erictomlin
New member
Hi folks,
I have a 3 stall barn that I want to convert to a "garage". I put garage in quotes because it will really be essentially a 3 stall barn with a cement floor. I have cut a hole in one of the side walls and will build a sliding garage door, and I will seal off the current barn openings well enough to keep the birds out, but it will be completely unheated and not air tight at all.
My questions revolve around the pouring of the concrete slab for the floor. So far, I have dug out 10 inches of dirt and filled in with 4 inches of 3/4 inch stone as a base. Vapor barrier is also in place.
Question 1: Do I need 2" of rigid foam insulation under the slab? I dug 10" deep with the intention of putting in 4" of stone, 2" of insulation, and 4" of concrete. Now I am reading conflicting info on whether or not I need insulation in an unheated building. I have also read that adding the insulation will not help keep the concrete warm in winter, but it will help against condensation and/or moisture in the summer. (I live in Central MA)
Question 2: What you you suggest for supporting material in the concrete? Should I be using rebar or wire mesh. If wire mesh is sufficient, should I use the stuff I can buy in a roll or the thicker wire that comes in sections?
Also feel free to add any other thoughts or comment that you think would be helpful. Thank so much for your help!
-Eric
I have a 3 stall barn that I want to convert to a "garage". I put garage in quotes because it will really be essentially a 3 stall barn with a cement floor. I have cut a hole in one of the side walls and will build a sliding garage door, and I will seal off the current barn openings well enough to keep the birds out, but it will be completely unheated and not air tight at all.
My questions revolve around the pouring of the concrete slab for the floor. So far, I have dug out 10 inches of dirt and filled in with 4 inches of 3/4 inch stone as a base. Vapor barrier is also in place.
Question 1: Do I need 2" of rigid foam insulation under the slab? I dug 10" deep with the intention of putting in 4" of stone, 2" of insulation, and 4" of concrete. Now I am reading conflicting info on whether or not I need insulation in an unheated building. I have also read that adding the insulation will not help keep the concrete warm in winter, but it will help against condensation and/or moisture in the summer. (I live in Central MA)
Question 2: What you you suggest for supporting material in the concrete? Should I be using rebar or wire mesh. If wire mesh is sufficient, should I use the stuff I can buy in a roll or the thicker wire that comes in sections?
Also feel free to add any other thoughts or comment that you think would be helpful. Thank so much for your help!
-Eric