To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

The Concrete Underground

OP
C

ConCretin

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 20, 2011
Messages
3,378
Location
Central Maine
I was hoping I had more pics of the skylight install but I guess I was too busy trying to figure out how to put the damn thing together to take pics This was definitely a project that was outside my wheelhouse but I try to do as much with my own hands as I possibly can. It's hard to find qualified people who care and if you do, it's gonna cost you so I broke out the instructions and gave it a go.

There are actually three skylight in the home. The first two are in the living spaces, came pre-assembled and only required glazing. More on these later. The Shop skylight was 6' by 6' and came broken down. As I often work alone, I couldn't figure out how to build it in place so I decided to assemble it adjacent to it's final location and then move it onto the curbs.

The first step was to prep the curb, which involved a couple beads of sealant and metal flashing.

tempImageXtLVSn.jpg

Here's a pic of the pre-assembled frame. In the background you can see the perimeter frame already installed over the flashing and a pallet of insulated glass units. I built a temporary base of the correct size, used metal strapping to make sure it didn't spread and put a temporary post in the center. All the connections were made with screws into slots in the extrusions.

tempImage8lgll0.jpg

I recruited some help to lug the frame over and set it within the perimeter frame and attach it. Next came the glazing. If you look close, you will see that each of the frame components has a double row of rubber gaskets installed. The glass sits on these seals. I was apparently too busy trying not to break any expensive glass to get pics of the install.

There is a gap at the bottom created by rubber shims that is filled with sealant provided with the skylights. I taped off the adjacent surfaces, applied the sealant and struck it off flush.

tempImagemP8FtK.jpg

Next came the cap strips that hold the glazing down, which also have rubber seals built in.

tempImageTqma6O.jpg

Here are the cover strips going in.

tempImageuU6VlN.jpg

This is what it looked like with all the glass and cover strips in place

tempImageno39QR.jpg

After that I installed cover pieces that snapped over the raw aluminum pieces and give it a finished look

tempImageVBu0MA.jpg

Despite my total lack of experience in the trade, I can report that there have been no leaks in the years since I installed the skylights. A lot of credit has to go to the manufacturer who provided great drawings and all the parts and pieces for a complete install. They even supplied the required sealants.

Things have changed quite a bit since I last posted regularly and I'm trying to figure it all out again. Most of the pics on this thread are still hosted on PB and I pay an annual ransom to keep it intact. I uploaded the photos in the last few posts directly but they seem to load slowly so this post is my first foray back to PB. I should probably change to a different service going forward but let's see how this works. Feel free to share any advice and thanks for your patience.
 

Attachments

  • tempImagemP8FtK.jpg
    tempImagemP8FtK.jpg
    459.4 KB · Views: 30
Last edited:
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
OP
C

ConCretin

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 20, 2011
Messages
3,378
Location
Central Maine
Let's continue our tour in the garage, which is directly adjacent to the shop and is where we park our daily drivers. one of my goals was to keep the garage area as neat and uncluttered as possible. I've been reasonably successful I guess. The place definitely needs a coat of paint but it's a garage, right?

Here's the wall that is shared with the shop on the other side. I installed some New Age cabinets to store lawn & garden stuff, garage stuff and my wife's work supplies. The stainless steel counter makes a nice little work surface for small projects and plant potting. The cabinets are decent quality and definitely good enough for this application.

tempImagewJeXtx.jpg

There's a water hose reel on the far end with hot and cold water, which comes in pretty handy

tempImageQZu7A2.jpg

Right next to that is the compressor closet. It's far enough from the shop that the noise isn't too bad although it's scared the living hell out of my wife a few times when it fired off unexpectedly when she's in the garage.

tempImage7RTmxG.jpg

I installed an automatic drain valve. It works well although I wish I could increase the duration between activations to once a day. It too results in complaints about unexpected loud noises.

tempImagec0PMZv.jpg

The fan for the ventilation hood is located above the compressor. It's not that loud but it also keeps the Db's in the shop down having it located remotely

tempImageMBZ1An.jpg

Next to the compressor closet I mounted a shop vac for keeping the cars clean and air line for inflating tires.

tempImagegtGeGp.jpg

And now for something completely different. Anybody care to harzard a guess as to what this contraption is?

tempImageflqLtE.jpg

I used to play a lot of golf although most wouldn't recognize my efforts as such. I pretty much stopped altogether when I started construction of the Concrete Underground but recently caught the bug again. Oddly enough my ten year absence did nothing to improve my game. This lead to yet another over-thought, over-engineered and over-budget project.

tempImageD2sc6M.jpg

Yup. A full blown golf simulator. The garage was the only place that had enough room to put something like this in, particularly headroom. I didn't want to give up a parking spot so I built it to folds up and uses just 12" of wall space when not in use. The side curtains slide back, the screen pivots up to allow the turf rolls up behind it and a place to store all the mats, etc. It takes about 15 min to deploy or put away.

The projector and a light are mounted to the ceiling.

tempImageIAl0gq.jpg

All the electronics are in the right side of the closet. The left side of the closet is our 'mud room', which contains jackets. boots, etc. The brown door to the right leads to the utility room and the white door to the left leads into the home. With the sim put away, I can easily park my Yukon in front.

tempImageA5Kg85.jpg

The insulation panels you see tucked away in the corner are to protect the glass in the OH doors from errant rebounds. The need for this became obvious during early testing and was an expensive lesson. If anyone wants more information on the golf sim, I'd be happy to share what I know.

Finally here is the overhead door and the door to the shop on the left

tempImagehr8YVY.jpg

I still plan on coating the floor. Probably not epoxy but something to dress it up and help with spills; maybe Hellfire. Other than the aforementioned coat of paint on the walls, it's about done. As with the rest of the house, I spent a lot of time planning. I think we got the shop and garage about right for our purposes. Not much I'd change.

Well that's about it for the garage. There are a couple other garage structures on the property. One you've seen and another you haven't. We'll take a looks at those next.

Thanks for your interest. Cheers
 

Attachments

  • tempImageflqLtE.jpg
    tempImageflqLtE.jpg
    203.9 KB · Views: 17
  • tempImageD2sc6M.jpg
    tempImageD2sc6M.jpg
    257.7 KB · Views: 13
  • tempImageIAl0gq.jpg
    tempImageIAl0gq.jpg
    99.5 KB · Views: 11
  • tempImageA5Kg85.jpg
    tempImageA5Kg85.jpg
    175.1 KB · Views: 13
  • tempImagehr8YVY.jpg
    tempImagehr8YVY.jpg
    235 KB · Views: 13
  • tempImagegtGeGp.jpg
    tempImagegtGeGp.jpg
    253.5 KB · Views: 13
  • tempImageMBZ1An.jpg
    tempImageMBZ1An.jpg
    325.7 KB · Views: 12
  • tempImagewJeXtx.jpg
    tempImagewJeXtx.jpg
    181.5 KB · Views: 13
  • tempImageQZu7A2.jpg
    tempImageQZu7A2.jpg
    209.6 KB · Views: 12
  • tempImage7RTmxG.jpg
    tempImage7RTmxG.jpg
    185.6 KB · Views: 12
  • tempImagec0PMZv.jpg
    tempImagec0PMZv.jpg
    152.6 KB · Views: 10
  • tempImageA5Kg85.jpg
    tempImageA5Kg85.jpg
    175.1 KB · Views: 30
Last edited:
OP
C

ConCretin

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 20, 2011
Messages
3,378
Location
Central Maine
Thanks for the tour - looking at similar doors, how is that for insulation factor? I was thinking those for when I was home and barn doors, more insulated and secure for when I am not.

I'd have to check but I doubt it's very high. It is insulated glass but I don't believe the aluminum has thermal breaks. The solar gain is pretty effective though. On a sunny day the garage is quite warm.
 
OP
C

ConCretin

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 20, 2011
Messages
3,378
Location
Central Maine
I didn't really notice until now but the whole Facebook clone thing with the 'likes' eliminates the interaction we used to have. In the old days we'd chat and interact. Now everybody just 'likes' everything and nobody seems to comment. Granted most of the comments were positive but there were also some who took you to task or just asked questions. Maybe it's just another 'get off my lawn' thing', which seems to be my response to everything lately. Am I missing something? In any case, I appreciate everyone's interest and will keep posting until you're all up, to date.
 

Geoff289

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 10, 2013
Messages
1,207
Location
Melbourne, Australia
I didn't really notice until now but the whole Facebook clone thing with the 'likes' eliminates the interaction we used to have. In the old days we'd chat and interact. Now everybody just 'likes' everything and nobody seems to comment. Granted most of the comments were positive but there were also some who took you to task or just asked questions. Maybe it's just another 'get off my lawn' thing', which seems to be my response to everything lately. Am I missing something? In any case, I appreciate everyone's interest and will keep posting until you're all up, to date.
I can't come to terms with the "likes" thing either, and pretty much never do it. I am, though, hanging on your every post. As I said a week or so back, your thread is one of my absolute favourites on here so please keep them coming.
 
OP
C

ConCretin

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 20, 2011
Messages
3,378
Location
Central Maine
I can't come to terms with the "likes" thing either, and pretty much never do it. I am, though, hanging on your every post. As I said a week or so back, your thread is one of my absolute favourites on here so please keep them coming.
Thanks Geoff289. I'll keep the updates coming as long as people are interested and maybe even if they aren't. lol.
 

garfieldzzz

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 30, 2014
Messages
305
Location
BY
Oh yes, we are interested, I usually rather read silently but i really dig your build. I love the idea of the skylight in the shop as well as your crane and all the little, well thought out details.
I have to admit, I‘m wondering how often you use ur golf set up. Personally i would be to lazy most of the time to set it up.
 

shortykorte

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 1, 2014
Messages
8,034
Location
Tallahassee, Fl
The likes does reflect that there’s individuals interested in your thread. I like the likes because I know people like what I’m doing and are taking time to stop in. I don’t follow the thread visit statistics like some would do before the new format. Thumbs up or a happy face makes me happy.
Also, there are a lot of great threads to follow, so reading/scrolling through a bunch of kudos is time consuming time.
Now, its just generally good questions are asked which makes it easy on the thread owner and the fans of the threads.
👍 Glad you’re posting again.
 

Blackbyrd

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 28, 2020
Messages
1,147
Location
TN
I didn't really notice until now but the whole Facebook clone thing with the 'likes' eliminates the interaction we used to have. In the old days we'd chat and interact. Now everybody just 'likes' everything and nobody seems to comment. Granted most of the comments were positive but there were also some who took you to task or just asked questions. Maybe it's just another 'get off my lawn' thing', which seems to be my response to everything lately. Am I missing something? In any case, I appreciate everyone's interest and will keep posting until you're all up, to date.
I always try to do both, but I agree with this. The whole point of a forum is to have discussion (literally the definition) and yet little discussion happens. I'd rather have suggestions and discussion or jokes! Came here to find like minded folks and share ideas.
 

red

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 20, 2009
Messages
719
Location
Hudson Valley, NY
I didn't really notice until now but the whole Facebook clone thing with the 'likes' eliminates the interaction we used to have. In the old days we'd chat and interact. Now everybody just 'likes' everything and nobody seems to comment. Granted most of the comments were positive but there were also some who took you to task or just asked questions. Maybe it's just another 'get off my lawn' thing', which seems to be my response to everything lately. Am I missing something? In any case, I appreciate everyone's interest and will keep posting until you're all up, to date.
wow, interesting observation . . . that's right on the money. Something I didn't notice.
Thanks for pointing it out.
 

Bob Heine

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Oct 24, 2009
Messages
10,703
Location
Boca Raton, Florida
I didn't really notice until now but the whole Facebook clone thing with the 'likes' eliminates the interaction we used to have. In the old days we'd chat and interact. Now everybody just 'likes' everything and nobody seems to comment. Granted most of the comments were positive but there were also some who took you to task or just asked questions. Maybe it's just another 'get off my lawn' thing', which seems to be my response to everything lately. Am I missing something? In any case, I appreciate everyone's interest and will keep posting until you're all up, to date.
Doug, I admit I click the like buttons but not to eliminate interaction. I use the buttons to let the OP know I was here but more importantly to let me know I read a post. Sometimes only the most recent post shows up on my screen so I scroll back to be sure I haven't missed something.

When a post triggers a memory (I have the occasional one or two) or I have a suggestion, I'll post but when I have nothing to contribute I don't. Everyone on the Garage Journal responds to posts and making someone respond to a "Good job" post from me seems a little cruel. I have even stopped posting most holiday greetings but I do try to keep track of birthdays and anniversaries. I also don't type a post and cut and paste it to a hundred threads.

As to posting until we're all up to date, please don't leave us wondering how things are going. I, for one, am interested in how you're doing going forward. Not to mention you need to refresh us with photos of your spectacular views and some vicarious joy using the dock and cruising the river.
 

IdahoJoe

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 11, 2005
Messages
46
Location
Bear Creek, WA. It's near Seattle.
I didn't really notice until now but the whole Facebook clone thing with the 'likes' eliminates the interaction we used to have. In the old days we'd chat and interact. Now everybody just 'likes' everything and nobody seems to comment. Granted most of the comments were positive but there were also some who took you to task or just asked questions. Maybe it's just another 'get off my lawn' thing', which seems to be my response to everything lately. Am I missing something? In any case, I appreciate everyone's interest and will keep posting until you're all up, to date.
I can assure you we are all here loving your posts. I'm anxious to see what's next.

Joe
 

Woogeroo

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 2, 2007
Messages
96
Location
Seeing the USA in my Chevrolet!
I didn't really notice until now but the whole Facebook clone thing with the 'likes' eliminates the interaction we used to have. In the old days we'd chat and interact. Now everybody just 'likes' everything and nobody seems to comment. Granted most of the comments were positive but there were also some who took you to task or just asked questions. Maybe it's just another 'get off my lawn' thing', which seems to be my response to everything lately. Am I missing something? In any case, I appreciate everyone's interest and will keep posting until you're all up, to date.
Well, some of us don't have a lot to write, but we really like it. :D

Thanks a bunch for the updates, that crane in the garage is awesome. I always thought I'd want one of those, if I ever have a garage.

-Woog
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Boosted1

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 25, 2007
Messages
1,676
Location
Georgetown, KY
Great job on the house garage too. I like the hot and cold water supply to the hose reel.
Thats a nice compressor setup too.
I also have New Age cabinets. I got the Pro ( I think ) version that is a little heavier gage than their entry level. While not Lista level cabinets I think they are very nice for the $$.

Epoxy is one option for floor but there are better ones out there now. I had epoxy and went with a PolyUrea on my latest garage. Seems much more durable.
 
OP
C

ConCretin

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 20, 2011
Messages
3,378
Location
Central Maine
Thanks for all the comments. It wasn't my intention to complain about a lack of attention. lol. The like button goes off often enough that I know people are checking in. Please don't feel the need to comment but on the other hand, if you have a question or suggestion. please share it. Ok, enough of that.

Before we continue the tour, I thought I'd share something that I recently discovered that has made my life a lot easier plus it's a good chance to show the bridge crane in action. I often work alone so I'm always looking for tools that help me with that. I've got a couple engine swaps in the works and have been looking at lifting brackets. I've tried a number of gadgets with mixed results but I thought I'f give this one a try even though it's a bit pricey

tempImagedccaSu.jpg

It has a pivoting pick point that is operated by a threaded rod. The geometry allows you to pick a motor and transmission virtually flat, angle it down to get it into the transmission tunnel and then flatten it out again with the turn of a ratchet.

tempImageSd7bBQ.jpg

tempImagekpkXmo.jpg'][/URL]

This final picture shows the engine sitting level in the truck suspended by the hoist alone. You don't even need a jack under the trans.

tempImageDLdLTM.jpg

It works incredibly well and makes the install effortless with one person. If you need to remove or install a motor in the future, this is a tool that's worth investing in.

Enough of the infomercial. We'll get back to the tour shorty.
 

Attachments

  • tempImagekpkXmo.jpg
    tempImagekpkXmo.jpg
    355.7 KB · Views: 9
  • tempImageSd7bBQ.jpg
    tempImageSd7bBQ.jpg
    364.8 KB · Views: 7
  • tempImageDLdLTM.jpg
    tempImageDLdLTM.jpg
    334.5 KB · Views: 12

gooned

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 6, 2011
Messages
488
Location
B.C.
Yup, often like a post if nothing to add, seems to be the times we live in, it sort of an encouragement to keep going I guess?

That engine leveler (unleveler?) is very cool, it looks less janky than the ones with the long threaded rod 🤷🏼‍♂️


People all over are posting up what a strange winter it’s been, we had 15c days here this week (set a record) and mostly dry, not normal at all for us. How is your winter going, lots of ice & snow or mild back there?
 

Geoff289

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 10, 2013
Messages
1,207
Location
Melbourne, Australia
That engine leveller is pretty cool. I have the other type like this

https://www.supercheapauto.co.nz/p/sca-sca-engine-crane-leveller-540kg/273688.html

I have to say, that while I know its common and no doubt perfectly fine, I really struggle with the idea of lifting an engine by the inlet manifold like that. It just seems to me that you're relying on the tension strength of just the threads on the bolts and in the manifold, compared to the shear strength of the whole cross section of bolts in the ends of the heads as you do with the type of leveller I have. Aluminium manifolds make it seem like even less of a good idea to me.

Anyway, as I said, I know its common so I'm not suggesting it shouldn't be done, just that it gives me the heebie jeebies when I see it. I can see that your leveller probably gives more precise control of the angle.
 
OP
C

ConCretin

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 20, 2011
Messages
3,378
Location
Central Maine
I have to say, that while I know its common and no doubt perfectly fine, I really struggle with the idea of lifting an engine by the inlet manifold like that. It just seems to me that you're relying on the tension strength of just the threads on the bolts and in the manifold, compared to the shear strength of the whole cross section of bolts in the ends of the heads as you do with the type of leveller I have. Aluminium manifolds make it seem like even less of a good idea to me.

Anyway, as I said, I know its common so I'm not suggesting it shouldn't be done, just that it gives me the heebie jeebies when I see it. I can see that your leveller probably gives more precise control of the angle.
I'm not going to disagree. with you at all. It has always made me nervous as well. I'm not sure it makes a difference but I read somewhere that using grade 8 bolts will prevent damage to the aluminum manifold from both stretch. Idk. I've hoisted a lot of engines this way and never had a problem but maybe I've just been lucky.
 

mattbal

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 5, 2007
Messages
56
Location
Connecticut
I didn't really notice until now but the whole Facebook clone thing with the 'likes' eliminates the interaction we used to have. In the old days we'd chat and interact. Now everybody just 'likes' everything and nobody seems to comment. Granted most of the comments were positive but there were also some who took you to task or just asked questions. Maybe it's just another 'get off my lawn' thing', which seems to be my response to everything lately. Am I missing something? In any case, I appreciate everyone's interest and will keep posting until you're all up, to date.
like others said... absolutely interested and LOVE reading the updates. So impressed with the level of thought you put into EVERY detail. And as a relatively new golfer with very low garage ceilings... I have yet another reason to be jealous!!!
Keep the updates coming.
 

Jagmandave

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 6, 2011
Messages
6,299
Location
Overland Park, Ks.
Those engine levelers are great if you're working on something with a 2bbl or 4bbl manifold where the carb is in the middle of the engine.....no help for those of us lifting inline 4's or 6's out.......
 
Last edited:
OP
C

ConCretin

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 20, 2011
Messages
3,378
Location
Central Maine
So let's continue with the tour. Before we move onto the house, let's take a look some other garages on the property. Working our way up the driveway, we come to this. It's a sand shed but it's also where I park the Bobcat so it's kind of a garage.

If I remember correctly, the inside dimensions are 9' x 21'. The high roofline allows me to back a one ton dump truck in and lift the bed enough to dump a load of sand. I ran electricity from the garage up top so I can keep the Bobcat plugged in and have lights to work under.

tempImage31LoDM.jpg

I think I mentioned in an earlier post that my calls me the road commissioner and this is one of the reasons why. It seems like it requires a whole highway department to keep my driveway graded, plowed and sanded. Every plow guy I hired in the early years quit shortly thereafter citing the danger of sanding what I affectionately refer to as the death luge. Plowing snow isn't too bad but it's a challenge when things get icy.

It was only after I got a sander for the Bobcat and stockpiled dry sand that the I could keep the driveway passable. Before that it was leaving a vehicle at the top of the hill and trekking up the hill with crampons 2 or 3 times a year.

I don't have a ton of construction pics but I'll post a few so you can see how it came together. Remember when I alluded to over-thinking and over-engineering everything? Well you'll see some more of that here.

The sand shed sits on a 12" reinforced concrete pad. The soils underneath was a bit mushy and I wasn't comfortable that I got it compacted properly. I pitched the slab 1/4" per foot towards the front to ensure any water that got in runs away from the stockpiled sand.

tempImageHrDLJl.jpg

I then placed 4' high concrete walls to contain the sand and give me something to push against when scooping it up. Because the base slab was sloped, I built a wood leveling form under the form panels to allow the forms to run level. I've since taken down the big pine in the background.

tempImageQVrG7E.jpg

This is when my propensity to make things complicated kicked in again. Since I'd be building the roof structure by myself, I thought it would be difficult to climb around on top of the concrete walls to erect the framing.........so I decided to build the roof on the ground and set it in place with a crane. So that's what I did.

I don't have any pics of building the roof and the pics do I have of the rest are pretty bad. I basically built a level plate the same size as the concrete walls and framed up the walls and roof. I put 4x4's in the corners and ran threaded rods up thru the roof with eye nuts to rig to. Metal straps on every other rafter ensured the walls would come along for the ride.

tempImageTFAxPP.jpg

We then picked it up and set it on the bed of my boom truck

tempImageIVUQkp.jpg

Drove down the driveway to the sand shed foundation,

tempImageKMW0s3.jpg

Picked it up and set it in place,

tempImage98YyT3.jpg

tempImageAytUlV.jpg

With the big pine in the way, we couldn't quite get it in position so I had to rig a couple come-alongs and pull it forward a bit.

tempImageL43X7g.jpg

After that I just bolted it down, applied a coat of Saltguard to the slab and walls and filled it with sand. I still need to put some siding and a roof on it someday but it serves its purpose extremely well.

We'll move up to the upper garage next. You've seen it a few times before but there have been some changes and I can update you on how it's used.
 

Attachments

  • tempImageAytUlV.jpg
    tempImageAytUlV.jpg
    13.4 KB · Views: 22
  • tempImage98YyT3.jpg
    tempImage98YyT3.jpg
    12.9 KB · Views: 21
  • tempImageKMW0s3.jpg
    tempImageKMW0s3.jpg
    23.6 KB · Views: 20
  • tempImageIVUQkp.jpg
    tempImageIVUQkp.jpg
    23.4 KB · Views: 16
  • tempImageQVrG7E.jpg
    tempImageQVrG7E.jpg
    245.7 KB · Views: 15
  • tempImage31LoDM.jpg
    tempImage31LoDM.jpg
    326 KB · Views: 16
  • tempImageHrDLJl.jpg
    tempImageHrDLJl.jpg
    519.2 KB · Views: 17
  • tempImageTFAxPP.jpg
    tempImageTFAxPP.jpg
    438.7 KB · Views: 14
Last edited:
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom