Shop Floor FIRE PROOFING....?????

[darryljs]

Why not use cement board like what they use under a tile floor. Cement Board (Common: 1/2-in x 3-ft x 5-ft) $9.98 at Lowes and install it with thin set mortar.

[c69ss396]

What ever you do make sure its not porous, If it is it could soak in spilled gas and oil and make the fire harder to put out. Sheet metal would be ok if you could do it in one sheet if not the seems will soak up the oils and be a fire waiting for its heat source. That could be you welding or using a torch maybe? You wouldn't even know its smoldering since its covered up then its up in smoke while you sleep....

[Jeff in Pa]

Originally Posted by kostendorf

I know its more money than you probably want to spend but if your going to weld in there I'd insulate, use sheet rock on walls and ceiling then pour a 1" floor of concrete. Then use your paint on the sheet rock. Once you get that building filled with your toys you don't want it burning. Plus you'll have a nice warm place to work.

I like this idea. Use fire rated drywall too.

Originally Posted by kostendorf

And don't forget an exhaust fan...

[green 4 acres]

I vote bad plan too , welding cutting in a wood structure ,sorry if that is not what you wanted to hear . Take it from a guy who has had his share of oily rag fires from welding /cutting
maybe out side for now away from the building

[cc_bob]

I doubt a 1" layer of concrete over a wood floor would last. The wood will flex and concrete that thin will crack.

If it was me I'd build a lean-to or even another small shed (without a floor) on the side where the concrete slab. This is a win/win if you can afford it since it will free up some space for more Cub parts or tools

[J-Mech]

Originally Posted by CADplans

My feeling about welding in THAT building????????

You might as well spray gasoline before you start, it will go up in flames eventually.

The issue is not the floor, it is the entire structure.

A spark goes somewhere, smoldering starts, in the middle of the night, you hear the fire trucks driving up,,,,.

Those welding/cutting sparks go 10 feet,,, land in some dust and/or cob webs, and the smoldering starts.

You could do a water washdown after welding EVERY time.

Originally Posted by green 4 acres

I vote bad plan too , welding cutting in a wood structure ,sorry if that is not what you wanted to hear . Take it from a guy who has had his share of oily rag fires from welding /cutting
maybe out side for now away from the building

Sorry Keith, but I'm with these guys. That just isn't a good building to be welding in. It will make a nice shop though!

Now, drywalling the entire inside (walls and ceiling) would help. But, I'm not sure what to think about the floor. Pouring concrete on it won't last. It will just crack. I'm sure that paint helps, but it won't work on the floor where the sparks land. It will burn through, into the wood, and your back to square one. I say, pour a pad outside, and weld out there. Like was stated, I know that's not what you want to hear, but I think your better off not doing it. I really don't want to read later on in the year about a fire......

[kostendorf]

I agree J-Mech, Its just too costly to do it. 1" concrete with wire and fiberglass in it will work though. Even if it cracks it won't come apart.

[CADplans]

Oh, yea, day after day, week after week, year after year, the building materials get dryer and dryer.

If you want to weld, get a metal shed,,,,, with a concrete floor,,,,,



I have wood, the second story floor, but, it is over ten feet high.

[chris hall]

could you make a covered porch to weld in ? you would not be able to weld when it rains thou. i have seen heavy canvas curtains that you could roll down on the sides. you could store everything inside and roll out your welder etc to work .

[Oak]

I don't know if it is a good idea either but you could put some heavy plywood down, hardibacker and then tile it.