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CONCRETE SLAB requirements:
The perimeter of the slab should have no pitch to it as the 6x6 pressure-treated base of the building must sit flush against the foundation. There should be no pre-affixed anchors, hooks or obstructions of any kind implanted in the slab prior to delivery. The slab should be no more than 4" above the surrounding ground. We must be able to drive up and on the concrete slab during the delivery process. Please refer to our Site Preparation page for further information and requirements. We cannot place our buildings on raised foundation walls, over basements or any other hollow center. For best overall results when waterproofing; we recommend having the concrete slab dimensions at or just slightly less than the true footprint of the building you purchase. Please ask us what your footprint will be, as the buildings can differ. **Blacktop is NOT recommended**
NOTE: All measurements are outside and approximate. Measurements are from overhang to overhang. The actual footprint of the building may be less than the purchased dimensions. Please inquire upon order.
ANCHORING and MOISTURE-PROOFING is the customers responsibility.
Anchoring: Floorless units always require some sort of anchoring. The actual method of anchoring will be determined by your local town building code. There are many anchoring solutions and most are fairly easy. However; we cannot tell you what to use or how to do it. We also do not offer anchoring services. However; many of our customers have hired the concrete slab contractor to return and anchor the building for them once it's been installed by us. You can also do it yourself; the following web sites may be helpful for guidance purposes and anchor supplies:
Stone pad anchoring: American Earth Anchors www.americanea.com or 866-520-8511
Concrete anchoring: Concrete Fastening Systems or www.concretefasteners.com or 800-966-9617
Moisture-proofing: Our floorless unit has a 6x6 pressure-treated base which is meant to sit flush on top of the concrete slab but this does not mean it is automatically water-tight. Water may trickle under if not properly sealed. If your slab is no bigger than the footprint, you shouldn't have much issue with water. That said, we make no guarantees since you are ultimately in charge of your own success by your choice of product and method of water sealing but here are some recommendations:
Solution #1: We recommend running a good long-lasting exterior grade silicone/caulk along the interior and the exterior of the 6x6 pressure-treated base where it meets the concrete slab. Keep in mind that fluctuating temperatures may cause the caulk to contract and expand so more than one application may be needed and it may need to be resealed over time. Many of our customers have had great success with this method. Solution #2: If your concrete doesn't extend out past your building; you can adhere aluminum or vinyl flashing (aka coil stock) around the perimeter. This is sold at any home improvement store and it is available in several widths, many colors and it usually comes in 50' lengths plus it has a 20 yr warranty and generally isn't costly. This would be attached to the 6x6, just below where the siding ends and ideally hang down slightly past your concrete slab edge so water is diverted away from the building foundation.
Unlevel Concrete Slabs/Stone Pads: Unfortunately, not every concrete slab we've worked with has been 100% dead level, so there is a possibility that once the building is set, it won't sit completely flush around the entire perimeter. If there is a slight dip in the slab; our recommendation is filling in this 'air space' with spray foam insulation, trimming it flush and even painting it if necessary and then moisture-proofing the base as usual. (Of course, there is the occasional concrete slab contractor who would like to say it's the building and not their slab that's off level until we set our level and prove to them that's just not the case!:>) Again, it's not a guarantee and you may find a better solution; but this method has proven to work for some of our other customers. Dealing with an unlevel and soft stone pad is a more difficult situation. We do not recommend a stone pad for a floorless structure unless it's for housing animals. In all likelyhood, your town code will dictate that you need a concrete slab of some sort anyway.
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