? for Florida safe owners~

[Tropical Z]

If all goes well,i will be making it to actual "Tropical Z" country in the near future.Im planning on getting a house somewhere between Ocala and Lake Wales.Now the questions.
1.Can i assume that all slab foundations would have a moisture barrier UNDER the slab? Would all new or newer homes have one?
2.It would seem to me that even if a moisture barrier exists under the slab,that the potential for moisture to come up from the concrete itself would exist-does this mean the floor of my gunsafe is likely to rust out unless i put a moisture barrier under it and on top of the carpet?
3.Are block homes a safe bet from a termite and carpenter ant point of view?
4.Am i worrying WAY to much about the floor of my safe?

 

[Daedalus]

I recommend that you leave a piece of wood underneath your safe, it should help against corrosion.

 

[0007]

I used galvanized 1" uni-strut under my safe. lifts it off the floor and allows air flow. Hasn't rusted in ten years of sitting on a 60 year old concrete slab. Mount the strut to the floor with1/2" bolts and concrete anchors. Then drill through the safe floor and use longer bolts into more anchors to draw the safe down onto the strut. As long as the safe is located somewhere where the temperature is fairly stable, rusting of the safe or the contents shouldn't be an issue. A north or south wall is better then east or west. I have one 24 inch Golden Rod in mine. Welcome to Florida. Apply for your ccwas soon as you get settled in.

 

[Dave P]

2.I would put 2x4's under my safe - how else to get the hand truck or pry bars underneith? Any ventilation is good. What if your dog pees on the carpet in that corner??


3.Are block homes a safe bet from a termite and carpenter ant point of view? Termites will still eat the studs and trusses - get insurance.


Sounds like you will be kinda close to the Lakeland Rifle & Pistol Club - they have a web page somewhere.

DAve

 

[Tropical Z]

Thanks!

 

[RikWriter]

Trop, I have a safe in my garage and have had no problems with rust whatsoever...nothing under it but floor.
BTW you're going to be living pretty close to my stomping grounds, apparently...I live in Lakeland.

 

[Freedspeak]

Florida safes

I had a safe sitting directly on the floor in an unairconditioned building for about six years with no rust or problems.

A goldenrod is a good idea here in florida, also damp-rid or dessicant in the safe helps removes excess moisture

 

[KahrKarrier]

As a native Floridian I can only say this, don't ever assume anything and I mean anything is positively safe from moisture or termites in our great state. Moisture and insects, along with a snake or two, and the occasional gator are things you will have to get used to here in Florida. The creature that really bares watching at all times is the dreaded Cotton Top Snowbird during their annual wintertime southern migration, they really jam things up but they aren't gonna rust your safe or eat your trusses (LOL).
Seriously tho, like the other guys said a couple of 2X4's under your safe is cheap insurance.
Welcome to sunny Florida.

 

[JimJD]

Hey, good for You Tropical Z!
You know, I have to ask My builder about that.
I've been watching another builder construct a foundation next door...wow I did'nt know it was done that way. At least with that particular house.
They built up the lower walls with cinder block, then filled it with sand, let it sit for a few days, put some PVC piping in various locations then covered it with concrete!? I know nothing of house construction, so I'm full of questions.
Wish I could answer Your's, I just moved here about five months ago.
I'm down here in Lakeland, Have to check out the Lakeland Rifle & Pistol Club one of these days. Going to try to get over to the Tenoroc range next week if I can. Have that Winchester WB just sitting there calling Me.

KahrKarrier said:

The creature that really bares watching at all times is the dreaded Cotton Top Snowbird during their annual wintertime southern migration, they really jam things up but they aren't gonna rust your safe or eat your trusses (LOL).

Hah! ROFL, I almost got t-boned by one who ran a light the other day.
You could see the thirst for blood in their eyes!

 

[Tropical Z]

You people are A-OK!

 

[El Tejon]

If you are concerned about this potential problem, why not just ask the builder???

Anywho, IME, I think a solution to your concern is to build a platform (box covered with carpet) for your safe. Keeps the safe off the floor and allows airflow. Plus you don't have to stoop as far to access the safe.