Shop concrete slab insulation

[97crewcab]

We started this conversation on another insulation thread, but I thought I should start a new one on slab insulation so I didn't clog up the original thread with my questions.

I have a pole building that I am getting ready for concrete. I am going to do some sort of perimeter insulation on the edge and possibly below a portion of the concrete. I am not planning on insulating below the entire pad because I don't plan on heating it and I am hoping for some cooling effect during the warm months.

I see on garage journal guys are digging about 2' around the inside of the building and placing foam board insulation vertically next to the grade board. The issue is digging a trench along the inside edge of a existing building. It is labor intensive and could it affect the structure because you are digging out 2' around the poles which are the building's foundation.

Another option is coming in 2-3 ft from the inside edge of the building and trenching for a similar insulation installation. This would require putting a couple ft of insulation under the slab from the trench out to the grade board and then a small piece up the side of the grade board on the inside.

Is the vertical insulation necessary in the second option? Would I get as much benefit from the insulation if I just put 2-4' of foam board in from the grade board laying flat under the concrete and up the inside of the inside of the grade board?

Opinions? Building is 40x64 and located in Eastern Nebraska if that matters for conversation.

[cquestad]

Where do you live?

[cquestad]

Chit...just saw. Walls and roof are far more important for a slab on grade building. Do you need to meet local building code? I would decide that first.

[Meyers Farms]

I'm interested in this as well, although my building will be heated if that changes the recommendation. Thanks!

[97crewcab]

I plan on heating mine as well. I have seen others sat that 80% of heat loss from the slab is through the edge. Not sure on the accuracy of that though.
I guess this is my cheap way of a fox block - like slab.

No codes pertaining to this on my application

[TBittner]

I would agree with the walls and roof comment. I would lay a decent layer of plastic under the concrete to keep,the moisture from working up through. For the loss that you would have through the concrete I would say you could add value elsewhere to make up for it.

[kjpcummins]

Is this what your looking for

[97crewcab]

Originally Posted by kjpcummins

Is this what your looking for

Very similar. There are a lot of drawings like that. Some put insulation to the outside of the foundation also. A lot of ways to do it.
The discussion is not whether to do it but what is the best for my application.

[Meyers Farms]

Originally Posted by 97crewcab

I plan on heating mine as well. I have seen others sat that 80% of heat loss from the slab is through the edge. Not sure on the accuracy of that though.
I guess this is my cheap way of a fox block - like slab.

No codes pertaining to this on my application

I was wondering why you weren't heating in Nebraska! Sorry about that, I read it as you were not heating it but looking for cooling effects. I guess we are in the same boat then.

[97crewcab]

Originally Posted by Meyers Farms

I was wondering why you weren't heating in Nebraska! Sorry about that, I read it as you were not heating it but looking for cooling effects. I guess we are in the same boat then.

I guess I did say I wasn't heating it, but I meant I wasn't planning on putting floor heat in. I am planning on propane radiant tube heat.