Bricks, Masonry, Asphalt and Concrete - Concrete slab for generator
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RonInVA
05-25-05, 07:57 AM
I want to install a home backup generator to my house and need a concrete slab to put it on. The generator footprint is 24 inches by 48 inches and weighs in at about 500 pounds. This is my first concrete project so I have several questions.
First, the rear part of my house where I want to put the slab slopes to one side so I believe a retaining wall is in order. The area where the generator is going will eventually be covered by a deck, so exposure to excess water will be minimal. I will also take special care to assure water from downspouts move water well away from the location of the slab.
For your information, I will have the gas company connect the gas line and an electrician connect the electricity. I know my limits.
Here are the questions:
1. I had a guy give me an estimate (too much money) and he said that since it will be covered by a deck that I did NOT need a retaining wall, just a slab. Was he right?
2. If a retaining wall is in order, does it matter if it’s made from pressure treated timbers or stackable stone bricks?
3. How thick should the slab be, based on the amount of weight it must support?
4. Does the slab require: concrete or other type of footers, mesh or metal bars for reinforcement, or anything else not mentioned here?
5. What should the dimensions of the slab be, based on the footprint of the generator?
6. Should the slab touch the foundation of the house? (My guess is that it should NOT, and should be separated by a spacer-expansion strip.)
7. Should the slab fit inside the walls of the retaining wall or sit on top of the retaining wall?
8. Does the concrete need to be sealed?
Thanks for responding!!
First, the rear part of my house where I want to put the slab slopes to one side so I believe a retaining wall is in order. The area where the generator is going will eventually be covered by a deck, so exposure to excess water will be minimal. I will also take special care to assure water from downspouts move water well away from the location of the slab.
For your information, I will have the gas company connect the gas line and an electrician connect the electricity. I know my limits.
Here are the questions:
1. I had a guy give me an estimate (too much money) and he said that since it will be covered by a deck that I did NOT need a retaining wall, just a slab. Was he right?
2. If a retaining wall is in order, does it matter if it’s made from pressure treated timbers or stackable stone bricks?
3. How thick should the slab be, based on the amount of weight it must support?
4. Does the slab require: concrete or other type of footers, mesh or metal bars for reinforcement, or anything else not mentioned here?
5. What should the dimensions of the slab be, based on the footprint of the generator?
6. Should the slab touch the foundation of the house? (My guess is that it should NOT, and should be separated by a spacer-expansion strip.)
7. Should the slab fit inside the walls of the retaining wall or sit on top of the retaining wall?
8. Does the concrete need to be sealed?
Thanks for responding!!
Concretemasonry
05-25-05, 09:21 AM
I have few thoughts based on your questions in the order asked:
1. I would think the need for a retaining wall would depend on the level of the ground where you want to put the generator.
2. A retaining wall can be made of either. Wood is trickier to get a wall the stays vertical over a period of time and walls must be straight. Retaining wall block give you more flexibility (curved walls possible). Neither should have a concrete footing.
3. I would go with 4 inches and put wire mesh or rebar in it. If it was going to been run contnuously I would go thicker since this is common sense for equipment (vibration).
4. The slab would require some kind of reinforcement (minimal).
5. Just make it a little larger to prevent splashed dirt (suring heavy rain) from getting on the generator.
6. Put an asphalt impregnated slab between the house and generator slab because of differential movement and settlement.
7. I would put the slab inside the retaining wall if you have the room.
8. Don't bother to seal the concrete. The retaining wall block can be any color.
Hope this helps.
Dick
1. I would think the need for a retaining wall would depend on the level of the ground where you want to put the generator.
2. A retaining wall can be made of either. Wood is trickier to get a wall the stays vertical over a period of time and walls must be straight. Retaining wall block give you more flexibility (curved walls possible). Neither should have a concrete footing.
3. I would go with 4 inches and put wire mesh or rebar in it. If it was going to been run contnuously I would go thicker since this is common sense for equipment (vibration).
4. The slab would require some kind of reinforcement (minimal).
5. Just make it a little larger to prevent splashed dirt (suring heavy rain) from getting on the generator.
6. Put an asphalt impregnated slab between the house and generator slab because of differential movement and settlement.
7. I would put the slab inside the retaining wall if you have the room.
8. Don't bother to seal the concrete. The retaining wall block can be any color.
Hope this helps.
Dick