Hey y’all – I’m planning a new house build here in SC, Zone 3.
Question 1: We’re planning on having a 4-course block wall slab. We have some very large exterior facing slider doors that will be installed in a 2×6 wall and normally these would sit directly on the slab, but I’m wondering if it is worthwhile to drop the slab height for the exterior doors 2-4″ thereby creating a sill pan for the door itself to sit in?
Question 2: In addition to dropping the slab for exterior doors, I’ve been considering dropping the slab in the bathrooms to make sure I can get flush transitions between flooring materials with different thicknesses (i.e hardwood vs. tile). In order to give myself a bit more wiggle room, I’ve been considering dropping the slab by 1/4″ or 1/2″ in the bathrooms so that I can build them up to the same thickness as my 3/4″ hardwood.
Any thoughts greatly appreciated!
Replies
Not sure what you mean by a "4-course block wall slab" - it may be a common term in your area but this Yankee is not familiar with it.
As a construction engineer with 50+ years in concrete construction, a 1/4" depression for the bathroom will be difficult to get precise. I'd recommend 1" and then use a leveler as need to accommodate the adjacent flooring.
Make sure the any wood framing is at least 6" higher the the final finished exterior grade.