foundation tips for Biohort tool sheds, Equipment Locker and MiniGarage

The pre-condition for a successful assembly of our products is that the foundation is level. The tool shed (respectively including the optionally available floor frame) will be fixed in a storm-proof manner on this foundation with the fixation material which is included in the delivery scope.

Soil properties

If possible it should be a solid underground. When using the groundscrew foundation, a grown and well-compacted soil is required.

Foundation alignment and size

The foundation must be level so that the tool shed can be installed properly. If the product is placed on a slope, it can lead to a restriction of functionality (for example, the doors cannot be adjusted correctly) or the screw holes do not line up on top of each other (hole pattern does not match). The foundation dimensions should be obeyed - please note our foundation plans. 

Vapour barrier (plastic sheet with a minimum thickness of 150 μm = 0.15 mm)

We recommend to include the barrier in the foundation. This is to prevent moisture from rising from the ground into the interior of the tool shed. Please note that the barrier should not be larger than the base area of the shed. This is because the rainwater shall be able to trickle into the underground sideways.

Sealing joint

The contact surface between the foundation and the aluminium floor frame should be sealed to prevent rainwater from entering the shed. The sealing is especially recommended when using the aluminium floor frame.

A sealing compound is used for sealing (suitable for outdoor use and for metal). For the best possible sealing, the sealing joint should be applied under the floor frame. Please take into account that due to the nature of the underground (open-pored paving slabs, joints, etc.) a complete sealing is not possible.

How can an existing area be used for a Biohort product?

Also existing areas can also be used as substrates for Biohort products. If the existing area is not optimal, the following can be done:

The available area (paved or also concreted) is not level

Proposed solution: Assembly of the aluminium floor frame

You can adjust the aluminium floor frame horizontally by placing spacers underneath it. However, these spacers create a gap under the frame, which allows water to penetrate or make it more difficult to seal the shed. The spacers should, for example, be made of plastic or rustproof metal, such as stainless steel.

No vapour barrier has been included in the foundation

Proposed solution: Subsequent installation of the vapour barrier by using aluminium floor frames

You can retrofit the vapour barrier by placing the barrier on the existing foundation inside the house. The ends of the barrier are pulled up along the inside of the floor frame and is then folded inwards by at least 10 cm, the folded part should also be glued additionally. For a walk-on interior floor, our aluminium floor panel (lined with XPS panels) or any floor inside the house can be installed.

Too small/light stones were used for a slab stone foundation

Proposed solution: Weighting down of the ground mounting brackets of the floor frame

The internal floor mounting brackets (Z brackets) attached when using the floor frame can be weighted down with additional weight to increase storm safety.

Note: These foundation tips are non-binding suggestions. The customer himself is responsible for an appropriate foundation design. Biohort cannot accept any liability for damage caused by insufficiently fastened products.