A monolithic slab as a foundation is becoming increasingly common in the construction of cottages. Most of the foundations of houses have low thermal insulation properties, and they freeze in the winter, removing heat through the floor. So that the cold does not reach the ground floor through the ground, a warm Swedish plate with a heat-insulating layer is used. For a solid rigid foundation installed under the entire building, there is no danger of soil movement. Displacements with it at the same time do not cause stress concentration in the structure and do not lead to the destruction of the foundation. Therefore, the plate is called "floating".
Advantages of the insulated Swedish stove
In the technological process, all communications are laid in the foundation. The insulated Swedish stove contains water heating in a monolithic floor, which allows not to install heating radiators on the ground floor. Pipes are laid throughout the area, evenly heating the first floor of the building. By conventional technologies, a screed is poured for a warm floor, which is not required in this case.
During winter time, the soil under the house does not freeze, and therefore there is no heaving. Compared to conventional foundations, the insulated Swedish stove is much more economical in terms of energy consumption. Reviews about its quality in this regard are only positive. Fixed insulated formwork additionally protects the house from the cold during atmospheric influences.
Communications are removed from under the floor in the necessary places with an accuracy of centimeters.
Drainage pipes laid around the perimeter ensure the removal of excess moisture from the angle grinder. The insulated Swedish stove must be on a dry base. Drainage is collected in separate containers or discharged into a common system.
Insulated Swedish stove: problems
The main difficulties arise mainly of an economic nature. The high cost of installation is associated with the cost of materials and high requirements for the qualifications of manufacturers. An insulated Swedish stove is not being built with your own hands, since mistakes made during construction will be difficult to fix in the future. For small structures, for example for a bath, something similar can be created. Large costs for the construction of the foundation subsequently pay off due to the subsequent high rates of energy conservation. Therefore, the insulated Swedish stove ultimately has the best value for money.
The small thickness of the plate requires the use of high technology and modern materials. It is still unknown how many years the insulation will stand under the foundation.
The lack of a basement is also a design flaw. But with a further increase in its popularity, alternative options with great functionality will surely appear.
The possibility of repairing utility networks remains in question if they are walled into the foundation. An insulated Swedish plate withstands the test of time if, during its construction, European installation quality is ensured.
Training
The foundation is shallow and does not require significant amounts of earthwork. Usually only the fertile layer is removed. Directly pour the slab on muddy or peaty soil is not allowed. In this case, it is necessary to dig a base 400-500 mm deeper, cover it with a layer of coarse sand and compact it.
Geotextiles are lined on leveled soil and covered with sand with a layer of 15 cm. It is compacted and drainage pipes are laid on it (around the perimeter of the house and under the slab), communications are laid. They are covered with sand, which is watered and compacted in layers.
Thermal insulation
Insulation of extruded polystyrene foam (EPS) is laid around the entire perimeter with a layer of 20-30 cm and on the side, as a fixed formwork. If you use a carbon insulation, it will better withstand large compressive stresses. It is laid in two layers with intermediate waterproofing from a PVC film. There should be protrusions on the edges to prevent the formation of cold bridges at the joints.
If an open terrace is supposed to be attached to the house, then its territory is separated from the main concrete mass by a thermal insert made of polystyrene foam. Then the insulated Swedish stove will not let the cold inside the rooms.
Installation of "warm floor"
A double lattice made of reinforcement with a wire bundle is placed on supports on an EPSS, and pipes made of molecularly cross-linked polyethylene for a warm floor are placed above it. They are checked for leaks and filled with air or water under pressure so that the plastic does not deform when pouring concrete. Heating is performed by multi-circuit with the output up to one collector. The length of each pipe does not exceed 90 m. It is laid by a snail or a snake, located under a certain future room. Then it will be possible to regulate the heating in each room. To better navigate when laying pipes and other communications, a place for each room is marked with twine.
Underfloor heating pipes are also placed under the fittings, attaching them to the insulation. Then the frame is placed on top on special stands. In this case, the heating system is better protected from damage when filling the slab with concrete.
Under the stove, grounding is carried out in advance from the site where its circuit is located to the location of the electrical panel.
Foundation pouring
The blind area made of EPSP is additionally mounted on the outside with wooden shields from the edged board, which must be securely fixed. After the slab is poured with concrete of grade not lower than M 350.
Its thickness should be 120-180 mm, and reinforced stiffening ribs with a size of at least 300 x 300 mm are made around the perimeter. They perceive the main load from the bearing walls of the house. If a structural load is provided inside the house, then in these places the thickness of the foundation also increases to 300 mm (in the form of stiffeners).
Concrete is poured in one step with distribution and compaction with a vibrator. This treatment makes the mixture more ductile, which contributes to a better filling of voids. During these works, care must be taken not to damage the communications and floor heating pipes . Pouring into the ribs and the slab is carried out simultaneously, which allows to obtain a monolithic structure with a perfectly smooth surface.
Two weeks later, concrete gains 70% of the strength, after which the insulated Swedish slab is ready for the construction of walls on it. It is necessary to keep the surface moist throughout the solidification period, otherwise the concrete will not harden and crack.
Conclusion
Subject to all the rules of construction by professional performers using quality materials, an insulated Swedish stove is the best option for a private house. The foundation is suitable for any soil and has high functionality.