to discuss it with him in more detail today or tomorrow.

Jeff

[joed]

Should be at least 3 inches. 4 inches is better.