Question about new concrete slab install

[Plombob]

I'm having a garage added on the side of my home and the contractor poured a curb at the back that is 3 feet long by 6 inches high and 8 inches wide. I asked him about that, and he said it was to cover the foundation. I'm puzzled, because I expect the foundation to extend to the full length of the house.

So would one of you folks please explain what this is for and why it's only 3 feet long?

 

[ConCretin]

It could be that the existing concrete footing under the brick steps up and the top became exposed during excavation for the addition. I'm not sure that's the solution I would have come up with but it's pretty hard to say for sure.

 

[mike93lx]

Did you ask him for more info? Feels like he would be the best source of info on why he did something

 

[Plombob]

It could be that the existing concrete footing under the brick steps up and the top became exposed during excavation for the addition. I'm not sure that's the solution I would have come up with but it's pretty hard to say for sure.

That could be it. They dug down a ways to the foundation. I guess you need more than 4" of concrete over the foundation?

I've seen these curbs in other garages, so there must be some rule or standard.

Did you ask him for more info? Feels like he would be the best source of info on why he did something

I tried to, but the cement contractor was not friendly. The general contractor told me he was hoping the guy's dad wouldn't show up because he's angry and it affects the son. Well, dad showed up and the son was in a bad mood.

 

[ConCretin]

That could be it. They dug down a ways to the foundation. I guess you need more than 4" of concrete over the foundation?

I've seen these curbs in other garages, so there must be some rule or standard.

If the existing footing was at the same elevation as the base material i.e you would have had your full slab thickness over the footing, it would have been fine without the weird curb. Not a big deal I suppose and water under the bridge in any case.

Congrats on the new addition. You won't even n notice the curb by the time you move in.

 

[BurtEggley]

because that is where the foundation was exposed above the slab. What did you tell him and the inspector you wanted done? I blew your photo up to show the foundation way above the slab but it is not attaching.

 

[Plombob]

If the existing footing was at the same elevation as the base material i.e you would have had your full slab thickness over the footing, it would have been fine without the weird curb. Not a big deal I suppose and water under the bridge in any case.

Congrats on the new addition. You won't even n notice the curb by the time you move in.

Thanks! I plan to put shelving in the corner, so I won't even see it.

because that is where the foundation was exposed above the slab. What did you tell him and the inspector you wanted done? I blew your photo up to show the foundation way above the slab but it is not attaching.

Ah - So that is the reason. The foundation must be covered.

I have no experience with concrete, so I didn't have an opinion on how to deal with the situation. I relied upon the contractor to do what is proper.