OWB platform question

[urhstry]

For those of you that have OWB's, what size platform are you making for your unit?

I ran across a new install where the guy had a concrete form exactly the same dimensions as the unit itself, no overhang or lip. I asked why and he said that water gets underneath it and will rust the bottom of the unit. He said that if you were to see the concrete, it has a crown on it to make any water run off it. He even siliconed the edges. He also placed roof felt on it. On a few sites they say to make the platform longer and wider so you have a little room to load the wood. Comments?

 

[Butch(OH)]

Sounds like you are talking about a "legless" unit like a Central Boiler and his theory could have merit. Mine has legs so no worries there and the pad is bigger so I had a dry spot to load from. Also added riser blocks so I dont have to bend over to load it. Should have been bigger yet and I have added stepping stones since the pic.


<IMG SRC=http://i6.tinypic.com/24mxj01.jpg>

 

[ms310]

Pad

When i did mine i made it bigger by about 2'' all away around or 4'' all together. when it was installed Silicone was layed down around the perimeter, then a foiled bubble wrap, then silicone again. However i think you will find that with different owbs the pad, and installation may be different. Mine has a sand bottom, this is why i did it this way. If i did it with the pad the same size as the owb i could of had sand running out the bottom!!

 

[abohac]

For those of you that have OWB's, what size platform are you making for your unit?

I ran across a new install where the guy had a concrete form exactly the same dimensions as the unit itself, no overhang or lip. I asked why and he said that water gets underneath it and will rust the bottom of the unit. He said that if you were to see the concrete, it has a crown on it to make any water run off it. He even siliconed the edges. He also placed roof felt on it. On a few sites they say to make the platform longer and wider so you have a little room to load the wood. Comments?

I made mine about 3 ft larger on all sides and a little walkway right in front. Wish it was bigger. I also raised it up about 1 ft so I didn't have to bend over to load it and I had more room in the back to hook up my pex.

 

[abohac]

For those of you that have OWB's, what size platform are you making for your unit?

I ran across a new install where the guy had a concrete form exactly the same dimensions as the unit itself, no overhang or lip. I asked why and he said that water gets underneath it and will rust the bottom of the unit. He said that if you were to see the concrete, it has a crown on it to make any water run off it. He even siliconed the edges. He also placed roof felt on it. On a few sites they say to make the platform longer and wider so you have a little room to load the wood. Comments?

Mine looks very similiar to Butch's. I used what looks to be the exact insulated pvc and blocked it up like he did. I brought my lines right up throught the cement though (poured around it).