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Marc&Kem
Registered Users
Posts:35
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| 02/18/2008 1:02 AM |
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Is it feasible to use ICF's for a basement?
I am new to all this, I am really enjoying learning the various ideas and suggestions you all have.
I am looking at a new contstruction for our final home. A single floor SIP home with a basement. Is it practical to use ICF's for the basement? Can these panels be made so they can be laid down sideways? What about water proofing? What about wall support, is there a span limit?
I helped manage a project in which an Engine Room was built from ICF's and I was told that there are panels which are basically junked because they were not formed correctly. These panels can be purchased just about for free if you pay for the rigging and shipping? That would make a great basement...Floor? Wall??
What do you think guys or ladies?
Thanks,
Marc and Kemella Allyn |
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Buntly
Registered Users
Posts:95
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| 02/18/2008 7:47 AM |
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Yes, it is feasable to use icf's for basements as well as above grade,.......that's what icf's are used for. Not sure what you mean about laying down sideways, or wall support? Waterproofing is easily accomplished by one of several methods. I don't know about the free panels thing. I think as you do more research as to how icf's work you may find that it's more practical to use icf's vs panels (whatever they are).
Bunt |
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wes
Registered Users
Posts:376
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| 02/19/2008 7:50 AM |
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Marc&Kem,
ICF walls are the ideal basement wall. Think of the them as permanent concrete forms, because that's what they are, with insulation as a bonus. In our market, a 12" ICF wall, which holds 6.5-7" of actual concrete and reinforcing rebar, is about the same price as a 10" poured concrete wall. Plus you get all the good stuff that ICF's provide with none of the disavantages of plain poured concrete or concrete blocks. Yes, they need conscientious waterproofing, the same as any below grade wall. And while some companies make products for pouring suspended concrete floors, I don't see the ecomonic feasibility of using them for your project. 2-3" of foamboard insulation under your slab will do an excellent job of insulating the basement floor, and a standard floor joist system above will provide the best solution for you.
By the way, I know of no competent company that would sell misformed product. The liability issues would be huge. And from your point of view, do your risk what could be serious structural issues just to save a few dollars? not in my house.
Check out some ICF mfg websites. They should all have installation instructions and design details available for your inspection. The best way to learn about a product is to look at the details. |
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Wes Shelby
Design Systems Group
Murray KY
wandr@ainweb.net |
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Marc&Kem
Registered Users
Posts:35
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| 02/20/2008 1:00 PM |
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Appreciate the good advice. At the time I did not have the feeling these walls were defective structurally. They were just the wrong size. They were huge like 40ft long and about 8ft wide, so I thought...... What if you set it sideways?? basically have less joints. But them the joints would need an alternate way to hold them together and what about the load in the long span?,
That's were my head was at.
I agree the more I think about it the worse it sounds.
Thanks,
Marc |
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Marc&Kem
Registered Users
Posts:35
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| 02/20/2008 1:14 PM |
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| I want to clarify. I thought ICF's were pre-made panels not blocks that are stacked and filled. |
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Alton
Registered Users
Posts:314
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| 02/20/2008 5:12 PM |
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Marc & Kem,
I can think of two types of ICF's. Vertical panels and stackable blocks.
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Alton C. Keown
Residential Designer and Construction Technology Consultant
Auburn, Alabama
334 329-0957 AT&T Cellular |
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