We are still kicking around the idea of constucting a home using ICF construction. Footing to rafters on a 1550sq. ft. ranch, I have not seen anything really negitve out here on that type of construction but it just worries me because of the wild temp. changes that we have in the upper midwest.
should I have reservations using concrete forms for our walls?
after all look at a driveway or patio after 10-15 yrs, will the insulation keep the concrete from cracking and falling apart like concrete does in the elements?
Not to mention the fact that those forms cost 30,000. will there be that much benifit apposed to frame built?
any comments??
thanksRead More
:wall: I recently bought an older home and have since discovered several problems that need my attention. (Moneypit?!) I live in the NC mountains where it rains a lot, and every time it rains my basement leaks. Thank goodness I have a sloped floor with a drain hole so the water gets out, but I am worried about the leaking. It cannot be good for the walls to get wet all the time. The lower blocks by the stairs stay wet looking, my stairwell keeps getting green, ect. I have also noticed when I am cleaning the stairs and walls that there is some crumbling and other areas have some type of whitish deposit on them.
I have been doing some research and asking people what I should do, but get different suggestions. I do notice there are a few puddles of water at the back of my house (where most of the leaking occurs) when it rains, and that my gutters are dented here as well. Also, there is a concrete slab that runs the length of my house in the back and the down spouts fit into cups fitted into the concrete. I bought some of the bendy hoses for down spouts trying to divert the water away from the foundation but cannot put them on the down spouts going into the concrete.
I am concidering renting something to break up the concrete, then repairing the gutter system, and figuring out a better way to divert the water away from my house. Maybe I should add dirt to make some sort of a slope. I have been told that I need to dig down to the footing and put a sealant on the outside. Is this necessary if I can get the water diverted and should I be concerned with the condition of the walls now. When I had the house inspected before I bought it, the inspector did not mention any problems or make suggestions except to divert the water.
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
MicheleRead More