Slab Insulation in Georgia?

[sbosecker]

I am located about 25 miles south of Atlanta, GA.

I am planning a 46' x 60' with an interior 30' x 30' wood shop. I intend to have heating and air conditioning throughout the building to some degree. Both for working comfort and also to attempt to minimize Georgia humidity's effects on my tools.

Architect and I had a meeting last week and he was showing me the foundation/slab details. The architect proposed that the floor be 6-inches thick with vapor barrier.

I asked about insulation under the concrete and he indicated that wasn't necessary.

I've been searching the forums on this topic and most of the discussion seems to be from the boys & girls (quite a bit) farther north than Georgia.

What say you about this topic? To wit: Is my architect correct that slab insulation is not necessary here in PTC GA? (Peachtree City, GA)

Scott

 

[kd3pc]

6" will likely be overkill, unless the soil is that weak/unstable/etc

I would think that slab insulation, especially without slab heating system, will be of minimal use. I would actually trust a local architect, over the internet, unless you WANT insulation for some reason.

We are fair bit north of you, and few have insulation under the slab here. And things are OK.

Best of luck

 

[bgarrett]

one guy told me that contact with earth would keep your slab at earth temperature

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Waste of money in this part of GA. Better off without ins. Will get natural heat from the ground. My steel bldg stays 8 to 10 degrees above the OAT until it gets real cold then the temp spread closes some.

 

[aka rotten]

I have 24x36 in Barnesville ,Ga.4in,thick reinforced concrete floor w/vapor ins. Never been problem in 23 years, may be overkill but worked for me. Heat, no air.Paul

 

[Rookie2]

Yes, I was going to say go and ask anyone with a similar building in your area.

 

[sbosecker]

I have 24x36 in Barnesville ,Ga.4in,thick reinforced concrete floor w/vapor ins. Never been problem in 23 years, may be overkill but worked for me. Heat, no air.Paul

Paul,

Sorry but I'm not quite clear on what you've got when you write, "...w/vapor ins."

Does that mean you have a vapor barrier and insulation under the slab?

Best regards,

Scott

 

[sbosecker]

Yes, I was going to say go and ask anyone with a similar building in your area.

Rookie2,

That's kinda what I'm trying to do here. Ha!

Best regards,

Scott

 

[sbosecker]

Waste of money in this part of GA. Better off without ins. Will get natural heat from the ground. My steel bldg stays 8 to 10 degrees above the OAT until it gets real cold then the temp spread closes some.

Charles,

I suspected so but I wanted to be sure now rather than regret later.

Thanks!

Best regards,

Scott

 

[7echo]

Your archedork is correct, way too far south for slab insulation.

 

[JCByrd24]

I'd spend the money on insulating the envelope better (upgrade to 2x6 walls or add a layer of foam to 2x4 walls) rather than slab in GA. Much better benefit for both heating and cooling than the slab insulation, and only do that if you are going to constantly heat or cool the building probably.

 

[randydupree]

I can't believe you guys are saying "no insulation"in the floor.

I have insulation under my slab and i'm way down by the florida line.
The ground is not the same temp all year unless you go down 6 feet or more.
The ground will **** the heat and the cool right out of your building.

Insulate now,while you can.