Replies

1. 
   Barry_Giles | Apr 07, 1999 07:29am | #1

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   If you've got to ask I do feel that you should be hireing someone to do the job. The possible permutation and combinations are endless. Just to add to the list....the last garage base I built was a structural steel, monolithic, cativlevered slab, 14" thick at the perimeter and 9" thick in the middle. It was built with a 1" slope from front to back (designed in but resulted in the car SLOWLY rolling out of the garage if you forgot the parking brake!!!!) and off this 1" in from the edge we built face concrete block walls 1 and a half stories high.

   The only choice that you have is COST. If you've done concreteing before, then dig trenches, fill them with concrete, build the walls and lay the slab. Or for that sweat free job, lift the yellow pages and get some estimates or better yet sit and phone your friends and get some GOOD recomendations. Good luck!!

2. 
   Jim_G. | Apr 07, 1999 08:14am | #2

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   I'm looking for some information/advice and assume someone out there can tell me where to go!
   I'm planning on building a garage- 18x24'. What kind of foundation do I need? Code says 18" frostline & 6" above grade for footings & walls. So do I want a "mono-pour". Why/why not- $$ & strength factors? Or do I want a 2 step pour: Footings followed by the slab? Or like a relative told me, hire someone who knows what they are doing for the footings & walls. Build the garage & let everything settle a few weeks & then pour the slab myself?
   Any advice appreciated.

3. 
   Guest_ | Apr 07, 1999 08:14am | #3

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   a short footer such as with a garage could be a "ratwall" meaning that it is just a short dug out hole filled with cement, nothing too spectacular. Well thats probably not the official definition.

   You also want to do this in one pour. It is virtually a floating slab with a little footer to stabilize it. A two part pour would only work with full 36"-42" footers. Which you would need to have for an attached garage or a block garage for instance. Two part pouring in your situation would cause it all to come apart later and is almost certainly against code in your area anyhow. (it is here). It is also very important to build your curb up to the right height above grade.

   I really think you should consider a contractor for the forming and pour and make sure all get permits pulled and inspections done and that the contractor uses mesh in the slab. Remember that in doing it yourself, that once concrete dries, it is done. If it isn't right you'll be breaking it all out and starting over. Concrete is one of the most unforgiving trades.

   Bear in mind that I am in Cleveland, Ohio so My codes may differ from yours. But they should have some basic similarities. Check it all out with your local building dept.

   Pete Draganic