I’m in the process of designing my home and my architect is suggesting we use the superior pre-cast foundation wall system. I’m curious if anyone has any experience in using these units and what problems have occured as a result – or- success stories that can be shared.
I’m very concerned that the cost and effort to fix a foundation problem is considerable. If this system is so good, why don’t they offer something like a 50 year warranty, instead of a simple 15-year no leak warranty.
Replies
I framed 2 houses on these babies and for my part I loved them. The seemed to go together well...although the things were in place by the time I got around to seeing them...
talking with the homeowner later, he was quite pleased with them. He did mention the cost, but felt the benefits well overshadowed the costs involved.
Looking forward to the replies to your query...
personally, If I had to do it, I'd go ICF of some sort...ever consider that?
knowledge without experience is just information.... Mark Twain
http://www.cobrajem.com
I've just started to consider those as options. Do you have any systems that work better than others ?
-E
well...I've been to a seminar from a product called "phoenix systems". They seemed to boast all the benefits of their product, but I'm sure all ICF systems do that. I did see a few of them (phoenix) in action as well as finished products and I liked what I saw...
as for specifics, I couldn't give you any as I'm not really into foundations or how they really work...I mostly concentrate on what goes on top of them.
I'm sure you could look on the internet and find a few ICF dealers in your area and have them sell you on their respective products. On the whole, I fully believe in this type of basement foundation for the thermal mass insulation value, the "ready to sheetrock" finish when they are installed. I'd consider them greatly.
sorry I couldn't be much more help.
Good luck in you search!
and welcome to the site!knowledge without experience is just information.... Mark Twain
http://www.cobrajem.com
I watched a guy build a Logix ICF foundation across the road from my current project.
Working for a week, start to finish, and mostly without help, he built the whole thing, including all the rebar, bracing, foamseal, etc., and had it ready for a Saturday morning pour.
On a hillside, walkout lower level, garage attached via breezeway, framed window and door openings in the walkout, quite complex. No problems at all, perfect pour.
My project is atop a Superior Walls foundation, a quite complex one, that was installed onto its prepared gravel bed in 6 hours of one day. That was last June. We have been problem-free so far. I cannot imagine having any issues with its integrity.
Eswan,
A friend of mine has a house on a Superior walls foundation. For the most part it's been trouble free. But I do know that if the panels are not joined properly and begin to leak, the fix is painful and expensive.
I have had three of the Superior Wall foundations put in.
Personally, I love them.
The cost added between 7% and 10% to the foundation.
Probably the biggest surprise to me (on the first one) was how long it took to glue and bolt down the 2x10 sill board.
The additional cost is quickly made up if any basement finish is going to occur.
I have worked on ICF foundations - not especially impressed.
I had one ICF job that was basement and first floor walls - NEVER AGAIN.
Terry