level slab?

[Kapt]

Anyone have a level slab?
Every contractor wants to slope it for drainage.
I don't see the benefit, especially since I'll be installing a lift and rolling around heavy tool cabinets.

Anyone know a good concrete guy in the Md/DC area?

 

[toms73novass]

My uncle did a level slab just for that reason. Just a slight slope near the garage door so rain water doesn't come in.

I plan on doing the same this summer.

 

[d110pickup]

I had a 30 x 40 slab poured a couple of weeks ago and it's level. The concrete contractor would normally slope it but I requested that it be level.
I'll start a build thread for it soon.
Mike

 

[duggie]

I also requested a level slab in my garage. The contractor spent most of the day to make sure it was preety close to level. Now the slab is heaving in the middle because of the cold weather, but not much.

Next time ... I will insulated the floor so the winter weather won't affect the slab.

 

[rotus7]

I also requested a level slab in my garage. The contractor spent most of the day to make sure it was preety close to level. Now the slab is heaving in the middle because of the cold weather, but not much.

Next time ... I will insulated the floor so the winter weather won't affect the slab.

You guys are still having winter?! That *****! It's already summer down here in Arkansas. I think we skipped spring this year.

 

[bmwpower]

Make it level. Make a drop down apron near the door to keep water out.

 

[sjsfire]

Anyone have a level slab?
Every contractor wants to slope it for drainage.
I don't see the benefit, especially since I'll be installing a lift and rolling around heavy tool cabinets.

Anyone know a good concrete guy in the Md/DC area?

I would still suggest a slight slope. Even as little as 1/4 inch per 10ft you won't notice and I wouldn't think it would bother heavy tool cabinets.

 

[Tscott]

I plan to do a level slab as well, not ony for the lift, but also, I would like to use the floor to lay out large welding projects, and this becomes alot easier with a perfectly level floor. If you set the slab a few inches above grade, then you should have no problem with water coming into it.

 

[FrankJohnson69]

What county are you in? I know PG and Montgomery require slope for code. But I had a very minor slope put in mine and got away with that.

Where in MD?

Frank

 

[duggie]

Make sure you put some rigid insulation under the floor if you are going to use it to setup for welding. I kinda us mine for that too ... but it heaves in the middle control joint and puts the floor out of level.

Now I just use my rolling worktable that has a 3/4" MDF and I put some metal under what I am welding.

 

[brownbagg]

people up north slope the slab so they can wash the car inside and it will run off. in the non snow area it is unheard of, and yes a lift will not work on a slope slab.

 

[Bib Overalls]

You guys are still having winter?! That *****! It's already summer down here in Arkansas. I think we skipped spring this year.

It's summer on this side of Arkansas too! Imagine that!

 

[edl]

people up north slope the slab so they can wash the car inside and it will run off. in the non snow area it is unheard of, and yes a lift will not work on a slope slab.

well...according to the manual to the Bend Pak HD 9000 4 post lift i bought, up to 3 degrees of slope is "acceptable" as the maximum slope for installing and using the lift - assume they are on the conservative side of their testing to manage liability - don't know how many inches of slope this equate to for the length of the lift, but it seems like the mfg believes a little is ok - thanks, ed

 

[AGBill]

I decided to go with a level slab for two reasons:

1. If I accidentally spill a quart of oil or have an antifreeze leak, I want it to pool in one area, not start running out the door and make even a bigger mess over a bigger area.
2. If you are framing in some office space or bathroom with a mezzanine above, you will have to trim all the studs a bit to get a level mezzanine floor, which is more work. I am doing this framing myself now, and am real happy I have a level floor.

I do all my vehicle washing outside...

 

[rotus7]

Around here in AR, typically, garage slabs are only sloped starting a few feet in from the door which creates a curb at the side. I don't really like the curb, it makes that space hard to use if putting shelves and such there. But the middle to the back is pretty level. I've spilt plenty of oil and a/f and it's never run anywhere. Now this is for attached garages, I don't know what is typical for detached.

 

[Falcon05Dad]

The slab that was poured yesterday for my new 42x32 garage is level but has slight dropdowns by the two garage doors. It's the way I wanted it done.

Greg

 

[PonyCar]

I'm getting ready to break ground for a 40 X 60 garage. The mention of floor heaving raised a question in my mind. Do you recommend insulatoing under the cement slab before it is poured? If so, what should I consider using?

 

[brownbagg]

3 degrees of slope is "acceptable" would be fine on a 4 post but would you want that on a 2 post. for ground heave you need to isolate the slab from the ground. a layer of gravel or sand will do the trick.