Construction Industry/garage flor drain?

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Expert: - 7/11/2008


Question
hi got a bit problem with a job i`m doing right now .
it is converting living space back to the garage .
the problem is the village inspector told me that i will have to put some kind`a drain system bq slab of the garage is lower  then drive way (2.5 inch) so if there is any spilage in the garage like gasoline it will have to go outside even through the side wall.
any ideas i was thinking maybe trench accros garage and through side wall?
please help
reg t.koziol

Answer
Tom,

Apparently the garage has been living space for some time.  

My first recommendation would be to lower the driveway.  The slab probably has a slight pitch to the overhead door.  Depending on how the driveway is built - asphalt, concrete, gravel, etc. - it is the best solution.  

A garage drain is not meant for gasoline but rather for rain water or snow runoff.  The cost of a french drain will be expensive.  At least with a driveway modification you can control the condition.  For example, you may only need to lower about 12 feet of the drive.  Create a slope from the garage door for 6 feet then back up to the existing drive surface.  You will have what is considered an inverted crown drive which is commonly used in shopping centers and large parking lots.

I think that would be your best solution.  Talk to your Village inspector about options.  Do the local codes address this condition?
What would be acceptable to him?  

Let me know.

Roger

(Hope this has been helpful.)

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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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