Garage Construction Project

2025-10-22 - Foundation Perimeter Detail - Forms and Floor Drain

3 min read

Foundation Perimeter Detail - Forms and Floor Drain

Foundation Perimeter Detail

Photo Details

  • Date: October 22, 2025
  • Time: 7:06 PM
  • Weather: Light to moderate drizzle, 47-51°F. Wet conditions visible.
  • Phase: Foundation - Perimeter details and floor drain installation
  • Location: 309 E. 7th St., Clare, MI
  • View: Close-up of foundation perimeter and floor drain trench

Description

This detailed close-up photo shows the foundation perimeter construction, including the wooden forms, excavated drainage trench, and PVC floor drain pipe that will drain melted snow and water away from the garage.

Visible Elements

  • Foundation Forms:
    • Pressure-treated dimensional lumber (appears to be 2x10 or 2x12)
    • Forms define the rat wall and slab edge
    • Forms are straight, level, and properly staked
    • Orange Creatherm insulation visible on left edge
  • Perimeter Trench:
    • Deep excavated trench running along foundation perimeter
    • Dark soil exposed in trench bottom
    • Trench appears to be 12-18” wide and 2-3’ deep
    • Provides drainage path for floor drain system
  • Floor Drain Pipe:
    • White PVC pipes (appears to be 2-3” diameter) visible in trench
    • Floor drain pipe extending out past the foundation
    • Provides drainage for melted snow and water from the garage floor
    • Positioned to drain away from foundation
  • Site Context:
    • White lattice fence visible in background (existing house property line)
    • Disturbed soil and excavation debris
    • Grass and vegetation at existing grade level

Construction Details

Perimeter Forms:

  • Forms will contain the concrete pour for the rat wall
  • Height suggests approximately 12-16” rat wall above slab
  • Forms properly braced to withstand concrete pressure

Floor Drain System: The floor drain pipe provides:

  1. Drainage pathway for melted snow and water from garage floor
  2. Foundation protection - drains water away from foundation
  3. Proper slope - positioned to allow gravity drainage
  4. Code compliance - proper drainage for garage applications

Trench Purpose:

  • Provide drainage path for floor drain
  • Route water away from foundation to appropriate drainage area
  • Will be backfilled after drainage system is complete

This perimeter work coordinates with:

  • Rat wall specifications in contract (poured integral with slab)
  • Floor drain system for garage water management
  • Frost protection - drain pipe below frost line to prevent freezing
  • Site drainage - routing water away from foundation

Next Steps

  1. Complete floor drain pipe installation and secure in place
  2. Verify proper slope for drainage
  3. Pour concrete slab and rat wall (with floor drain)
  4. After concrete cures, backfill trench
  5. Connect floor drain to drainage system

Graph View

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