Quote:
Originally Posted by CroFlames
Since this is the all purpose garage thread now...
If you are pouring a slab and plan on doing a nice epoxy finish later, should you insist the contractor put a poly sheet under the slab?
I understand this is now code for basements, both for radon and moisture, but I don't think it is for garages. I plan on adding a natural gas heater to the garage, and basically keeping it between 5-10 degrees, maybe more when I'm working in it.
Maybe that's just for below grade stuff? So many questions.
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You should absolutely have some sort of vapour barrier below the slab. If you don't, the moisture from below the slab migrates through the concrete and it will delaminate the epoxy finish. I would recommend using something better than poly. Look at W.R. Meadows "Permanator" or Stego Industries LLC "Stego Wrap". The both come in 2 thicknesses - 0.25 mm and 0.38 mm. If you are using an epoxy finish, you should go with the 0.38 mm. Make sure you install it in accordance with manufacturer's recommendations - ie - termination seals, penetration seals, joints, etc. It will be more expensive than poly, but if you don't want any delamination problem, then you should consider a product like one of these. In the overall cost of the slab, it will be a minor expense.