Replies

1. 
   giuliani | Jul 27, 1999 03:58pm | #1

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   Jennifer, As a distributor for a pre-fab wall panel company from Canada I recommed Superior wall to all my clients. I have been watched several Superior Wall installations over the past 9 years and am still amazed how fast they are installed. The main manufacturing plant in about a half hour from my office in Ephrata, and are scheduled to deliver about 2200 basements in this area of Pennsylvania this year. If you have any more questions E-mail me or call Superior Wall at (800) 792-9255.

   Hope this helps...

   John Giuliani
   Nascor Building Systems of PA.

2. 
   Guest_ | Jul 27, 1999 06:40pm | #2

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   The embodied energy of manufacturing the prefab foundation is very low so it is a "green" product environmentally. Also the hiPSI concrete used is much more waterproof than block or regular pored walls. Don't forget to insulate the foundation.

   Ron

3. 
   Eric_Borden | Jul 29, 1999 08:30am | #3

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   After just finishing a house for a client using the Superior Wall System, I would recommend them to anyone who is willing to listen. I think they are wonderful and a better product than block or poured concrete.BUT as with anything else the installation is the key. Make sure that the installer is on the ball and that the procedure for installation and framing is followed to the letter. It is a wonderful system when installed properly but a nightmare if not.

1. 
   Jim_Burrum | Jul 29, 1999 08:44am | #4

   *Jennifer, I'm interested in Superior Walls also.... can I ask what your bids came in at vs block? And how big your basement is?Thanks, Jim

1. 
   Mark_Helling | Jul 31, 1999 11:32pm | #5

   *Jennifer,There is a web site for Thermalcrete Precast foundations. The address is: http://www.kistner.comI too am planning to build next summer and have considered going the precast foundation route. I too would like to hear what kind of price comparisons you got. I live in Ohio so I'm concerned the shipping expense and expense to bring in skilled installers would be prohibitive.

1. 
   G.LaLonde | Jul 31, 1999 11:52pm | #6

   *Eric, I have never used them , but I've seen several of them installed this year. When I inquired about them, I got a call from 4 different people who claimed to be the sole agent for my area...HmmmmThey are impressive to look at and set up quickly, but I see what you mean about a sloppy installer being able to cause you a nightmare. The thought of a bead of heavy caulk being the only waterproofing between the sections is a little scary. I can also see where you could have a real mess if the footing stone wasn't done properly.I've got a bid out on one now and am waiting to see how the prices compare with other methods. They are particularly nice if you have a building with many angles or an unusual shape. I'd like to hear from anyone else who's used one.

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   Jennifer_Y. | Aug 01, 1999 09:51am | #7

   *Mark and Jim,Unfortunately I do not know the exact bid that our builder received for the Superior Walls Foundation. He did tell us he reviewed our plans with the sales rep and he told us that it would cost about $1000 more to go with Superior Walls. He also said that down the line the extra thousand spent on the walls would save us in framing costs if we plan to finish off the basement since the Superior Walls are already studded and ready to drywall. The size of our basement is roughly 1200 square feet, but not all of it would be Superior Walls, or concrete block, because our builder plans to stud and sheath(?) the back wall of our foundation since it is above grade, allowing for a walk-out basement. The walls might also be a good option for us since our house has several angles in it to give the front of the foundation some extra strength to withstand all of the backfill that will be going up against it. Although I seem to be inclined to think the Superior Wall is the right option for us, I don't think we know enough about their longevity or are convinced enough of their potential longevity to buck tradition and stray from the tried-and-true concrete block. I guess to us it seems a little risky to put everything you own, and a good bit more of what the bank owns, into your dream house and take a chance on a "new" way to build the foundation, arguably the most important and unforgiving part of the house. Time will tell as we are getting ready to break ground in the next several weeks and a decision will have to be made soon.Jennifer in Central Pennsylvania

4. 
   Jennifer_Y. | Aug 01, 1999 09:51am | #8

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   We are getting ready to break ground on our new home in August, but we still haven't decided on the type of foundation walls we should use. Our lot is below the road a bit with a slight slope which is enabling us to have a walk-out basement. Our builder is planning on digging just enough to reach "virgin" soil and then building up from there. This will result in a significant amount of back-fill at the front of our house. Our choices for foundation walls are concrete block or the Superior Walls. I guess we are leaning towards concrete block because it has been used for so long, unlike the Superior Walls. But I'm wandering if maybe these Superior Walls are going to become the new standard in the future, kind of like pre-fabricated roof trusses are now. Can anybody share with us there experience with Superior Walls as well as what you believe their strengths and weaknesses are--especially weaknesses. Thank you!