In the world of construction lingo, a sunken slab might sound fancy, but in simple terms, it’s just a type of floor placed a bit below the usual level in bathrooms and toilets. Why do we do this? Well, it’s all about hiding the pipes and maintaining a sleek look in these spaces.
Imagine your bathroom with pipes running all over the place—it doesn’t sound appealing, right? That’s where a sunken slab comes in handy. It sits a bit lower than the standard floor, neatly concealing the pipes and maintaining a tidy appearance.
Centring and Shuttering : First things first, set up the framework for the slab. It’s like creating a mold, but for the sunken slab, the mold goes a bit lower than the regular one.
Reinforcement : Once the framework is in place, add some steel bars according to the design. Think of it like giving your slab some muscle.
Casting the Slab : Now, pour in the concrete, making sure it’s dense and waterproof. After that, let it cure—it’s like letting it set and become strong.
Protective Measures : Spray a mix of cement and waterproof material on the slab. It’s like giving it an extra layer of armor.
Plaster Power : Apply a layer of cement mortar with a special ingredient to make it resistant to water. It’s like adding a shield to the slab.
Tile Time : To make it all look good, use a waterproof adhesive for fixing wall and floor tiles. It’s like putting the final touch on your masterpiece.
Sealing the Deal : Use a special sealant for joints in pipes to prevent water leakage. It’s like making sure everything is tightly sealed.
Now, you might wonder, why go through all this trouble? Well, without a sunken slab, you’d have to deal with alternatives like raised toilet floors or underslung plumbing.
Alternatives and Their Stories
Remember we mentioned protecting pipes? That’s where the filling material comes in. Use lightweight stuff like broken bricks or sand to cover the gap between the standard floor and the sunken slab. It’s like putting a cozy blanket over your pipes.
So, why not just go for raised toilet floors? Well, they decrease headroom and aren’t great for older folks. Sunken slabs and underslung plumbing have their perks and downsides, but now you have the info to make an informed decision.
In conclusion, don’t let your toilet be an afterthought in your home’s design. Choose wisely between a sunken slab and underslung plumbing for a bathroom that’s both functional and good-looking.
