Explain the difference about
GROUNDWORK
Concrete Pads
The concrete pad is by far the most sturdy. By removing the top soil, and replacing with hardcore, and concrete, a solid raft is created for the building to stand on. The deeper the concrete the more solid the base will be.
The idea of a raft is to allow the ground to expand and contract around it, whilst the base remains solid. This is opposed to a footing, which goes deeper into the ground around the perimeter of the building. The footings would be then filled with concrete, thus creating an expensive solution to a garden room or garage base.
This is the most effective groundwork for Garages and Garden Rooms, especially if the building is required to stay in situ for a good number of years.
Adding a Brick Course
Wooden garages require a single course of bricks, as this creates a much better bond between the concrete and the timber. We use semi-engineering bricks, as they don't shatter when drilling through in to the concrete for fixing down, plus they key much better to the concrete as the mortar comes up through into the holes. To further increase the level of fixing, we fill the holes completely with mortar.
Red or blue bricks are suitable, with the latter proving to be more popular with those choosing grey slates, black guttering and anthracite doors.
Gaps between the bricks are left where the doorways are located.
If you are purchasing a Warwick Buildings garage, the damp proof course (DPC) is built into the garage sections. This is a purposely designed plastic strip that sits on the brick course, preventing rising damp.
Paving Slab Bases
Often installed by the DIY expert, the paving slab bases are easier to install than the concrete pads. This is because one person can do it over a longer period of time. Whilst the preparation is the same as a concrete pad, there is not the time constraints involved in finishing before the concrete sets. The top soil is also removed and hardcore is added, however each slab can be laid individually, over a weekend or two if needed.
The other advantage is that the slabs can be removed easily if you change your mind or want to reinstate the garden in the future.
Bear in mind that the slabs must be smooth, and they are much harder to keep level over a large area, plus they are much more subject to movement over time, as they are basically very small bases butted together.