Replies

1. 
   Bill_Rose | Oct 06, 1999 01:12am | #10

   *
   Here in Illinois, there is a strong argument for lifting up a house with block walls instead of piers. In an elevated house on a river, most of the risk comes from debris. Having a solid foundation diverts the flow around the house, so it reduces the momentum of any impacting tree trunks, ice floes, etc. And it provides some massive resistance to impact. An ice floe can slice a pier pretty easily. We've recommended flooding the elevated basement with fresh water prior to the flood to ease the cleanup.

   On the seashore, I'd go with piers, which are better against waves and surge.

2. 
   Guest_ | Oct 06, 1999 01:12am | #11

   *
   Hey Blue. You been doin' any backhoe work lately? :-) - jb

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 06, 1999 06:32am | #12

   *Hey BlueTo hell with the pad or the party room. Build it outa pressure treated, flat on the ground, tar the sh*t out of it, put a bit of a point on one end and transom for an outboard on the other end and get a boat licence. When the water comes you can just ride it out.Maybe instead of an A frame. you could build a paddle wheeler, or maybe an Ark. . .make a great conversation piece with the heighbours. They're gonna talk about you anyway, Lisa's been gabbin!!For further reference, and details read i Mosquito Coastby Paul Theroux. Oh, and we've moved on from discussing insulation here, you'll hafta check the archives, or email Fred.-pm

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 06, 1999 07:03am | #13

   *Good to see you back , Blue, and right timely. I could use your input on a "Compulsory Blocking" Bill that I think is just what the American building industry needs. Gonna propose it to Congress.

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 06, 1999 07:18am | #14

   *welcome back. I like the paddle wheeler idea , can't be more exspensive than DIY backhoing a foundation.

3. 
   Norman_Williams_GREENBLOCK_METRO | Oct 06, 1999 08:14am | #15

   *
   Blue, Have you ever considered ICF's for this project. I have attached a picture of a basement we did last month. The requirements were the same as for the project you described. It took 3 men 2 days to complete this project. Please notice the overhead garage door openings are opposite each other to allow the free flow of flood water.

4. 
   Guest_ | Oct 06, 1999 07:35pm | #16

   *
   Welcome Back blue...."the boogerman", Hope things are going well for you old buddy.

   Lar

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 10, 1999 09:30pm | #18

   *Blue you have definitly been missed, if anybody can booger it you can. I like the idea of the paddlewheeler its got kind of a huck fin approach that seems that it would be right up your alley.

5. 
   Guest_ | Oct 10, 1999 09:30pm | #17

   *
   Are all the same characters still here, telling each other how crappy their ideas are? If so, I'l rejoin the fray!

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 05, 1999 07:29am | #1

   *Ok, the real reason I'm back is for more advice. I finished my barn wiring, and am actually ready to get it inspected. If it passes, I'll have to assume the inspector is too old to properly do the job.My new project is an A frame that I am starting soon up north on lake huron. I need insulation advice.It's in a flood plain, so usable basement is presumed to be offlimits. But to get to virgin ground, and stay above the expected highwater mark, I will need 8' (approx) foundation walls.I am mentally debating block versus wood fooundation.Should I insulate the wood foundation walls, or the floor joist?Blue

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 05, 1999 07:39am | #2

   *Blue,

   Good to hear from you again, the lights still working??

   Joseph FuscoView Image"The price of apathy towards public affairs is to be ruled by evil men." -- Plato

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 05, 1999 07:50am | #3

   *Blue, After the lending institutions changed their rules about requiring flood insurance around here, alot of houses have been going "up". Since you dont seem to be talking about piers, I'm curious as to what the area below the expected high water mark will be used for?JonC

1. 
   Guest_ | Oct 05, 1999 08:04am | #4

   *Actually Jon, it will just be filled in with air, or sand. I don't plan on actually using it as a basement, because I figure it will fill up with water, and ruin everything that is down there.I am open to suggestions.Joe, the lights work beautifully. Thanks for the welcome back message.blue

2. 
   Guest_ | Oct 05, 1999 08:47am | #5

   *I've seen alot of places put up on wood piers or "pole decks" that are supposed to be economical and pretty bullet proof in high water. Under house area is commonly used for parking in summer. I had a govt book about building and converting structures in flood areas out from the library last year that seemed to be pretty readable and useable. Hope it dont float.JonC

3. 
   Guest_ | Oct 05, 1999 03:09pm | #6

   *DevilI like block walls. The price doesnt go up that much. Pour a slab and use it for garage /storage. Can make a good party room. With block you just paint then and it looks decent. It also makes a good workroom. Make sure to put some break away panels so the water can flow through instead of crashing down.Rick Tuk

4. 
   Guest_ | Oct 05, 1999 04:59pm | #7

   *Welcome back Blue....and you definately need a note!!!!

5. 
   Lisa | Oct 05, 1999 06:27pm | #8

   *Hey Blue! we missed you. Had to pick on "legs" instead. Welcome back and by the way, its your turn to buy a round...Lisa

6. 
   Guest_ | Oct 05, 1999 06:39pm | #9

   *It is nice to hear from you again, Blue!Rich Beckman