Posted by John B [108.162.241.61] on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 19:30:26 :
In Reply to: concrete floor posted by Wet chilly west coast Bruce [162.158.106.171] on Tuesday, November 27, 2018 at 16:25:22 :
My understanding is that a dirt floor crawl space is considered to be a never ending source for surface water. I have seen the area raked out, 6 mill vapour barrier laid down, and some times even an inch or two of sand on top of the vapour barrier, otherwise covered with concrete.
While making the rounds as an electrical inspector here for 28 years in south eastern Ontario in cottage country it was common to see the earth cleaned, even pressure washed off the bald granite bedrock. As of course with the site elevation always sloping toward the water it was common to step the footing forms to suit the site. The front of the building typically was maybe one or two feet above grade, while the water side might be 4, 6, or even 8 feet above grade.
Pockets in the granite were built up with gravel. Some times forms were built to create some flat areas for storage, the water heater, or the furnace, etc.
When the cement truck arrived they poured the stepped footing forms as well as all the interior pockets, the pads for the equipment, and what ever was required to eliminate any bear earth areas. JJB.