Are you thinking about installing a new metal building on your property? In that case, you must be aware that steel is a lightweight material, and a solid base plays a crucial role in defining its structural strength. That’s why we recommend a high-quality foundation for the best custom metal building. A well-designed and laid base can protect your building from leaks, tilting walls, floor shifts, or flooding.
It doesn’t matter how high-quality your building material is or how aesthetic your design is; without a firm base, you can’t have a sturdy building. A solid base held your building against the worst of nature’s elements. A concrete slab is the best bet to help prevent rapid deterioration.
What Is a Concrete Base?
A concrete base is made with a mixture of cement and water that gives sturdiness to the building. It is one of the best-known installation platforms that can bear heavy loads. But should you consider it DIYing?
Although pouring a concrete slab does not require very high-level skills, you will need to know the basis of mixing cement & water in the correct proportion, laying it properly, and checking for errors. If you don’t feel very confident, you can always take the help of an expert. When choosing a concrete base from a contractor for your new metal building, you must consider the following factors:
- Experience of contractor and construction crew
- Technique and tools
- Quality of material
- Previous clients’ reviews
- Social media or website to check out their profile
These will ensure you get the best custom metal building base that will outlast you.
Take Note of The Following Information on Preparing a Concrete Foundation for a New Metal Building To Enhance Its Longevity:
1. PREREQUISITES
1.1 Site Clean-up: It is of uttermost importance that you clean up your site to remove any debris, plantation, rocks, and boulders.
1.2 Soil Quality: You can ask for a professional land surveyor to know the soil quality of your lot. You must know your property boundary.
1.3 Frost Lines: It is essential to dig below the frost line to secure the footing. It ensures that your footing is insulated and remains unaffected by shifting soil during winter.
1.4 Level Up: Finally, you must level your site to prepare it before pouring concrete.
1.5 Calculate
1.5.1 Wind Uplift: High speed can create a suction effect that can lift your entire metal structure. To avoid this, you must calculate how heavy the foundation must be and how deep the footing must be to prevent your building from being airborne during tornadoes.
1.5.2 Static Load: Your foundation has to bear the load of your new metal building along with the materials you will store in it. You can use anchor bolts and large footing to enhance stability during extreme weather conditions.
1.5.3 Utility Lines: If any utility lines are running underground, get them marked by local officials.
2. HOW TO LAY CONCERETE SLAB?
After you get the building permit approved by local authorities, you proceed with the following:
2.1 Add Gravel: Adding a stone or gravel base prevents the concrete pad from shifting. It also provides a leveled base.
2.2 Analyze Thickness: How thick your concrete pad should be? A minimum of 4 inches thickness is recommended for a concrete base. For sheltering heavy machinery or vehicles, you can choose 6 inches deep slab. The larger the building is, the deeper its base must be.
2.3 Pour Concrete: You can start by placing rebar to reinforce the concrete slab, and then you can mix and pour concrete.
2.4 Screed: This step is to ensure that you get a smooth and level floor. You can add texture to it if you wish.
2.5 Curing Time: Usually, a concrete floor is ready to walk in 3 to three days. However, it can take up to 28 days for it to get fully cured. Finally, you can remove the form.
Benefits Of Properly Laying Concrete Foundations for Longevity In Metal Structure
Stability
A properly laid concrete base is helpful in keeping your entire metal building in adverse weather conditions. They can handle heavy weight and tolerate the harshest natural elements such as wind, hurricanes, seismic activities, and storms.
Durability
A concrete slab offers better drainage and acts as a buffer. It also has a good thermal mass and helps maintain indoor temperature. It does not get affected by termites or any other insects. A high-quality concrete foundation can last 100 to 200 years; if crafted to perfection, it can last for over 400 years.
Reinforcement
Steel gives support and reinforcement to the concrete. Adding steel to concrete ensures a strong and durable structure that will stand the test of time.
Fire Damage Protection
Concrete helps save steel from fire damage. It gives a physical barrier. Just like steel, concrete is also non-combustible.
Corrosion Resistant
A concrete slab will last longer, especially in areas such as bad weather conditions or high humidity. They do not corrode easily. You can further increase the strength of the concrete by anchoring it to the ground.
Also Read it- Concrete Structures vs Steel Structures – Which One is Best to Choose?
Aesthetics
A concrete foundation not only increases the functionality of the structure but can also give it an aesthetic vibe. You can create texture on a concrete slab or stain it to give a wooden finishing look but with high durability.
Boost Value
A concrete base gives the whole metal structure a solid platform to sit on. This ensures the robustness of the entire building over time. That’s why you get a better resale value with a concrete base rather than simply leveled or dirt and gravel base.
Now That We’ve Reached the End
It is vital for you to know that some states or local authorities have mandatory rules and guidelines that you have to follow before construction. If you feel a concrete slab is unnecessary, you can choose a perimeter footing foundation. It is similar to a concrete slab, except it is only laid at the perimeter of your building.
This type of base is meant to support metal sidewalls. It is suitable for sheds or carports. However, you will need to pour a concrete slab for larger structures. We hope this blog helped you in exploring information on concrete foundations.
