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Expert: - 12/28/2007


Question
Is it possible to add a garage drain after construction?  We did not have one put in when building our home (aaaargh!).  During the winter months (especially today)it is a mess.  At our old house(which we built and did put the garage drain in) it was nice for clean up.

Answer
Tammie,
You couldn't have picked a more difficult job!!  I'm afraid that once that slab is poured your options are limited!  Most probably the slab is level - which doesn't lend itself to draining readily.  Whenever I pour a concrete garage slab, I pitch the floor to the overhead door(s) so that any water carried into the garage will run out.
I know what you are experiencing.  I lived in Michigan for 35 years and had the same problem.  I suggest you sweep off your car before garaging it.  I know - there is snow and slush in the under-carriage and that melts and runs all over.
Your first option could be to have the slab removed, install the necessary drain pipe and then re-pour the slab pitched from all points to the drain.  Sounds costly - but a least you will get a system that works!  
Another option - cut a trench from wall to wall and parallel with the garage doors and in the center of the garage.  Dig down 2 feet.  Put a filter fabric in the trench from the top, across the bottom and up the other side.  Fill the trench to within 1½" of the top of the slab with rock - large gravel or egg rocks.  Next install a removable frame and grate.  Your slab will not slope to the trench but at least you can sweep the water into the trench.

Sorry I don't have any better solution.  Concrete is not a very forgiving material.

Roger

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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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