Reinforced concrete is a common material option for garage construction among homeowners. With its many advantages, this material might be a good choice for your upcoming project. Like any building material, it does have drawbacks, though. The benefits and drawbacks of prefabricated and monolithic reinforced concrete garages will be discussed in this article.
One continuous pour of concrete is used to build monolithic reinforced concrete garages. This process produces a seamless, robust, and incredibly long-lasting structure. A monolithic garage’s ability to withstand harsh weather and large loads is one of its key benefits, making it an enduring option. Furthermore, the absence of joints lessens the possibility of leaks and cracks over time.
Conversely, prefabricated garages made of reinforced concrete are constructed with on-site assembled pre-cast concrete sections. Because the parts are produced in an enclosed space and delivered to the construction site prepared for assembly, this kind of construction is frequently faster and more effective. Because prefabricated garages can be tailored to meet unique requirements and tastes, they can be more affordable and provide more design flexibility.
Both kinds have some disadvantages to take into account despite these benefits. Although robust, monolithic garages need more time to build and can cost more because of the labor-intensive nature of the process. Despite being quicker to construct, prefabricated garages may have joints and seams that can be
| Type | Pros | Cons |
| Monolithic | Strong and durable, seamless structure, great load-bearing capacity | Longer construction time, higher cost, requires skilled labor |
| Prefabricated | Faster installation, cost-effective, flexible design options | Potential for weaker joints, limited customization, may require transportation |
Where it is reasonable to build
A reinforced concrete garage must be constructed in compliance with building codes and regulations, just like any other building (SNiP).
For such objects, the construction of concrete garages in the basement and basement floors, including attached ones, is governed by SNiP 30-02-97 and SP 30-102-99, without adhering to the standards.
As per the design guidelines, outbuildings have to be placed one meter away from the adjacent plot’s boundary. There must be a minimum of 10 meters separating adjacent buildings with combustible floors. The best choice would be to bury it beneath the house:
- saving space on the site;
- no need to spend money on waterproofing the roof;
- can serve as a storage room or basement for storing canned goods.
An extension is an additional placement choice. Any capital construction on the property needs to have written authorization. And in this instance, a panelized metal garage is the winner. However, in spite of its many benefits—such as its light weight, lack of a capital foundation, and ease of assembly—it is not as reliable or long-lasting as its concrete counterpart. In a garage cooperative, a full-fledged structure is most frequently built. In Moscow, reinforced concrete garages are common.
Types
- monolithic structure;
- prefabricated.
Financial capacity and personal preferences will determine which option is selected. In the first scenario, building the walls would take longer and you could employ your own labor. In the second, you will need a group of workers and specialized equipment. However, it is worthwhile to discuss each kind in greater detail.
Monolithic garage
Concrete garages are a popular choice for drivers. Such a structure can be built quickly and with little effort. Installers and disassemblers of prefabricated reinforced concrete garages are also provided by the companies that sell them. Two options are available through the process:
- all elements are delivered to the site, and their installation is carried out on site;
- the structure is assembled in the factory and transported to the construction site in finished form.
In the first scenario, any dimensions are permissible and can be specified at the customer’s request. Factory-finished structures have specifications that meet the requirements. Any building’s price is influenced by its dimensions, installation complexity, and transportation needs.
Prefabricated garage
Ready-made components that are mounted and fastened together on site are produced by factories that produce products made of reinforced concrete. The design documentation is followed during their production. The reinforced concrete "constructor" is assembled quickly because even the smallest details are considered. The principal components of such a framework are:
- concrete blocks;
- wall panels;
- floor slabs;
- floor slabs.
Any size that satisfies the operational requirements can be achieved in a garage constructed from prefabricated reinforced concrete slabs. Among the possibilities were a structure with an inspection pit or basement, a workshop, and a multi-car garage.
When considering a reinforced concrete garage, both monolithic and prefabricated options come with their own set of advantages and drawbacks. Monolithic garages, constructed as a single, seamless unit, offer exceptional durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions, making them ideal for long-term use. However, they can be more expensive and time-consuming to build due to the extensive on-site labor required. In contrast, prefabricated garages are quicker to install and often more affordable, as they are manufactured off-site and assembled on location. Nevertheless, they may not offer the same level of customization or strength as monolithic structures. Choosing between the two depends on factors like budget, timeline, and specific requirements for the garage"s durability and design.
Reinforced concrete garage pros and cons
It is worthwhile to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of slab construction.
- high strength, reliability (only subject to full compliance with all technological requirements, as well as building codes and regulations);
- the ability to create buildings of any size and according to an individual project;
- ease of repair work – sealing cracks and potholes with cement mortar;
- mobility – the ability to dismantle, followed by installation in another place;
- durability;
- can be equipped with a floor and gates.
- high costs for transportation, hiring special equipment and a team of craftsmen;
- the need for additional waterproofing of the roof, which is mainly flat and covered with roll material;
- the presence of condensation on the walls in the cold season, due to temperature changes.
Crucial! It is recommended to use external finishing with insulation (foam), plastic panels, and lining to insulate the walls and ceiling in order to improve performance characteristics.
Construction
Because of the weight of the elements, lifting equipment is used during construction. The installation of reinforced concrete garages follows a specific order. Anchor bolts and brackets are used to secure the assembly of all prefabricated components. Fastening of the gates is done by welding.
Exterior and interior finishing
Included in exterior finishing are:
- Foundation waterproofing, which will prevent moisture from penetrating the walls and destroying them. Materials are placed at a height of 15-25 cm from ground level. Bitumen-based roll material is used for horizontal waterproofing. Vertical waterproofing is performed using cement-bitumen compounds.
- Roofing arrangement: A flat roof is covered with roofing felt, glass beaten. The approximate service life of such a coating is from 5 to 10 years.
- Slate and euroslate sheets, galvanized sheets, metal tiles, corrugated sheets are suitable for pitched roofing. If installed correctly, such a coating will last more than 15 years. The disadvantage of such a roof is the high price compared to a flat one. But this factor is justified by the payback and inexpensive maintenance.
- External walls are generally not finished, but they can be plastered and painted. To inexpensively insulate a concrete garage from the outside, foam sheets are used, which are attached to the external walls with a special adhesive composition. Plastic dowels are used as fasteners. The surface of the foam is protected by a plaster mesh, which is cut into strips and mounted with glue. The final finishing is done with a putty mixture for outdoor use. Water-resistant paint is applied to the dried surface.
Plaster mortar with a cement base is used to decorate interior walls. Siding, faux stone, sandwich panels, PVC lining, or chipboard can be used for decorative finishing—as long as the garage is dry.
The waterproofing of the ceiling surface needs to be improved. First, fiberglass tape is used to cover and seal any cracks and joints. After completing local repairs, penetrating compounds are used to prime the ceiling surface, and only then is finishing work completed. The ceiling materials must meet the following specifications:
- non-flammability;
- chemical resistance;
- easy to maintain – should be easy to wash with water and detergents;
- resistance to mechanical stress.
The ceiling can be finished with a layer of plaster, PVC panels, metal siding, chipboard, OSB, or a wooden or plastic lining.
Since it is challenging to provide centralized heating in prefabricated garages made of reinforced concrete, autonomous heating is the better option. The temperature cannot be consistently maintained by a potbelly stove, and firewood storage will become problematic. Most importantly, on electricity. You have the choice to use the following gadgets:
- "warm floor" system
- heating devices – convectors, panels, electric fireplace, infrared heaters, etc.d..
Counseling! Thermostatic sensors, timers, and sockets are examples of auxiliary devices that can help control temperature.
Dimensions
The sizes of wall blocks that are produced are as follows:
- 2400×5000 cm;
- 4800×200;
- 1900×2800 cm (garages with a gate opening).
The blocks range in wall thickness from 8 to 12 cm. You can choose elements or order a design for specific parameters because of the various sizes.
It’s crucial to weigh the advantages and potential disadvantages of monolithic versus prefabricated reinforced concrete garages. A strong and long-lasting solution, monolithic garages have a seamless construction that increases their overall strength. They are a great long-term investment because of their high resistance to environmental factors like weather and pests. However, the labor-intensive and time-consuming nature of construction may result in higher initial costs.
Conversely, prefabricated concrete garages provide quick and easy assembly. Because these structures are made off-site and transported in sections, construction time can be greatly shortened. Prefabricated garages are a desirable alternative for people on a limited budget because they are frequently less expensive initially and require less work to install. Joining sections could potentially result in weak points, and they might not offer the same level of customization or durability as their monolithic counterparts.
The choice between a prefabricated reinforced concrete garage and a monolithic garage will ultimately come down to your preferences, needs, and financial situation. A monolithic garage can be your best option if strength and durability are your main concerns and you have the funds to undertake a more involved building process. But if affordability and speedy installation are your top priorities, a prefabricated solution might be a better fit. Each style of garage has its own benefits, so you can be sure that whichever you choose will give your cars a sturdy and useful area.
