Greetings!
I am a 36 year old architect working in the DC metro area. In the last few installations I have seen, my contractors have been using plastic pads to set their condensers instead of the concrete pad that I am used to seeing.
My question to you is this: Are these plastic pads the latest technological advancement, or just an easy out? What, in your opinion, are the pros and cons of either installation?
Any feedback would be appreciated.
This 654-sq.-ft. ADU combines vaulted ceilings, reclaimed materials, and efficient design, offering a flexible guest suite and home office above a new garage.
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Replies
Now ya tells me, after we just hand mixed a pad last week....
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At my house I have one of each. I like the black plastic because I never notice it.
wonder which one kills noise the most?
Just ordered a 15kw standby genset for a client, they come with a composite pad, which might be to help tone down the noise. Or maybe it's just to lighten the otherwise 600# shipping weight.
I never met a tool I didn't like!
A 4" concrete pad is overkill for something as light as a condenser. Everyone around here uses the plastic pads, and I've never seen any problems. If anything, the weight of the concrete pad would cause it to settle more than the weight of the unit...lol.
Bob
I see some of the electrical utilities around here using plastic pads for their transformers as well. They seem to work as well as concrete, and they're faster and easier to install.
There not the latest advancement. About 3.5 yrs ago I worked at an HVAC house and we sold tons of them. They set up very quickly as opposed to cement that takes another day.
We also had another type of pad. It was kind of like a rigid type of stryofoam with a gray outer shell. It seemed as solid as the other but we just didnt sell as many.
I have one of each at my house. The compressors don't know the difference and both are still level. Concrete ~11 years, plastic 10 years. Wilmington, DE.
A top flight plastic / composite pad installation involves leveling the dirt well under the pad, best to remove high spots rather than fill the lows.
Only problem I have seen with these is my nieghbor whose compressor leaned over a bit -- not caused by the pad -- caused by water, erosion from a neglected gutter -- fixed gutter, filled in with stone, leveled, reset pad and compressor, works great --- try and do that with a concrete slab! I know, I know, mud jacking, yada, yada, yada.
Jim
Never underestimate the value of a sharp pencil or good light.