[TheForge] Concrete forms OT, but important... for me anyhow.

[wmullett at bright.net]

I can't believe they are still selling this stuff as foundation walls.  If these are expanded polystyrene forms (most are), then they are worthless as insulation in below grade installations.  Expanded is open cell - that lets water in and the insulation value is then gone.  Only extruded polystyrene is suitable for below grade.  Save your money and don't use this junk.

---- Original message ----
>Date: Wed, 13 Aug 2014 22:36:52 -0400 (GMT-04:00)
>From: "TheForge" <theforge-bounces at mailman.qth.net> (on behalf of K Mayer <mayerk at surfree.com>)
>Subject: Re: [TheForge] Concrete forms OT, but important... for me anyhow.  
>To: theforge at mailman.qth.net
>
>>Date: Sun, 10 Aug 2014 20:20:43 -0400
>>From: Andrew Vida <osan at netlabs.net>
>>
>>The excavation under the house is now more or less complete.  I removed 
>>about 400 yards of clay from under and just outside the house.
>[snip]
>
>Have you considered using styrofoam forms?  Stack them with the steel, then fill with concrete.  When the concrete cures you have an insulated wall.  Google "ICF concrete forms".  You'll need to cover the inside with gypsum board if its living space, protect the outside below grade with any one of the drainage systems, and cover the above-grade portion with a finish system.
>
>Ken
>:-)
>
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