New to Greenbuildingtalk - my first post! I'm interested in doing a walkout basement with Polycore (steel and styrofoam - no concrete). Has anyone used this product? Is it as easy to install as it seems for a DIY?

Never done it, know a guy in Oklahoma who did/does it, claims it is not a DIY project, more complex then ICF

I've been lurking around here for a while now, but saw this post and thought that I might be able to give some information.

I have used Polycore on one project. The installation is not as fast or easy as advertised, I know that it seems like you could stand a foundation in a hurry, but don't kid yourself. Thats not to say that it is a bad product, I actually really like the foundation that I put in for some of my clients. I should say that I like it now that it is done, but I was getting frustrated during the actual install. How complicated is the foundation? What kind of time frame are you looking at (my product was late getting to site)? Do you have room on the lot to store all the peices? What about the garage, attached or detached? If you have any more questions fire away and I will try to answer them based on my experience.

I forgot to mention that I stumbled onto this website after using polycore while researching for my next project which will be a true ICF foundation. Read between the lines if you like.

MDiver,

Did you use polycore for the above ground consturction as well?? If yes, what is your opinion on it?

Orono,

I only used Polycore for the foundation. I would consider using it for the upper floors if the plan was relatively simple. I have seen another house here that utilized the polycore system from the footings to the roof. I heard he (the builder) had a little difficult with the windows (inconsitant foam thickness between panels). I would think that after considering all options and adding some value to things like timeline and ease of construction, it may be cheaper to stick frame the upper levels conventionally and then utilize a qualty spray foam insulation, I believe that you would end up with a more efficient builder envelope. All this being said, I may still use the product in the future, only time (and concrete prices) will tell. The house that I used Polycore for the foundation is still under construction, but I will be sure to give you a full evaluation once I move my clients in. For this particular project we used a Polycore foundation, and conventional 2X6 stick framing for the upper two levels. We are utilizing a closed cell spray foam insulation for all of the joist ends and cantilevers, the wall cavaties are blown in cellulose (customer did not want to flip the bill for an entire spray foam house), attic space will be blown in R-50. Some areas on the exterior are getting treated with acrylic stucco (rigid insulation installed against wall sheathing) so that will also be benefical in eliminating thermal bridges (however, the homeowner chose acrylic stucco based on finished looks only. The added insulation is just a bonus for them).

MDiver;
It seems you have experience in both ICF and Polycore products. I am quite interested in the insulation of EPS in the foundations to save on that energy loss thourgh traditional concrete foundations. ICF seems to be more costly than the new Polycore walls, and looks more simple. Which would you prefer and why?