From: Helen 10/18/07

Carl,
Have you heard about Superior Pre-Cast Walls/Weaver Precast (manufactured in Ephrata PA for my region) and if so, what do you think of using them instead of using poured foundation walls? I visited their plant yesterday. I am in the process of studying up on their product and their process.

Helen,
I was totally ignorant of Pre-cast walls, as I'm sure many of my readers are. I did a little research, and was impressed.

They require some expertise in planing, design and installation, so don't take any shortcuts. For my readers and you, here are some pictures, manufacturer's information, and a PDF from the NAHB Research Center at the bottom of the blog.

The original Superior Wall is designed to be warm right from the factory, and is provided with 1 inch of continuous DOW ® insulation for year-round comfort and energy efficiency. The special high-strength, low-water concrete mix ensures that your basement remains dry, and the wall is reinforced with steel rebar and polypropylene fibers for strength.

Convenient features include built-in accesses for wiring and small plumbing, insulated galvanized stud facing, and custom openings for windows and doors.



Installation: The Superior Walls System installs much like and shares many precepts of pressure-treated wood foundations - but we believe it provides much greater structural longevity. The panels are set on a bed of compacted stone which serves as a bearing layer as well as a drainage control system under the foundation.

Once in place, the panels are bolted together at the top and bottom and sealed with a gun-applied adhesive-sealant. The owner/builder then pours the floor slab inside the wall system.

More information from the NAHB Research Center:
precastconcretepanels_techspec.pdf

Good luck, Carl


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