Foundation Tips
For Biohort sheds, equipment lockers and MiniGarage
What you need to know about foundationsUse of existing foundations
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There are many options for installing a suitable foundation:
Useful information about the foundation
The prerequisite for successful assembly of our products is a level foundation. The shed is anchored to this foundation (or together with the floor frame available as an accessory) using the storm-proof fastening material included in the scope of delivery.
Soil conditions
If possible, should be a solid surface. When using the SmartbasePLUS, a natural, compact and well-compacted soil is required.
Foundation alignment and size
The foundation must be level so that the shed can be installed properly. If the product is on a slope, this can lead to a restriction in functionality (for example, the doors cannot be adjusted correctly) or the screw holes are not aligned (hole pattern does not match). The foundation dimensions must be adhered to - please refer to the foundation plans.
Vapour barrier
Plastic foil with a minimum thickness of 150 μm = 0.15 mm
It is recommended to incorporate a foil into the foundation. This is to prevent moisture from rising from the ground into the interior of the shed. It is important to ensure that the film is not laid larger than the base area of the shed. The reason for this is that rainwater should seep into the ground at the sides.
Sealing joint
The contact surface between the foundation and the aluminium floor frame should be sealed to prevent rainwater from penetrating into the shed. Sealing is particularly recommended when using the aluminium floor frame.
A sealing compound (suitable for outdoor use and for metal) is used for sealing. To ensure the best possible seal, the sealing joint should be applied under the floor frame. Please note that absolute sealing is not possible due to the nature of the floor (open-pored paving slabs, joints, etc.).
Use of existing foundations
Existing surfaces can also be used as a base for Biohort products. If the existing surface is not ideal, this can be remedied as follows:
The existing surface is not level
Suggested solution 1: Installing the SmartBase
The SmartBase can be used as a base to level out slight slopes. It includes variable adjustable feet that allow levelling up to 4 cm.
Suggested solution 2: Installing the aluminium frame frame
Whether the surface is concreted or paved, you can align the floor frame horizontally by placing spacers underneath it. However, these spacers create a gap under the frame, which can allow water to penetrate or make it more difficult to seal the shed. The spacers should be made of plastic or non-corrosive metal - such as stainless steel - for example.
No vapour barrier has been installed
Suggested solution: Retrofitting the vapour barrier using an aluminium floor frame
You can retrofit the vapour barrier by laying a plastic film on the existing foundation inside the house. Pull the ends of the foil up along the inside of the floor frame and fold the foil at least 10 cm inwards; the folded-over part should also be glued down. Our aluminium floor panel (backed with XPS panels) or any floor inside the house can be laid for a walkable interior floor.
Too small / light stones were used
Suggested solution: Weigh down the floor fastening brackets of the floor frame
For a paver slab foundation, the interior floor fastening brackets (Z-brackets) attached when using the floor frame can be weighted down with additional weight. This increases storm resistance.