Insulating concrete forms (ICFs) are rigid, plastic foam forms that hold concrete in place during curing, and they remain in place afterward to serve as thermal insulation for concrete walls.
The foam sections are lightweight and result in energy-efficient, durable construction.
ICFs consist of insulating foam, expanded polystyrene (EPS), and extruded polystyrene (XPS).ICFs can be used to form various structural configurations, such as a standard wall, post and beam, or grid.
Insulation values of ICF walls vary depending on the material and its thickness. Typical insulation values range from R-17 to R-26.
Severe cracking was observed on the rear masonry wall. The wall had experienced settlement as well as displacement from moisture. Wall failure will result if left unrepaired. Recommend repair and evaluation by qualified masonry contractor familiar with structural repair of this nature.
I read the article on the advantages of solar energy found here, (https://www.nachi.org/advantages-solar-energy.htm). On top of the fact that unharnessed sunshine dumps onto the surface of our planet continuously; There are other facets of going solar that prove a benefit to us. The efficiencies of the systems are high, reducing our dependence on foreign power. Going local with our power has inherent stability. More over, local installation, and design jobs are created. The benefits to the renewables in general are many, however, the switch from the old guard of fossil fuels has many obstacle$.
This image is of the exterior side of the basement of this home. The is bad separation of the brick due to settlement of the home. I would recommend that a structural engineer come to look at this and evaluate the correct form to repair this. Separation of brick mortar is very serious and should be repaired immediately.
In this article I read about mortar joints. The most popular mortar joints are the “concave” joint and the “v shaped” joint. The concave mortar is by far the most water resistant. Mortar joint will vary on their capability to shed water and the shape that they use.
This is a picture of a 8" thick concrete foundation poured on site. The house is 29 years old and shows no signs of cracking. The foundation footing is dug below the frost line. There is no sign of any foundation leaking or seeping. The sill plate is treated lumber and is secured with bolts about every 6 feet. There is a sealed sump pump pit that has not been opened since there is a radon mitigation system installed.
Concrete admixtures are substances that are not in basic cement (water, portland cement, and aggregate). The purpose of concrete admixtures is to solve problems with traditional concrete. There are 5 types
1.retarding (increase set time)
2.accelerating (decrease set time)
3. water reducing (are used to increase set time in hot climates and provide a more fluid mix with less water)
4. Air entraining (these add air bubbles to the concrete which help to increase the durability to freezing and thawing)
5. Super plasticizers
(high range water reducers by up to 30% less water and is very fluid. They are used on structures that are heavily reinforced. )
This is a picture of a wood foundation. Wood foundations were first developed in 1960’s and as of recent have grown back in popularity. They infuse the wood with chemicals and preservatives which allow the wood to be termite resistant and wood decay resistant. Constructor’s have an easier job installing such foundations because there is not as much wait time. Also the wood foundations are more flexible, don’t crack and it’s easier to install insulation in them unlike concrete foundations.
I’ve decided to read about Formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is a gas that can be found in pressed wood products like plywood, OSB, etc. It can also be found in glues, tobacco smoke, UFFI’s and carpet backing, and other textiles. Formaldehyde gases can cause watery eyes, irritation in the eyes, skin rashes, fatigue, and at worst cancer. Multiple agencies have debated if formaldehyde is a carcinogen to humans. Whether it can cause cancer or if other factors have to be in play for that to happen formaldehyde is still of great concern and is very irritating.
As seen here in this image, is a snapshot of a basement wall of a home that is over fifty years old. The foundation has been retrofitted with an additional wall segment, most likely to reinforce the existing foundation wall from bulging due to lateral loads being exerted upon it from the soil on the outside of the foundation wall. It may also have been added to increase the height of the basement.
Shown here is a picture of autoclave aerated concrete. This type of concrete is formed by adding aluminum powder which causes the concrete to expand. The Aluminum goes through a chemical reaction forming microscopic bubbles filled with hydrogen. The concrete expands to five times its original volume.
My essay will be on cracking in concrete poured foundations. Some of the ways that cracks appear are from building being done after the first year. It also can happen during the drying process. These cracks sometimes can be fixed by grout or pilaster.
My essay will be on cracking in concrete. Some of the ways that cracks appear are from building being done after the first year. One note is that shrinkage cracks usually in the middle of the wall. It also can happen during the drying process. These cracks sometimes can be fixed by grout or pilaster.
This photo shows a typical floor drain in a concrete basement floor. Floor drains should be located near water heaters and furnace condensate drain lines. If the furnace and water heaters are in different locations there should be two drains. It can also be observed in the phoho that the main water line is isolated from the slab to revent damage from potential slab movement.
I learned the benefits in heating and cooling savings when a foundation is insulated properly. The systems appear to be easily installed and some can save the contractor time which helps offset the cost of purchasing and installing the system.
You are looking at a picture of settlement issue with a slab-on-grade foundation. As you can see the weight of the concrete has caused the foundation to settle. There was a downspout located near the structural problem that wasn’t draining for enough from the lowest part of the spout. It appears the water has been draining directly where the issue was located.
Based on the image of the Conventional Absorption Field, the waste from the home drains into an underground septic tank. This is located several feet below grade. The waste then leaves the septic tank, and drains through a perforated pipe throughout a rectangular section in the absorption field. It drains into gravel and crushed stone underground and into the soil.
Bath Tub
This tub is located in the guest bathroom is in good condition. Tile grout around a tub is fully applied in space between tiles and tub. Tub faucet works good and no leaks or stain. Wastewater discharge is proper speed.
Air sampling for mold
Air sampling is important to determine mold presence. Since mold spores are not visible in the air usually type mold present may be confirmed by laboratory analysis of the air samples. The sample analysis will provide important evidence of level and severity a mold in the air.
During the construction of this residential property, the foundation is exposed. This photo shows a few key elements to establishing good water drainage, which will help the foundation have a strong and long life. Apparent is the foundation drainage on the outside of the footing; also the black drainage boards are clearly present.
