Importance of Concrete Slab Edge Protection

Slab edge protection is a crucial part of any concrete project. It helps to prevent water from seeping underneath the concrete and causing damage. It also helps to ensure that the concrete is smooth and has a nice, clean finish. It is possible to find concrete slab edge protection online or at home improvement centers. It is important to choose a product that is durable and will provide long-term protection.

A concrete edger is a tool that creates a clean, straight line along the top of the new concrete slab. It can be used on both interior and exterior concrete projects. It has a blade that can be round, square, or rectangular, and the surface can be smooth or have a grooved texture. The concrete edger is usually made from steel and comes in a variety of lengths. Some models include replaceable blades, which can be changed out to create different styles of edges.

Termite and wood-destroying insects often invade homes through the slab edges, so proper insulation and protective barriers are vital. Sheet metal flashing is common, but it’s hard to make look good, and constant contact with moisture shortens the life of even galvanized metal. Some contractors use foam, which is easy to apply and relatively inexpensive. It also blocks the path of termites, although it isn’t as durable as metal flashing and can be cut by weed trimmers.

The Importance of Concrete Slab Edge Protection

One of the most common problems with a new concrete slab is that it is not properly insulated. This can result in energy loss and lower occupant comfort, as heat flows from hot to cold through the slab. The energy code requires slab-on-grade perimeter insulation, but many architects and engineers misunderstand the requirements. The details for this type of insulation are complicated, and a simple mistake can cause significant energy loss.

Incorrect installation of the foam insulation around a slab-on-grade perimeter can reduce its R-value by as much as 50%. Slab-on-grade insulation should be installed at least R-19, with additional insulation as needed for the local climate and building use. Getting the details right is critical, and it may require close cooperation between an architect, engineer, and contractor.

Slab-edge insulation is required in all states for two-way slabs, and it can be installed in most locations for one-way slabs. It is typically applied to the floor framing, but it can be laid out freeform in closed polygons or snap to points on the beams. Depending on the building’s location, it may be necessary to include reinforcement corners beside expansion joints or slab ends, particularly where there is passage.

Using the Layout – Slab Edge command, a slab edge can be defined by clicking on a SnapTo point or a column in the slab or on a beam in the floor framing to define its beginning. Then, click on a point that defines the end of the slab edge. The slab edge will be displayed on the layout with a color indicating its position relative to the framing.