foundation for cold weather

[vtsteve]

Re: foundation for cold weather

I have a plain 5.5" reinforced slab in central Vermont, resting on three feet of compacted stone (I kept hitting debris from 130 years of previous renovation - including two ash layers - so I kept digging). Now my patio heaves up and down around the oven .

[Aegis]

Re: foundation for cold weather

I just downloaded the plans and would like to build a raised version of the pompeii oven. I live in an area where freezing and heaving of structures is normally an issue to consider - has anyone in a cold area dug the traditional 3 ft foundation to support the walls when building one of these ovens ? Thanks!

I live in Ct. and although this winter hasn't been too bad last winter was a bute! I had my slab and stand constructed before last winter and it has survived well both times so far. I have clay/ledge soil,the worst for frost heave damage so if you have anything better no worries! (And anything is better than clay!) I dug down about a foot and dumped in 3/4" stone for drainage and I also dig 9 holes for sono tube and went with the "pillar" foundation. Here are some pics, I went down 42" for the tubes or I stopped at ledge. At the bottom of the tubes I put in some 3/4 stone for drainage until I hit the 42" mark. Drainage, drainage, drainage is your best friend! From the under the base I also had drainage pipe running down the back. This is connected to the drainage pipe I put in for the retaining walls and patio area. Good Luck and enjoy your build! btw the pompeii oven works GREAT!
John

[azatty]

Re: foundation for cold weather

Lots of people on the board have ovens in New England. There are a variety of solutions. Do a search on "frost heave" and you'll pull up a ton of threads describing the various considerations and solutions.

[jgv109]

I just downloaded the plans and would like to build a raised version of the pompeii oven. I live in an area where freezing and heaving of structures is normally an issue to consider - has anyone in a cold area dug the traditional 3 ft foundation to support the walls when building one of these ovens ? Thanks!