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Is there a significant difference between R22 and R32 or more?

Last Post 30 Jan 2008 05:23 AM by walltech. 5 Replies.

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Buntly

Basic Member

Posts:162

28 Jan 2008 10:57 AM
I will be doing an install with quadlock in 6 weeks or so. Customer is going with the Plus panel on the outside below grade. (R32). Above grade will be using the standard panels (R24). Customer wants it so we're doin' it, but I don't see how there is much more benefit from R24 to R32. We haven't changed infiltration, or thermal mass so the only difference would be from the thicker panel. If there is a benefit, wouldn't it be more advantageous to use the plus panel above grade where the temp swings are much larger? We live in a climate where winters are cold and summers are hot. Seems to me using the plus panel below grade where the temp is relatively stable would not be beneficial. Just curious to see what others think on this subject Bunt

Bunt

Quantum

Basic Member

Posts:255

28 Jan 2008 11:17 AM
Posted By Buntly on 01/28/2008 10:57 AM Seems to me using the plus panel below grade where the temp is relatively stable would not be beneficial. Just curious to see what others think on this subject Bunt First of all, my condolences for having to use Quad-Lock. Good luck. Second you're right Bunt, about a component of concrete's benefit being to moderate temperature swings; but also it serves as an energy reservoir, storing heat. I think the thicker external foam will further isolate it from the earth's heat sink so the benefit's there. But you're also right about the thicker foam above-ground. More insulation is never bad, and if I had a choice I'd carry a block with 3" outside and 2.5" inside. (as long as it's not QL or the like... block strength is important) I suggest you influence them to use Plus for the whole structure.

Buntly

Basic Member

Posts:162

28 Jan 2008 11:43 AM
Quantum, thanks for the reply. Never used quad lock before so we'll see how it goes. The components of the block seem to be of good quality, but the labor thing is what concerns me. Anyway, It cost about 3500.00 more to use the plus panels on the outside to do the whole house. That was out of the budget, so they are using the plus below grade only. Above and below grade are approx the same wall area. It seems to me you would get more "bang for your buck" if the plus panels were used above grade. Bunt

Bunt

walltech

Basic Member

Posts:390

29 Jan 2008 06:43 AM
Buntly, I would agree that the thicker panels would be more advantages on the upper level. My biggest concern though is who is paying you for the extra cost associated with the knock down system. It will be at least 40% more labor. Dave

Buntly

Basic Member

Posts:162

29 Jan 2008 07:36 AM
Quadlock assured me that it will not be any slower (time will tell!). I looked at some of their labor estimates. That's how I quoted. There are quite a few corners and offsets, which I believe will make quadlock more competitive. If the house were a box, I think a knockdown system would be much more labor intensive relative to a standard block. Honestly though, I have nothing else on my plate during this project, so I don't mind trying something different. If I had another project at the same time I could not afford to try the unknown. Thks.......Bunt

Bunt

walltech

Basic Member

Posts:390

30 Jan 2008 05:23 AM
Bunt, I know what your saying "with nothing on your plate it seems like an obvious choice". My only concern is that your tied to some labor arrangement that you will loose heavily on. In the time it takes to place the starter track you would be up three courses on a modular form, and there's no way you can stack a knock down without losing 40% labor time minimum. Keep us posted as to your progress, i think you will find it pours well and holds concrete but will be much more time consuming. I have an ex-quad if you would like any pointers. Dave