I’m researching the possibilty of pouring a foundation in the Fall and putting the first floor on. Then protecting the floor and foundation from Elements of Winter at 9000′ above sea level. We would like to excavate and pour in the fall when its dry and start framing in the spring after the snow melts. Has anyone done this? Any ideas on how to protect and insulate the Foundation?
Thanks
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I did my basement in the fall and then started building right away in the spring like your talking about doing. I used ICF's and didn't cap it until I started in the spring, frost was a big concern (northern Wisconsin) so I carefully back filled up about 4' from the bottom of the footing on three sides. The last side is a walk out so it has a frost footing. Then on the inside of the basement I put about a foot and a half of straw down to insulate the ground,(no slab).
I checked it in the middle of Feb., after about a week of -20 to -30 below zero at night (F) and not getting above zero during the day and there was no frost. I poked a 1/2" rebar through the snow and straw and only found a little mud.
I would wait till spring before capping the basement. It won't get you that much further ahead by doing it now and will be a real problem to water proof. If you get it sealed up good then you have to worry about condensation messing up your subfloor anyways. Good luck Terry