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Foundation options for sunroom

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BenTizzy86

BenTizzy86

Structural
Oct 12, 2020
1
render_sjzwfe.jpg


Hello all,

I am a Journeyman Carpenter in Alberta, Canada. I am planning to add a 16'x10' sunroom to the back of my house. (See rendering above)

According to local regulations, I am able to build a structure this size on a slab-on-grade alone. However I'm not sure they are taking into account when the proposed structure is next to an existing structure, or attached to it.

Screenshot_20201009-120542_Samsung_Internet_a6tme7.jpg


I am hoping to drill piles with a grade beam on top. Then the slab on top of that, with foam insulation below the whole thing and around the edge of the slab (borrowing some elements from Frost Protected Shallow Foundations)

My question is- if the slab is placed on top of a grade beam and piles extending below frost line, should either the slab or grade beams be attached to the existing house?
Should the slab be connected to the grade beam, be free floating on top of it, or should it sit inside the grade beam? (Not bearing on the grade beam at all)

Another consideration is the roof framing, which ideally would be attached to the wall framing of the existing house. Wouldnt want any differential movement between the two.

Sorry for the long winded post, I have made 2 versions of my foundation plan so far and its looking like I will be drawing a third!! Just want to make sure what I submit will get approved. And if I need an engineers stamp then I'd like them to be able to just look at it and give me the stamp!

Thanks and looking forward to hearing your ideas.
 
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Unfortunately no engineer will just stamp someone else's design, especially if they're not an engineer themselves, so you may as well pay one to do the design.

I have a few concerns regarding the render, as the glass is doing a lot of the work in that structure!
 
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When I commented before I neglected to read your post and didn't see the insulation. Insulation should go at least 4 feet out from the building. I'd go at least 3 inches thick and still consider some frost heave may result.
 
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I can see you are a quite experienced journeyman. For a detached sunroom addition, the purposed details are probably just as good as designed by an engineer. However, in the case of attached to the existing building, there are more details need to be looked at, especially the details on connections between the building and the addition. These details are somehow relate to/depend on the structural type and strength of the existing building. So, please do find helps from an qualified engineer.
 
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Could you just leave the sunroom detached from the building, or does it need to be heated for winter use? Probably a 5-10k touch at least for engineering, unless maybe you find someone who will do the design for you and you do all the drafting.
 
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I would not install a floating slab for a sunroom that is attached to the main house. A floating slab will rise and fall with temperature. Where the sunroom is attached to the main house, there should be damage due to the differential movement.

 
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Do you need an engineer's seal? Will the building department, due to the use and occupancy, allow construction without seal? I'd use a stiffened slab foundation with a 5" slab and maybe 12" wide x 16" deep perimeter stiffener. It may be subject to frost movement and you might consider insulating the slab with maybe 4" extruded polyurethane to minimise frost action. If you don't need a seal and are willing to take a chance, I can post some standard details for a stiffened slab.

Forgot to add... 2x6@16 SPF stud walls and factory fabricated trusses or dimension lumber roof rafters. Insulated and enclosed? What climate? and, sliding snow on the roof?

Rather than think climate change and the corona virus as science, think of it as the wrath of God. Feel any better?
-Dik
 
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