Concrete/Mud Job to Level Floors in Brownstone?

My brownstone 120 years old. Before I purchased, the center beam dropped because the brick holding it up had degraded causing a major slope on the parlor floor. The drop varies from 0- 2.5 inches depending on the location. Since purchasing the house, I had a contractor install steel posts (with concrete trenches, bolts, etc.) in the basement to stabilize the center beam. I am comfortable that the beam is now being properly secured.

Now, I want to fix the sloped parlor floor. Various GCs have come in – all suggested sistering the floor joists or adding tapered joists to level the floor, then add subfloor then finished wood. However, one contractor who comes highly recommended (mostly does work in Manhattan buildings) came in and suggested I skip the long/expensive joist work, and instead level the parlor floor with a “mud job.” I asked what it was, and he basically said a thin layer of concrete would be used to create a level floor. I could then install my new wood finished floors on top. I really like this GC, but I’m nervous about his suggestion – especially beca use no one else has mentioned it.

Any advice or experience with this method of leveling floors in a century old townhouse? I get that this might be standard for a building in Manhattan constructed of steel and concrete, but not sure about in an old BK townhouse.

bklynchic

in General Discussion 9 years and 11 months ago

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eileengray | 9 years and 11 months ago

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Agree with all above and add the following:
Leveling a big expanse with mortar is a job for someone who knows what they are doing. It is easy to mess up.
Secondly the cardinal rule in construction is to understand the materials and not expect two different materials (wood and concrete) to act in unison. The coefficient of thermal expansion is different for each – meaning one will crack over time – usually the concert or mortar.

bklynchic | 9 years and 11 months ago

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Thanks for the feedback. I’m definitely not looking to save a buck or looking for a quick fix. I want to fix the issue and fix it properly.

agdipierro

in General Discussion 9 years and 11 months ago

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With up to 2.5″ change in level, you need to sister the joists. A mud job will add unnecessary load and will be messy. It’s just not appropriate.

espeon | 9 years and 11 months ago

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This is a terrible suggestion as far as building practice is concerned. In terms of cost obviously a little cheaper in the short term. I could see this done by someone renting a commercial space with no vested interest in a proper solution. Comparing it to a tile substrate for a bathroom is not right either. Replace and/or sister with LVL beams or structural steel joists for best long term results.

kassie319 | 9 years and 11 months ago

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I have poured 1/8″-1/2″ Self levelling concrete on plywood substrate in a couple of bathrooms, replacing +/- 4″ of concrete and marble buried below tile. I would imagine that the contractor isn’t going to pour 2.5″ but shim his sub-floor accordingly. There is clearly a load issue that others may address.
Investigate installing electric radiant heat mats in the concrete if you go down this route. I’m not sure how they act with a wood finished floor but are life changing with a tile floor…