What strength mortar for bedding steel

Rustychain

Hi there

I'm preparing our concrete kitchen floor before getting vinyl fitted.

The builders decided to run our services across the floor by cutting a channel in the concrete floor. This has left me with a 15 cm gap that I need to bridge with something solid (there are copper pipes etc underneath).

I've decided to use a sheet of 8 mm steel and have prepared a rebate either side of the channel to take the steel (so that the floor finish is flat, ready for the flooring screed to go on top).

I intend to lay the steel sheet on a mortar bed. Do you think this is the right approach to take? If yes, what strength mix should I use?

Thanks!

Rusty

noseall · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 7:51 am Post Subject:

12mm wbp ply would be better.

No prob's (structurally) with the steel other than temperature issues and perhaps a bit of condensation.

Rustychain · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 10:06 am Post Subject:

Thanks for the response noseall.

Do you think 12mm wbp ply would be strong enough to walk on etc without flexing too much (it's a 15 cm span)?

I hadn't thought of the condensation issues with steel. The steel is going to be screeded and have vinly flooring laid on top. If I do go for the steel, is it worth fixing some Kingspan to the underside to reduced the likelihood of condensation?

noseall · Posted: Sat Nov 07, 2009 5:55 pm Post Subject:

12mm ply over a 150mm gap will not flex a great deal.

If you must use steel then seal it well and perhaps fill the void with fibreglass insulation.