Hey everyone:
I am currently in the planning stages of building a home in Southwest Iowa, and am having a really hard time deciding what type of basement to build…
I like the look/concept of the various “leave in place” forms for poured basements, but I have concerns about termite infestations. SW Iowa is not a highly likely place for termites like my current locale (Dallas), but I am still concerned…Even the “termite resistant” versions of these have had negative things said about them in regards to termite infestations.
So, does anyone have experience with these forms in the Midwest, preferably Iowa/Nebraska/Missouri/Kansas area?
Any information is appreciated, also if anyone has any suggestions for alternatives, they are welcome…
Thanks,
Jamie
Replies
I am in the KC area. I don't have any experience with the forms (but there is a new house with them about finished near me).
But TERMITES are common problem in this area. I would have to be in WI or MN before I started thinking about not worrying about them.
Bill:
My thoughts exactly...I'm leaning towards going the conservative route and doing a standard poured basement.
Down here in Texas, if you stand still too long, the termites will eat your sneakers off... :~)
Seems like the ICFs are better for northern climates (brother-in-law has them in Montana, LOVES them) where they don't have the termite problem.
Thanks,
Jamie
I believe the ICF forms are borate treated, or at least can be. I just got Chinese food from a strip mall that went up last spring, 100% ICF/steel construction. I'm in Western MI, though.
did
I opened the box, and the first thing I pulled out was - well, ya know, it's just surreal being me right now...