My New Garage

[Newfoundlander]

Hey there, I'm new to the Journal, and thought I might introduce myself with a few pics of my new (last fall) 18 x 32 garage. I've yet to pour the slab, as I wanted to wait a bit for any settling to occur.

My plan is for a radiant heat system, using two circuits. I’m putting 6mill vapour barrier, then 2inch Codeboard from Owens Corning (R-10, 20psi) under the slab and around the edges to create a “floating slab” that has a thermal break from the foundation. I’ll use wire mesh (raised an inch off the stryo) and ½ pex on top of that. I’ve room for about 4 inches of concrete. The contractor filled in the foundation before I had a chance to put insulation on the outside of the frostwall, so, I may have to dig that up again, but I’ll do everything else first and see how I make out electricity-wise. Any thoughts on this would be most appreciated.

Also, I’ve been trying to sort out a thermal break for under the 10 foot garage door. I think I’m going with 1 inch extruded styro, planted a foot deep, with a 45 degree beveled top edge that is at floor level at its highest point. This will be just under the door seal. I think this should keep most of my heat in and still enable me to open the door in the winter… Doesn’t get really cold here, maybe average for our coldest month is -5C (23F).

Anyway, any thoughts or advice you can give will be most appreciated, I’m sure I’ll be back for advice on insulation, wiring, lifts, you name it, as I continue on with finishing my Garagemahal.

Cheers,
Bob

 

[stingry]

Also, I’ve been trying to sort out a thermal break for under the 10 foot garage door. I think I’m going with 1 inch extruded styro, planted a foot deep, with a 45 degree beveled top edge that is at floor level at its highest point.

Concrete does not like sharp edges. Most probably it will crack and break away in this area. You could use some of the fiberlike material that is used for expansion joints and leave it exposed or not use anything at all.

Cheers
Steve

 

[82_454_shorty]

Welcome to the site Bob!

 

[dirttracker18]

Hey Bob,

A Newfie eh ?!? Are you still on 'the rock' or moved elsewhere?

My in-laws are Newfies and I can't wait to get there to check the place out. The have been away from the rock for some time now though. I hear everyone is a friendly and fun as them!

We get a lot colder here and no one puts anything specific under the door except the seal that it comes with.

I think the other post is correct. if you attempt to put something under there you might be asking for a break point.

 

[nvrenuf]

Bob, how do you like the width of the shop? Do you find you have enough room to walk/work around a vehicle or does it feel cramped? I'm looking to build the same size shop and don't want to find out after the fact it's too skinny.

 

[Newfoundlander]

Been doing a little poking around here and I agree that concrete doesn't like sharp edges. I've seen suggestions for a thermal break that range from styro, to rubber tubing, pressure treated, even vinyl fence railing. I think I'll shape 1 inch styro down to about 1/2 inch, and drop it to 3/8 below grade, fill that temporarily with rope, pour, then pull the rope out and fill with a flexible expansion caulk.

 

[Newfoundlander]

Hey Dirttracker, not a big fan of the N word (the other N word), but you're right, it is an awesome place, and most are super friendly and are quick to laugh. I've travelled pretty far and I haven't seen anything that compares to Gros Morne park on the west coast...well, you're in T-Bay, you've probably seen our tourism ads, esp. if you've been watching Republic of Doyle on CBC)... they're only slightly exagerated... . Some great driving roads here too...that's why they have the Targa here every fall, a great time to come if you're thinking about it!

Cheers,
Bob

 

[Newfoundlander]

Hey John, as your handle says, you'll never build a garage big enough. Its as big as I could go without getting into regulations that would require drawings, etc... City still considers it a shed. Its great for getting around one car, and still having room to work, but, if you can, go bigger. One thing I hadn't really considered (dumb, I know) is that my 18 x 32 would actually be 17x31 when you factor in the thickness of the walls all the way round. Its not much, but it does make a difference. Also, I have a loft which is not quite as tall as I'd like, but it is usable space that may one day become my own personal pub.

cheers,
Bob

 

[bazzateer]

You say you're thinking of a lift in the future? You need to think about increasing the slab to something like 6" and be careful where the pex goes (you don't want to drill into it when fitting the lift).

 

[dirttracker18]

Hey Dirttracker, not a big fan of the N word (the other N word), but you're right, it is an awesome place, and most are super friendly and are quick to laugh. I've travelled pretty far and I haven't seen anything that compares to Gros Morne park on the west coast...well, you're in T-Bay, you've probably seen our tourism ads, esp. if you've been watching Republic of Doyle on CBC)... they're only slightly exagerated... . Some great driving roads here too...that's why they have the Targa here every fall, a great time to come if you're thinking about it!

Cheers,
Bob

Bob,

No offense intended as my in laws are proud to describe themselves that way. I really never thought of it as derogatory. In fact that is how my wife describes her heritage.

 

[nvrenuf]

Thanks for the info and like you, initially, I didn't consider the actual interior width. I'm stuck with 18' wide because of my lot and septic system but I'll be going 36' deep for a little more room (also doing a small loft like you so my kids can have a play area). You've got a nice looking "shed", hopefully mine will turn out that nice.

 

[Newfoundlander]

Hey Jonny, None taken... some like it, some don't. Hope you guys get to come back someday so you can experience it first hand. Interesting fact about NL, we drove on the left side of the road up until Canada joined us, then we switched.

 

[dirttracker18]

What area are you from? Seems like my FIL knows everyone within 4 or 5 hundred miles around his hometown.

I think he was from Buchans area and I believe my wife was born in Grand Falls.

 

[Newfoundlander]

I'm from Gander, which is not that far from Buchans, living in "town' now.