Tried this in const. techniques but didnt get a response. My foundation sub is really pushing ICF’s. The only experience I have is with the older (circa 1970’s) stuff, which were prone to cracking due to insufficient concrete thickness. IMHO. What I want to know is, are the new ones , such as Reward or Nudura any good. The thickness seems to be improved, but I’d like to here from someone who’s used them. Also which if any are preferred and why. I’m not sure I want to go back to doing foundations, but the supposed ease of installation means I could do a foundation with my carpentry crew. This could be advantageous ,due to scheduling conflicts with my sub. (there’s only one good one here) I like the idea of producing a poured foundation without owning or renting forms. (Not to mention hauling & cleaning them) Also believe that the labor savings of the insulation already being there , will easily offset the costs of the forms. But , who knows ,I’ve been wrong before. If no one here has any knowledge of this ( hard to believe) does anyone know of a foundation forum, with good folks. Thanks!
Brudoggie
Starting to wonder if everybody has me on their ignore list.
Replies
I don't think anyone's ignoring you, I just think this subject has been discussed to death.
Have you searched the archives, and read up on what's been posted here already? That should keep you busy for a long time.
Why do croutons come in airtight packages? They are only stale bread.
Having suffered through the "too busy for you right now blues" with my masons, I tried ICF's. The first foundation I poured was a little scary, but since then I've done several more including one with a 9" lift. It's relatively easy process and a crew of carpenters can set and brace a 32'x32' foundation in an 8 hour day. The big selling point as far as I'm concerned is the insulated foundation walls R30.5, properly waterproofed and drained, the basements stay dryer (in my opinion).
I just finished an above grade Reward wall. Everything went well. The forms were extremely easy to use and we did not have any blow outs or other problems. I had the walls straight as a 2x4 wall prior to pour and it took very little adjustment to get them back right.
I would suggest investing in bracing. I used all wood and it was time consuming erecting it. If I were doing it again I would have had some metal brackets made to attach the wood to the walls this would have been a great time saver. Also I rented my turn buckles for $1.50 per month so unless you are doing this real often that is a good option. Also Reward will engineer the wall for you if you need that.
Yes it's fantastic using them. I do when I can.
No, I'm not ignoring you.
Do, try the search button.
A house is going up a few doors down from my using a foundation from http://www.superiorwalls.com. Very interesting - it takes the technology to another dimension. I've taken a close look at the foundation which was installed here a few days ago and am very impressed. Based on what I've seen, I'll probably go with this solution for a home I plan to build next year.
I'm sold on Reward. We're doing a foundation with it tomorrow morning.
I bought a small truckload of turnbuckles for about $8 each, worth every penny.
This time we're going to try some 16 ga. galvanized steel angle for the corners -- the 2x6 just twisted up too much last time.
DRC