Replies

1. 
   Rob_Dykeman | Feb 06, 1999 09:46pm | #1

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   Clinton
   you can find out all you want to know about ICF's at: http://www.insulatingconcreteform.com
   There is also a contact there for Rasta along with almost all the other ICF's too.
   good luck
   Rob Dykeman

1. 
   MRL | Feb 07, 1999 12:52pm | #2

   *ClintonI’ve used Rastra on a home in SE Oregon. It was more traditional style with brick exterior, full basement, two story. It was my first attempt at using Rastra. My background as a builder was masonry construction so working with this product was not much of a stretch. The main idea is that the product can be used by less experienced workers to produce a long lasting structure. The hype that is used to sell product is less than exciting out in the field. We used it below grade as well as above. It does take experience to produce a straight wall and interior finish is usually more costly with a true plaster finish being the best. Drywall compound can be used to skim and texture but this only works well after one coat of plaster trowel applied for initial bond coat. Product has some good points by way of being less susceptible to termite damage. Transport and quality control may be something that you should examine. To produce a really quality job it takes patience and skill to do. For adobe it would have merit in my opinion. Seems like last month in FH they showed adobe style house with block walls sprayed with urethane that simulated adobe and made shapes consistent with mission style. Try to get someone with experience to use the material or you may be better off with something conventional like CMU with urethane. Rastra is one of the better ICF’s available however they seem to market themselves away from most foam form manufacturers. Not sure why?Hope this helps you make your choice. MRL

1. 
   cestout | Feb 12, 1999 08:25am | #3

   *RobThanks for the webb sit info, I saved it and will check it out.Clint

1. 
   cestout | Feb 12, 1999 08:32am | #4

   *MRLCan you tell me anything obout relative costs (compared to wood frame- 2x6 24"oc)? I realizt that you specalize in masonry construction; but beeing in the trades, you must have some idea. I have been to their webb site. They give prices for the block, but when you add rebar and concrete etc. that price - what -doubles?ThanksClint

1. 
   MRL | Feb 14, 1999 07:19am | #5

   *Well, its been more than a year since I’ve priced the material. Comparatively speaking if you’re a builder you would know regional differences in cost can be significant. My experience at building covers 25 yrs as self employed contractor residential and commercial. Last 15 more residential building. So for rule of thumb, double cost of Rastra, for steel and concrete fill and foam adhesive, not quite, maybe but not quite, depends if your pumping concrete, pouring by hand, if its high lift of low lift grouting, many variables to cost. Freight on Rastra is a consideration. It would be reasonable to me that costs are higher than frame and siding construction, regardless. Savings on insulation and drywall just don’t make up this difference. Rastra does accept stucco very well so if your in an area where stucco is very competitive with many subs you may see some more savings. Where I’m at that’s not quite the case. It would be hard to give you specific prices not knowing your finishes or specs. MRL

2. 
   teo_ | Mar 08, 1999 01:32pm | #6

   *If you're still interested, I have been working with rastra lately in N.Ca. In considering costs, the initial expense of the product has to be measured against the potential savings down the line and what finished product you're looking for. A rastra block costs about $40 per 10' long unit (15" high & 10" wide). We had to add $5 per block shipping but it should be less than that in Riverside since it comes from Mexico. Each block takes 3.25 cft of pumped concrete and 20' of #4 steel which adds another $14-18 per block. Labor is a key issue, obviously. You don't need a crew of well-paid craftsmen to put this stuff together. On my project we had myself, the unpaid owner and a laborer and we could put up alot of wall quickly and cheaply. The level of craftmanship you desire will make a difference. We wanted a rustic, old Italian look. If your looking for the modern-engineered-German-automobile crispness it will take more time. You need a heavier foundation for masonry construction, but rastra saves time by not needing to build form walls. Framing, sheathing, insulating and drywalling are eliminated, but costly stucco and plaster are mandatory. This is more expensive than a sandard stick-frame house with a 50-75 yr. life-span. But if you want 12" walls, stucco and plaster finishes and a high R- value anyway, then rastra would definitely be my choice. Throw in excellent fire and pest resistance, earthquake durability, no dry-rot and a life span of polystyrene and there is a lot of value.

2. 
   Clinton_E_Stoutenburgh | Mar 08, 1999 01:32pm | #7

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   I need information on RASTRA (foam and concrete blocks) or a comparable product. I am planning my retirement home in the Juniper Flats area in Riverside CA. I will be a Hacienda/Mission style (hip roof, not flat). I have been looking at RASTRA ; because, aesthetically it will create thick walls simulating old adobe buildings. Also it is fire proof, creature proof, and almost earthquake proof. But it is expensive. Because insulation, drywall, sheathing, and wrapping are eliminated, does this make up for the extra expense? Is there a similar product that is comparable?