Membrane for shed floor?

Is it worthwhile installing a damp proof membrane when I build a concrete base for a metal shed? The concrete base will be the actual shed floor.

Reply to
Broadback
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Definitely.

Never make things damper than they need to be.

Reply to
The Natural Philosopher

You don't tell us how big a shed and what you're going to use it for, and also what the subsoil is like.

Apart from the cost of the membrane material, peanuts in relation to the whole package, the only work required is to blind the surface the concrete is going to go onto. Unless this is a huge shed for cows or the likes, then I can't see what the problem is.

Get on with and don't be a mean lazy git. :>)

Rob

Reply to
robgraham

I would suggest yes, but you also need to consider how you intend shedding the rain which might run down the outside walls and then track into the shed along the concrete base.

Reply to
Harry Bloomfield

Thanks for all the tips, a membrane it is then. The manufacturers recommend sealing the base to shed with mastic to stop ingress of water from the outside walls. Also the base will be about 10cm longer and wider than the shed, I will also have gravel around the base as a way of draining the water. It will be used mainly for storing garden machinery.

Reply to
Broadback

If rain is falling on the external concrete, it will still soak through the concrete mass and dampen the whole slab. You might wish to either add a waterproofing additive to the concrete mix, or else saturate the external apron with Thompsons WaterSeal or similar.

Reply to
Steve Walker

Concrete - as opposed to screed - is relatively waterproof.

It will dry out as fast as it gets in probably.

Reply to
The Natural Philosopher

I've always avoided this problem by building a dense concrete block wall a block or two high, pouring the concrete inside it (with dpm) and then sitting the shed on the wall with a dpm and suitable drip arrangements. A bit more work but it avoids the problems the OP is finding and gives a floor that is guaranteed to be dry. It also saves me the hassle of trying to arrange shuttering for the concrete pad.

Rob

Reply to
robgraham

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