How to deal with slope when you build any structure

September 10 / Stacey / Comments (0)

When building a new garage, addition or accessory building, placement of that project immediately impacts how the project will turn out.  If you have slope in the area of the project, it must be accounted for.  You must build a level building.  

Recently, HW ENTEPRISES built a detached garage in the middle of a sloped driveway.  Driveway builds are completely different than building in earth, so to speak.  This particular driveway had at least a 20% gradient to be compensated for.  When the footer was put in, one corner of the foundation was set at 5" to try and keep it level with the driveway. Building at grade is a tricky undertaking.  You don't want your slab to be at grade.  You want your slab above grade, otherwise, it will flood.  You cannot run water toward any building or direct runoff toward another property.  This driveway, due to either collapse or years of weight on it, or having an inadequate grading, has 3 different directions of flow. The result and challenge? Keeping the apron gradual with the driveway.  

In order to handle the tri-fold runoff, we had to take up 4 sections of the driveway to correct the grade and make it optically appealing.  Sometimes, you cannot compensate but so much.  This garage has 3 garage doorways.  One side is a drive-thru set up.  Therefore, the slab is graded in 3 directions.  The key-ways used to stabilize the slab relieve the pressure this type of slope creates.

When you choose to build a garage, shell home, accessory building or addition, think about placement.  If you are not sure how your slope will affect this, call a professional.  HW ENTERPRISES, INC. has been building garages and accessory buildings for over 61 years.  We will tell you what you can expect and try and guide you through the process.  

Talk with us about your concerns.  We will listen and answer your questions.

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