Though a prefabricated shed is like a dollhouse, easy to place almost everywhere, it is still ideal to have a safe spot for it. The definition of safe can be everything, and that includes seating it on top of the durable foundation. Among the recommended footings is a concrete slab because of its various benefits. However, a shed cannot be advisable to put straight on concrete. Why?
Direct or not direct?
To be clear, setting a shed on the concrete foundation is not a problem. It is placing it directly that is questionable. The problem with a concrete slab is it is weak against salt and frost heave, which both present in winter. It also does not absorb water easily. Therefore, if the water flows and stays in the foundation, it makes the shed rot or rust, eventually.
A good rule of thumb is to put something between the shed and concrete like treated wood bearers. The bearers not only separate the two. It additionally allows ventilation or air to flow in the gap. The suggested alternatives to treated wood bearers are plastic bases.
Another step is to make sure the concrete foundation maintains distance from trees, fences, or things where water runs or drops. Then, install weeping tile or create drainage around the foundation. These can direct water away.
What else to know?
If you have an existing concrete pad, make sure also if it is sturdy enough to bear the shed. The structure may be small, but it is hefty for a feeble concrete that can crack anytime. Consider if its dimension and quality are what your local authority requires. If it does not comply with the standards, there is a possibility to tear both the slab and shed. Therefore, always check your local regulations for sheds. With or without a permit (s) required, secure you provide the best quality concrete foundation for your accessory structure.
To get proper help, hire a contractor to accomplish all the necessary tasks. This person or company must ensure the concrete foundation, bearers, drainage, and shed are all fine together. He or she must be reliable and expert in constructing a concrete foundation that is of superior quality to provide the expected service.
The assumption is concrete can protect the shed from the elements on the ground like water, chemical substances, thaw, vegetation, or moisture. Moreover, it is an ideal leveled surface that is essential to make the shed stand upright. It is the key to preventing it from not leaning on one side or being uncomfortable to use.
However, it may not be the reality of a substandard concrete pad. As mentioned, concrete reacts to cold weather. Hence, the builder should know things like the use of air-entrained concrete to make sure the foundation is sturdy against freeze heave. Then, if the shed sets to burden bulky tools or equipment, he or she must beef up the slab with the appropriate mix of gravel, sand, or cement. Plus automatic, it must have a suitable depth or thickness.
