MAKING CEMENT FLOORING.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXI, Issue 3031, 30 October 1908, Page 7

MAKING CEMENT FLOORING.

On this subject, an inquiring correspondent is informed that for the construction of the ordinary cowhouse floors, which are not intended to carry any great weight, the following proportions are recommended for the concrete base:— 1 part cement, 2\ parts clean, sharp sand, and 5 parts loose gravel or broken stone. This should be finished on the surface with a 1 to 1 |inch layer of a mixture of 1 part cement and l|t« 2 parts of clean sharp sand. The total thickness of this floor must be from 5 to 8 inches, depending upon the load it lias to carry. For floors or driveways over which heavy loads pass, the following proportion is recommended:—l part cement, 2 parts sand, and 4 pares broken stone or gravel. - For all large floors it is advisable to place the concrete in sections not to exceed 6ft square. This may be done l.y placing a 2in plank of a width equal to the desired thickness of the floor on edge J as a box in which the concrete is tamped until water begins to show on top. Make several of tnese forms, holding the plank in place by means of stakes driven into the under sur-j face. These stakes should be driven on the outside of the form, so they may be easily removed after the concrete has set and the planks have been taken out/ Fill alternate forms at first, tamping the concrete thoroughly, especially on the edges. On the same day, as soon as the conovts has set, remove the crosswise plank and fill in the forms not filled at first. Mark the side plank to show exactly where the points come. The finishing coat should be spread on before the concrete is set. To make this of uniform thickness, it is , best to place either lin or l£in wooden strips as desired on top of the concrete, over which a straight edge may be run. Smooth with a trowel for a smooth surface, or with a wooden float for a rough surface. Groove exactly over the joints of the concrete so as to bevel the edges of the block. Do, not trowel the surface too much until it has begun to stiffen, as it tends to separate the cement from the sand and injure the wearing surface. The floor should be constructed with slope enough to carry all liquids to a certain point from which it may be drained. Protect the new floor from the direct rays of the sun, and keep constantly moistened for several days. Water is very important in the curing of concrete constructions, and must be used liberally. Use nothing but the best cement that can be obtained. The sand should be clean, sharp, and not fine, it should be free from loam or clay, as these will tend to destroy the adhesive quality, and retard the setting of the cement. Use clean, pure water for mixing. Mix thoroughly, tamp thoroughly, water thoroughly. Make the slope of the part where the cow stands only enough to carry off any liquid: 1 inch will be enough. The guttei should be 18in wide by Bin deep ai the drop; the driveway can be curvec so that all fluids will flow towards the gutter, or made flat in above bottom of gutter. It is necessary ti slope the floor towards a manure tan! at the end, so that all liquid wii run in one direction. Slope of floor say, at the rate of 4in in 100+t. — Auckland "Herald."