Metal Garages Are Fantastic Building Solutions
If you’re looking at metal garage kits or are searching for the best metal buildings to address your needs, it’s best to partner with a top provider like Metal Garage Central. Our custom-designed steel garages and other building solutions are ideal for residential, agricultural, commercial, and industrial applications.
Don’t Forget the Metal Building Foundation
Once you’ve landed on the right metal garage, it’s important to determine which type of building foundation material you’ll need. A good foundation is key to the stability and longevity of any building, metal buildings included. But unlike many traditional construction approaches, a prefab steel structure offers you lots of foundation options. These versatile buildings can be installed on everything from concrete, to asphalt, gravel, to plain level ground. But concrete is a great choice, and if it’s a concrete slab you need for your building, there are some important things to keep in mind.
Making Site Preparations
Getting your metal garage itself installed is a pretty straightforward process; Metal Garage Central actually includes building installation with purchase, at no extra cost to you! But still, there are some things you’ll need to do in advance to make sure your site is ready for installation:
- Stake out the width and length of your building footprint. Use a simple line level to verify how level your land is, too. If your install site isn’t level enough (no more than 3” out of level), you’ll need to do some backfilling and/or grading.
- If you’ll be using a poured concrete foundation, you’ll really need to begin with a site that’s true level. Not only is this better for the foundation, but an installation that’s done on an out-of-level site can also result in voiding the metal building warranty.
- Mark any and all utility lines that run through (or close to) your site. For help with this, just call 811 and ask a local official to come mark your lines for you; this service is provided for free in most locations.
- Make sure the building install site is clear of debris, trash, or overgrowth. Install crews generally require at least 3’ of clearance on all sides in order to put up your building properly.
- Make sure to obtain any applicable building permits that are required in your area.
How to Decide What Poured Pad Measurements You Need
In most states, your concrete pad should match the exact width of the building to be installed, and should be 1’ shorter than the length of your building’s roof. The state of Florida is a noted exception. Florida requires a concrete pad to be ¾” wider than the building, and pad length should match the length of the building exactly. Have questions about concrete pad measurements for your new metal building? You can give one of our Metal Garage Central building experts a call at (980) 223-3072.
Concrete Considerations – Should You Do It Yourself?
Be advised that most metal building providers don’t provide their own groundwork or concrete services. Before you decide to pour concrete yourself, make sure you understand these potential concerns. Without the right type and amount of concrete, the right mixing approach and tools, and your ability to set proper forms, you might experience some frustrating headaches. In many cases, it would be best to leave this task to a concrete professional. Since we install metal buildings in 46 states, we probably know of a reputable concrete contractor we can refer, if you’re interested.
Also Read: Metal Garages vs. Weather Extremes
Tips for Laying a Slab of Concrete
Having said all of the above, if you’re ready to proceed with laying a concrete foundation on your own, we’re here to help. There are a number of DIY concrete slab tutorials on the internet, but the basic process includes the following:
- Use the proper safety equipment. Concrete is a known skin irritant, so be sure to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, rubber boots, waterproof gloves, and safety goggles.
- Stake out the intended concrete slab location.
- Dig out enough soil to allow for your gravel sub-base.
- Pack the gravel fill.
- Prepare your set concrete forms. How thick does a concrete slab need to be? That depends on how you intend to use your metal garage, but 4-6 inches is generally a good range to shoot for. 4 inches will work for light loads, while 6 inches is preferred for heavier loads, like what you might need for housing an RV.
- Place rebar to reinforce the concrete slab.
- Mix and pour your concrete.
- Screed and float the wet concrete.
- Use a push broom to create some texture on the surface of your concrete slab, if desired.
- Allow the concrete to cure, and then remove the forms.
Get Your Best Custom Metal Garage from Metal Garage Central!
Installing a custom metal building is the best choice for any metal garage application. And if you value getting the best product from the best provider, there’s no better choice than Metal Garage Central! We deliver and install in 46 states at NO extra charge, and we’re here to take care of your custom steel structure needs.
Looking for the best metal building financing and RTO payment plans? We’ve got you covered there, too!
Get in touch with one of our friendly building experts today at (980) 223-3072, and experience the Metal Garage Central difference for yourself!