CAR LIFT CONCRETE REQUIREMENTS

CONCRETE FOUNDATION MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR CAR LIFTS

The concrete requirements for a car lift depend on various factors, including the weight capacity of the lift, the type of installation (surface-mounted or in-ground), and the local building codes. Here are some general guidelines:

Weight Capacity: The concrete needs to be able to support the weight of the car lift along with the maximum weight it will be lifting. Car lifts typically have weight capacities ranging from 6,000 pounds to over 30,000 pounds. Check the specifications provided by the manufacturer for the exact weight requirements.
Thickness: The thickness of the concrete slab will depend on the weight capacity of the lift. Thicker slabs are needed for heavier lifts. Typically, for light-duty lifts (up to 9,000 pounds), a 4-inch slab may be sufficient. For heavier lifts, a thicker slab of 6 inches or more may be required.
Strength: The concrete used for car lift installations should have a minimum compressive strength. This is typically specified by the manufacturer or local building codes. A common strength requirement for car lift installations is 4,000 psi (pounds per square inch) or higher.Cured for 28 days per local commercial practice
Reinforcement: Reinforcement may be needed depending on the weight capacity of the lift and the local building codes. This can include rebar or wire mesh within the concrete slab to provide additional strength and prevent cracking.
Surface Finish: The surface of the concrete should be smooth and level to ensure proper installation and operation of the car lift.
Drainage: Ensure that the concrete slab has proper drainage to prevent water accumulation, which can cause damage to the lift over time.
Expansion Joints: Expansion joints may be necessary to prevent cracking due to temperature changes and ground movement. No anchors should be installed within 8 inches of any crack, edge, or expansion joint. If these conditions cannot be met, a pad may be poured to accommodate the lift.

8. Never drill or cut into a Post-Tension Concrete Foundation! Cutting a Post-Tensioned Cable can result in severe injury or death. Post-Tensioned Foundations are compressed by high-strength steel tendons after the concrete has cured. Pressures on the steel tendons can be quite high. A qualified technician is required to identify cable locations prior to cutting or drilling. Post-Tension Slabs in many homes are indicated by a warning stamped into
the concrete, often found near the garage door. Older structures may have a plastic or paper sign fastened to the wall. If there are no signs indicating a Post-Tension Slab, undertake a careful examination of the exterior of the slab looking for small circular patching areas about 1.5 in. to 3 in. in diameter, typically 2 to 4-feet apart. These patches indicate the ends of the Post-Tension Cables. Another source of information is your local department of Building and Safety. Building and Safety may retrieve the structure plans to determine if the building has a Post-
Tensioned Slab.

9. Never install a Lift on damaged or defective concrete.

10. The maximum allowable slope of the pre-existing concrete is 3-degrees.

11. Never install a Lift on hand-mixed concrete.

12. Do not install a Lift on a secondary floor level or on any ground floor with a basement beneath, without written authorization from the building Architect

It's important to consult with a structural engineer or contractor experienced in car lift installations to determine the specific requirements for your situation and location. Additionally, always check local building codes and regulations to ensure compliance.

Failure by purchaser to provide the recommended mounting surface could

result in unsatisfactory lift performance, property damage, or personal injury.

CONCRETE VIEW SECTION

What To Do if Your Concrete Does Not Meet the Minimum Requirements

Never setup a car lift on concrete that does not meet the minimum requirements. This can create a safety hazard and lead to serious injury.

The best way to address concrete that does not meet minimum requirements is to pour a new slab of concrete. Keep in mind of few key considerations:

Make sure any new concrete has at least a 28 day cure period.
Consider new concrete with a 4,000 PSI minimum (exceeds the 3,000 PSI required for car lifts).

2 Post 10000LBS

How Thick is Concrete for a Car Lift?

Most floor and concrete specifications dictate that the slab thickness should be at least 4 inches thick and be able to handle at least 4000 psi.

Additional concrete requirements will vary by lift.

4″ Minimum Thickness is best for 8,500 lbs – 10,000 lbs car lifts
6″ Minimum Thickness is best for 11,000 lbs – 15,000 lbs lifts
16,000+ lbs car lifts require a minimum of 8"thick concrete slab

Note: The above recommendations vary from brand to brand. Some might recommend a thicker for specified weight.

2 Post 12000 -16000 LBS

Thickness by Car Lift Capacity

In general, lower car lift capacity weights need less concrete thickness. Larger capacity weight car lifts require increased concrete thickness.

Car lifts start with 10,000 pounds of lift capacity and increase up to 20,000 pounds of lift capacity.

9,000 to 10,000 pounds of lift capacity typically requires a 4 inch minimum thickness.
Greater than 10,000 pounds of lift capacity typically requires 6 inch minimum thickness.

4 Post 12000 -15000 LBS

Importance of a Stable Foundation

The stability of your car lift installation hinges on a strong and durable foundation. A properly thick concrete slab provides the necessary support to prevent structural damage and ensure the safety of both the lift and the vehicles it’s carrying. Without the right foundation, the lift’s stability can be compromised, potentially leading to accidents or equipment malfunction.