Using concrete is your best bet if you want your metal building to have a solid, stable foundation. It allows for a clean surface on which your metal building will be built, and it will also help your building last longer. Concrete is the most reliable, affordable foundation for steel buildings.
There are a few things that ought to be done before your metal building can be erected. They include:
- Clearing the space, removing debris including trees, shrubs, overgrown grass, or existing structures like a torn-down shed.
- Make sure the cleared-out space is leveled so your property will sit flat on the concrete foundation later.
Constructing A Metal Building With A Concrete Slab
If you are using a concrete foundation, you need to ensure that it consists of the following:
- Pier Pads create a more lasting surface and distribute weight more evenly.
- A perimeter footer.
- Four inches of gravel or sand for drainage purposes.
- Anchor bolts, plastic, rebar, and wire.
- A concrete slab that’s usually 4 to 6 inches thick, depending on your preference.
3 Concrete Foundation Mistakes To Avoid
Pouring Without A Concrete Foundation Design Plan
It is wrong to pout a foundation before engineering drawings are complete, whether or not the property owner knows the size of their buildings. A foundation has to be designed based on the site’s specifics, including the climate, soil type, and local building requirements.
Not Making It Tough Enough
A steel building that might be used as a storage space or woodworking shop can be erected upon a standard foundation. Still, if it’s going to be used to store something heavier like an RV and more, the concrete slab must be thicker and made with the right materials and reinforcement needed to withstand additional pressure than the standard slab.
Curing Without Adequate Ventilation
When you don’t have enough ventilation, condensation can become an issue. The condensation on the interior of the building can drip onto the concrete as it cures and will not allow for proper drying.
We recommend erecting a steel building on a slab that has already been poured and dried or ensuring adequate air is coming from outside. You can achieve this by temporarily removing some steel panels and opening the windows and doors.