Howdy Y’all
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I have a 90 yr. old carriage house that I want to use as my workshop. It currently has 3 sets of swing out doors, each opening is 8’4″ w x 7’5″ h. I don’t need 3 doors and can use the space inside. I need advice on how to frame in two of the doors and replace the middle door with a new one. The problem is the foundation was poured in sections and has heaved at different rates over the years resulting in an uneven floor. I’m reluctant to frame up the openings using a typical stud wall because of the uneven floor and the potential for future movement. What do you think about using hinges to support the door/wall, just like you would hang a door and finish the interior w/ sheetrock? Too heavy?
Also, I need a secure door, one that can’t be broken into easily. A sliding door with bottom door guides or two swing out doors? Again, each opening is 8’4†w and 7’5†h. I would also like to weather strip the doors if possible.
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Attached is a photo of one of the doors and the foundation.
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¡Gracias vey mucho!<!—->
Replies
Tex, if the foundation hasn't moved in years and it is deep enough, you could form each side and pour a level curb. The best way might be to remove foundation and repour a grade beam or footing. If the foundation is loose , then do the latter.
Depending on your skills, you could form the curb and pour footing and curb at the same time. If you pour a footing and come up with block , make the courses two blocks above grade on each side of door openings.Do you need three door openings?
mike
Mike thanks for the reply.
The foundation seems to be solid and I haven't noticed any movement since I've owned the house. I like your idea of pouring a level curb and framing on top of it. As I think about this project it would look historically correct to have three doors, two of them would be inoperable. If I did the curb and went with a false door I could use hinges to take some weight off of the foundation and carry part of the door past the curb so no one could see it.
T