The joint between the concrete footing and the blocks is sealed with Blue Max, a polymer adhesive (much like the Flex Seal ads on TV). The layer(s) of blocks that will be under ground are also sprayed with the blue polymer to make them waterproof. Blue Max dries to a hard flexible rubber.
Mern poses to give perspective to the size of the fireplace foundation, and columns in the front and back. Remembering that the old lake house was on a slab at ground level, you can now see how much higher the new lodge will be.
All blocks are now poured solid with concrete. The finished pad can be seen on the fireplace foundation. Anchor bolts and straps can be seen in the block walls and on piers.
First picture shows the two columns that will support the trees that will hold up the front porch roof. The second picture is of the four columns for the back porch. The final picture reflects the completion of the south wall and access door to the crawl space.
Blocks are strategically placed over the previously poured footings to form piers that will support the lodge structure. In the last photo you can see the large foundation built for the fireplace.
Why a crawl space slab? If you have ever had a crawl space, you know they are typically dirt, wet, moldy, smelly and allow moisture to pass from the ground up into the home. We are sealing the crawl space to prevent and eliminate this. First, with a six mil vapor barrier. Second, four inches of 4000 psi concrete with fiber. Since the slab floats between the block walls, the edges are sealed with a waterproof polymer.
Second and third pictures show rebar pads that are inserted into the footings for the new piers.
The crawl space is graded, packed and sloped to a back corner drain. Junior’s Pest Control is shown pre-treating to prevent termites. The ground under the garage slab and under the footings was also pre-treated before pours. The previously poured footings are cleaned out and additional footings for piers are also dug.
Anchor bolts are added on 32 inch centers as the final finishing is done to the slab. Marks on the blocks indicate where rebar was added every 48 inches. The 6 inch PVC pipe extending from under the slab will pick up the gutter down spouts on the front half of the house to carry the water away from the foundation.
Mark and team prepare the garage. Six mil plastic, followed by wire and 4000 psi, 4 slump concrete.
Dickman Legacy Lodge 