Critical Elements for Insulating the Modular Home Foundation

A carefully considered insulation strategy considers air sealing and ventilation must be done during the construction of a modular home. Insulation strategies improve the modular home foundation’s energy efficiency, which reduces your utility bills. There are many kinds of insulation and choosing the right one for a new modular home or remodeling project requires a carefully considered strategy.

How Much Insulation to Use and Where to Install It

At a minimum, insulation is placed in the floor of an unfinished attic, in the exterior walls and in the wall between the garage and the living space. It also may be installed over wall sheathing, which is a material placed between the exterior wall and the cladding material. In some regions, local building codes require the foundation walls and slab to be insulated, too.

Type of Insulation to Use In Modular Home Foundation

The builder should choose the insulation type based on the design of your modular home and your climate zone. A good resource for more information about choosing insulation is the U.S. Department of Energy website.

The following is a guide on what type of insulation is typically installed and in which parts of the modular home. This varies based on the climate and the individual characteristics of the modular home.

Exterior Walls

All building codes require insulation in the exterior walls between the wood studs that make up the frame of the walls. Of the many types available, fiberglass batt insulation is used most often. Fiberglass is an excellent insulator, and is very resistant to fire. Batt insulation is a type of insulation made of loosely matted fibers fashioned into a blanket-like form.

Foundation Walls

In some areas, building codes require modular home foundation walls to be insulated. To meet code, rigid fiberglass can be applied to the exterior of the foundation walls. For maximum benefit, foundation insulation is run from the wall sheathing to the bottom of the foundation wall.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Modular Home

Strategies Used By Modular Home Builders In Insulating the Poured Concrete Foundation

Modular Home on a Poured Concrete Basement

Modular Home in Michigan

Modular home builders use concrete block or poured concrete to build foundation walls and other masonry walls. These walls need insulation strategies that each modular home builder integrate or utilize different kinds of insulation strategies.

Insulating foundation walls is more difficult than insulating framed walls; there is no convenient cavity into which insulation can fit. Therefore, here are the different types of strategies in insulating the poured concrete foundation walls.

Rigid Insulation for Poured Concrete Foundation

Rigid insulation is one of the many strategies use by modular home builders in insulating the poured concrete foundation. It is also known as the foam insulation and is more expensive than mineral wool or cellulose; however, its rigidity is a major advantage. Rigid insulation can be placed directly over a poured concrete foundation wall prior to backfilling and yields excellent insulating value. In addition, the exterior insulation will help protect waterproofing and will allow the block or concrete wall to provide thermal mass in winter and summer.

Interior Foam Insulation for Poured Concrete Foundation

Foam insulation can be installed on the interior of poured concrete foundation walls, but it must be covered with a material that resists damage and meets local fire code requirements. Half-inch drywall will typically comply, but furring strips will need to be installed as nailing surfaces. Furring strips are usually installed between sheets of foam insulation; however, to avoid the direct, uninsulated thermal bridge between the poured concrete wall and the furring strips, a continuous layer of foam should be installed underneath or on top of the nailing strips.

Interior Framed Wall Insulation for Poured Concrete Foundation

In some cases, modular home builders and designers will specify a framed wall on the interior of a masonry wall. The poured concrete wall should include provisions for both continuous insulation and careful air sealing. If a continuous insulation layer is not provided between the wall and the block, air sealing is critical. If warm moist air leaks into that area it will condense on the poured concrete wall and create conditions that promote mold growth.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Poured Concrete

Achieving an Effective Insulation for the Exterior Walls of Modular Home Basement

Posted by Legendary Homes on September 7, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

A properly insulated basement can save you money on heating and provide a dry, comfortable living space. In most cases, a basement with insulation installed on its exterior walls should be considered a conditioned space. Even in a modular home with an unconditioned basement, the basement is more connected to other living spaces than to the outside, which makes basement wall insulation preferable.

In construction of a modular home, adding insulation on the modular home basement walls will minimize thermal bridging and reduce heat loss through the foundation; protect the damp-proof coating from damage during backfilling; and provide some protection against moisture intrusion. High quality insulation will also make the basement of your modular home part of the thermal mass of the conditioned space, which reduces the interior heat loss.

Insulating the basement walls reduces the potential for condensation on surfaces in the basement. It will provide a comfortable living space for the family if condensation is absent in the basement of a modular home.

Considerations when Achieving Insulation to Modular Home

Here are a few things to consider when installing modular home basement wall insulation:

Check the Building Codes

Get started by making a scale drawing of your plans to submit to your local building inspections department. Your plan should include wall dimensions, window and door sizes, and each room’s purpose. Some rooms in a modular home may require large windows, called “egress” windows, for fire safety. Ask your modular home building inspector if you need them. Also measure the future finished ceiling height and low-hanging pipes or ducts.

If you’re uncertain about the best use of space, hire a subcontractor to help with the design. The permit itself will outline at what stages inspections are required. If you choose to do your own electrical work, draw up and submit that plan as well. With your plan and permit in hand, clear everything out of the basement and you’re ready to go.

Deal with the Problem

Before you just start throwing insulation on your walls, you’ll need to solve any modular home basement water leaks, dampness and air infiltration issues. Superior air-sealing details and vapor diffusion retarders are important for adequate performance.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Modular Home

Tips on How to Gain Excellent Insulation for the Modular Home Basement

Posted by Legendary Homes on September 6, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Considering that modular home basement walls account for up to 25% of heat loss, you realize how important basement wall insulation really is. Whether your basement will be transformed into a recreation room or used for storage, it is vitally important that it is properly insulated to make your entire living space comfortable and energy efficient.

Here are some tips that will help you ensure that your modular home basement will get utmost insulation.

Check Local Codes on How to Insulate the Modular Home

Before planning and buying materials for your basement insulation, check with a local house inspector or your building codes office to determine if you will require any special materials or techniques to install your basement insulation. Some codes require that insulation in basements be covered by a wall for fire safety. Determine the laws to get the right information about what type of insulation you need.

Adjusting for Climate

If you are insulating a cold climate modular home basement, install a vapor barrier on the heated side or within the insulation. If you live in a warm climate, doing so may not be necessary, although in some areas it may be suggested to use a vapor barrier on the outside surface.

Fiberglass Batting for Insulating Tight Places

Exposed joists in modular home’s basement needs to be insulated. Use fiberglass insulation to fill these holes where the wall and the floor meet. Snugly place the fiberglass batting here, but not wrap it so tightly that it is compressed. Wear a face mask, gloves, and long-sleeved protective clothing when working with fiberglass.

Use Different Types of Insulation for Modular Home Basement

Either use higher density insulation in places where more cold or hot air will enter, such as exterior walls and cathedral ceilings. There are 4 main kinds of insulation that modular home needs and all of which are available in various densities. Rolls, batts and blankets are combined to form a flexible insulation specifically useful for wall studs and floor and attic joists. Loose fill insulation comes in the form of loose fibers or pellets, installed using special pneumatic equipment. Rigid foam insulation is a very effective in places with space limitations, though it is also more expensive. And lastly the foam-in-place insulation which is installed by blowing it into the walls, very effective in cracks around door and window frames.

Plan accordingly and use different types and densities to complete the insulation in your basement.

Recessed Lighting and Insulation Compatibility

A large amount of heat can be lost through recessed lighting fixtures in modular home basement walls. Be very careful to place insulation at the recommended spacing to avoid a fire hazard. Insulation suitable for contact with lighting will be marked IC for direct contact with insulation.

Use these tips to successfully plan and install insulation in your modular home basement so that you will not only feel more comfortable in your home, but also experience a great cost savings for just a little investment of your time and money.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Modular Home

Insulating the Interior and Exterior Walls of a Poured Concrete Basement

Posted by Legendary Homes on September 5, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Builders are also seeking strategies to protect the poured concrete foundation walls from both summer and winter conditions. Insulation strategies may be the recommended strategy from a building science perspective, but modular home builders are looking for proof that the process will be effective and deliver the energy savings for the added costs.

There are four types of insulating the poured concrete foundation walls. These approaches focus on the exterior, interior, both interior and exterior, and the middle of the walls. The most common poured concrete insulation approach for new modular homes has been to insulate on the interior because it is the least expensive.

In this blog post, we will discuss about the interior and exterior insulation of the poured concrete walls of the modular home.

Poured Concrete Insulation: Interior

Interior insulation is the most risky insulation system because the foundation wall remains cold as a result of being in contact with below grade soil. It is imperative to keep warm, moist interior air from condensing on the cold wall. To do this, the interior insulation assembly must be built airtight.

To insulate the poured concrete walls interiorly, the walls must also be built to dry inward with the insulation layer built vapor-semi-impermeable vapor-semi-permeable, or vapor-permeable. As the presence increases, the inward drying potential rises and the risk of excessive moisture accumulation lowers. Highly permeable interior materials, though, will increase the outward wetting potential during the heating season in cold climates.

Poured Concrete Insulation: Exterior

Exterior insulation keeps the poured concrete within the home’s thermal envelope; this increases the amount of interior thermal mass and reduces the likelihood of temperature swings if heating and cooling equipment stops working. However, it’s worth pointing out that the advantages of interior thermal mass are often exaggerated. Exterior insulation protects the dampproofing or waterproofing layer from damage during backfilling.

Insulating on the exterior allows a builder to install an uninterrupted layer of rigid foam from the foundation footing to the rafters. While this approach isn’t required — you don’t have to insulate above-grade walls with exterior foam if you don’t want to — many builders like it.

Exterior insulation provides more interior space in your basement than interior insulation. It’s easier to insulate and air-seal the rim joist area with exterior insulation than with interior insulation.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Poured Concrete

Steps on How General Contractors Realize the Modular Homes on a Poured Concrete Basement

Posted by Legendary Homes on September 4, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Building of Modular Home on a Poured Basement

How does a general contractor put into reality the modular home on a poured concrete basement?

Pouring a concrete foundation correctly is critical because it holds your entire home steady and secure over time. When building a new home, whether you choose to do some of this work yourself or plan on hiring a professional pouring company, it pays to know how a poured concrete foundation should be poured and where this process can go wrong.

Plan Your Modular Home Basement

Before you dig a foundation, you’ll have a piece of land and a vision of what you’d like your home to look like. Before you start tearing up earth, however, you’ll have to determine how deep a foundation is required. On level ground with good soil conditions, your looking at around three feet. For high-moisture soil or homes built on hillsides, you’ll need more. Consult a professional contractor or engineer to determine exactly how much.

Obtain Permit to Construct a Modular Home on a Poured Concrete Basement

Once a plan is in place, either you or your builder needs to obtain the proper local building permits. In an area with a host of newly built homes, this may not seem like a huge concern, but without a permit you could be told — long after the foundation is poured — that your home needs significant changes or has to be completely gutted. Always obtain the proper paperwork.

Prepare The Site

Next, you need to clear the space for your foundation of any large rocks, debris or roots. Again, while this is a process you can tackle yourself you’re almost always better to go with a pro, especially once it’s time to start digging.

Excavate the Site of the Poured Concrete Foundation

With the work site prepared, it’s time to bring in an excavator. The hole created needs to be bigger than the foundation itself, at least two feet on all sides, to allow space for workers. These workers will create forms for your footings, which are wooden frames used to hold concrete in a particular shape when poured. Anywhere from 16- to 20-inch-wide footings are enough to handle the weight of a typical home. If you live on particularly unstable ground or your home is very large, you may need larger footings and forms.

When the footings have dried and fully cured, they’re removed and concrete walls can be built on top of them. Again, these walls are built using forms, and once they’re dry and cured, other critical work such as waterproofing can begin.

Backfill

The last step on how to build a modular home on a poured concrete basement is the backfilling. Soil, rocks, and gravel that were dug beforehand will be placed back on the side of the foundation. This is done to give support and protection to the poured concrete walls.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Poured Concrete

Poured Concrete Foundation versus Block Foundation

Posted by Legendary Homes on September 3, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Modular Home Basement

How does a poured concrete foundation work than the block foundation? Poured concrete is more popular for basement construction than block because it is seamless and resists water intrusion better. Poured concrete walls are created through a continuous pour to ensure good bonding and to avoid seam cracking where a first concrete layer has already set.

Temporary forms of concrete walls are usually taken down after one week, at which time the concrete is cured enough to support itself. The concrete will continue to cure and emit moisture for much longer. However when using insulated poured concrete forms, they remain in place and insulate the home.

Reinforced Block and Concrete Walls

Block foundations use cinder blocks that are stacked on each other and cemented in place with mortar. The process starts on the top of the footings with each row forming its own course. The blocks are then reinforced with rebar placed vertically in the holes or cells and filled with concrete.

Block walls can also be used to form stem walls that support a slab above. When building stem walls, block courses on footings are set below grade and reinforced with rebar before concrete is poured in a continuous pour for a seamless, integral slab. Stem-wall slab foundations prevent water intrusion and the separation of the slab from the substrate that can be caused by uplift or hydrostatic pressure.

Both poured concrete and block foundations are reinforced with rebar. With poured concrete walls, a pencil vibrator is inserted into the slurry to vibrate the concrete into place and ensure there are no air pockets or voids left in the wall.

Finishing the Basement Floor with Poured Concrete

When building slab foundations, the poured concrete comes after the footings have set and before walls are erected. Dirt is compacted and backfilled with four to six inches of gravel. Typically, a polyethylene sheet provides a vapor barrier between the soil and the slab. A two-inch layer of sand goes on top of the vapor barrier, followed by a wire-mesh grid that reinforces the concrete. If radiant in-floor heating will be used, the plastic tubing is placed on top of the wire mesh. Once the tubing is pressure-tested, the four-to-six-inch concrete slab is poured.

When building with poured concrete walls, the basement floor is prepared as if it were a slab floor, often with the concrete floor poured after the top floors are in place and the roof, windows, and doors are set.

Basement plumbing for floor drains and piping must be roughed in before the pour. Like a slab floor, the basement floor will be lined with a six-inch aggregate bed followed by a six-mil polyethylene vapor barrier. One to two inches of foam board can go on top of the vapor barrier for insulation and further waterproofing. Wire mesh comes next for structural strength, and flex tubing is set in place if using in-floor radiant heating. Finally, the concrete is poured on top and leveled with a screed.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Poured Concrete

What It Takes to Use Poured Concrete for Modular Home Basement

Posted by Legendary Homes on September 2, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

For 20 years, Legendary Homes Inc has been in the top of its game in providing modular homes using poured concrete. The knowledge and experience gained from those years have raised innovations to make the modular home basement more efficient and have a higher quality.

How does the company work and stayed on top of the game remains on the benefits of a modular home and the materials use during the construction process. Today, poured concrete is being used to realize the basement walls of the modular home in Southern Michigan.

Benefits of Poured Concrete Basement

Climate Controlled Environment

Building and storing materials for the modular home construction inside a climate controlled environment produces a better quality product. Since the harmful effects of the weather are eliminated, concrete used to construct modular homes is more true and square. That results in a quality modular home with a poured concrete basement that is free from weather-related defects.

Consistent Quality

Through the years, we have refined a detailed building process to bring out a high quality poured concrete basement walls. As a consequence, that process creates consistent superior quality modular home.

We have also maintained our quality through the steady employment of experienced, skilled and highly trained employees. Legendary Homes employees have a sense of pride and ownership in the construction of poured concrete. In contrast, the majority of site builders use subcontractors and often the lowest bidder.

Quality Control Inspections

Every single function that is performed in the modular home is documented and signed off by the person executing the task, the manufacturer or the general contractor and the quality control inspector. In addition, third-party inspectors ensure consistent quality and code compliance that meets or exceeds state standards.

Superior Strength

Modular homes are built stronger than site built homes through the use of poured concrete. This is because all Legendary Homes are built with more framing and fastening materials to withstand the stress of transportation.

Cost Savings

Building time is reduced by constructing the modular home and doing the site preparation at the same time. This reduction in time lowers your interest payments on a construction loan. In addition, most site builder pricing reflects the historical costs of job site theft, vandalism and damaged materials. Modular homes that we built arrive at the job site 80-95% complete which reduces those costs. We also pass more savings on to you because we buy materials in large volume – allowing us to keep costs low – while most builders buy from the local lumberyard.

Precision Engineering

Computer aided drafting (CAD) allows precision customization and flexibility in floor plan designs to execute the poured concrete foundation.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Poured Concrete

Insulated Precast Concrete Foundation At A Glance

Posted by Legendary Homes on September 1, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

What are an insulated precast concrete foundation walls? How can it help the modular home construction? Insulated precast concrete foundation walls are panels that are cast and cured in a controlled environment. The nature of which they are develop helps ensure quality and uniformity of the foundation walls.

When insulated precast walls are delivered to the site, they are often erected in three or five hours by the modular home construction team. Because the concrete is cured in the factory, foundations can be backfilled as soon as the slab and first-floor are braced. The factory fabrication process reduces or eliminates weather delays, lessening the construction time.

Insulated precast concrete foundation panels are cast as solid reinforced flat panels, or as reinforced concrete ribbed panels with a thin exterior shell. Some modular home manufacturers cast the concrete against foam insulation as a form, which provides additional insulation for the structure.

Insulated concrete panels can be designed with a strength of 5,000 psi, which can give stronger panels, but are thinner and lighter compared to other forms of foundation walls.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Insulated Precast Concrete Foundation

QUALITY/DURABILITY

Tornado/hurricane damage resistance; fire, termite, and dry-rot cannot interfere with the structure of the modular home with insulated precast foundation.

MARKETABILITY

Insulated precast foundation has low maintenance cost and improved sound-proofing characteristics, making it more marketable. Modular home contractors recommended precast foundation for modular homes because it increases the value of the house.

SCHEDULING

Insulated precast concrete foundation panels cure in the factory, and can be erected in cold temperatures, preventing concrete pour delays.

AFFORDABILITY

Higher up-front cost; requires on-site crane; may require certified installer. Insulated precast concrete foundation systems generally cost between $55 and $65 per linear foot of wall, making them competitive with other foundation walls. Rapid assembly and erection can significantly reduce labor costs. For most projects, a concrete footing is not required, which can reduce on-site material and labor costs. However, panel erection requires a crane which will have added cost, but that cost may be offset by labor and time savings.

An insulated precast concrete system can reduce energy bills throughout its expected life.

Results from the Field of Insulated Precast Concrete Foundation

Field evaluations, that are usually done by third party inspectors, have demonstrated that insulated precast concrete foundations can be installed quickly and easily. The evaluations also site that the precast concrete can offer significant labor savings.

Warranty of Insulated Precast Concrete Foundation

Warranties vary by manufacturer. In Michigan, most manufacturer provide fifteen years warranty, others have longer or shorter time frame for the warranty.

Making the Switch

Precast concrete panels are prefabricated in a factory, and are easier to assemble on site than poured concrete or masonry. Erection time is greatly reduced. Connections, bracing, reinforcement, and openings need to be designed and detailed before fabrication.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Insulated Precast Concrete

Understanding Precast Concrete Panels for Modular Homes

Posted by Legendary Homes on August 31, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

What are precast concrete panels? Are they a viable alternative to traditional brick and mortar construction? To understand what are the precast concrete panels, go through the following paragraph;

Precast concrete panels have been used in the commercial construction industry for years, but have only been introduced to the modular home construction market recently.

What are Precast Concrete Panels?

Precast concrete panel construction takes a different approach compared to traditional brick or mortar construction. Precast concrete is used to ensure the building is structurally sound and energy efficient. Working from plans, entire walls, complete with door and window openings where specified by the manufacturer and general contractor. Precast concrete panels are cast in moulds and when cured, cranes put them precisely into place. After the walls are bolted together, top plates and roof trusses are installed, and then the concrete floor is poured. This entire process can take as little as a week to complete.

Precast Concrete Panels Introduced by Superior Walls®

Precast concrete system is introduced by Superior Walls® and features superior strength and insulation for the creation of dry, warm and energy-efficient foundations. The system can be custom-made for the exact needs of each project like modular homes. Precast concrete wall systems use 70 percent less concrete in a new home than conventional foundations.

A four-inch standard floor slab may be poured equal to the height of the footer beam eliminating the need for an additional screed board, which saves time and money in the construction process. Precast concrete are now available with a built-in insulation value of R-21 and can be insulated up to R-42+.

Advantages of Building with Precast Concrete Panels

Construction speed is one of the advantages of building with precast concrete panels, but modular home builders say there are many more, including the protection against structural damage, high insulation rate, lesser construction waste and cost effective building such as the modular home.

The thermal insulating properties of precast concrete panels are very good. Combined with ceiling and internal wall insulation, a precast concrete home is estimated to be able to cut heating and air conditioning costs by up to 50 percent.

Precast concrete panels provide protection from white ant infestation and are highly termite resistant. Construction waste materials are virtually eliminated. Precast concrete constructions are also highly resistant to environmental factors such as earthquakes, bushfires, cyclones and floods.

The panels can be constructed on site, but are most cost-effectively factory built and must be delivered by truck. A crane is needed to lift the heavy panels and move them into place. Because of the necessity of using heavy transport and equipment, it may not be a viable building material for hard-to-access sites. Builders, too, are hesitant to adopt the practice, since most builders are not equipped for this type of construction. On the other hand, building with precast concrete panels may catch on and become the future of the Australian building industry. Time and market demand will tell.

In case you still have question about modular homes and insulated precast foundation, you may contact Legendary Homes Inc in Jackson, Michigan. A representative will be happy to assist you. Meanwhile you can check our modular home price sheets by signing up to our blog

Topic: Precast Concrete

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Legendary Homes Inc
10197 S Meridian Rd US 127
Clarklake, Mi 49234
(517)206-2435
http://LegendaryHomesInc.com
Todd_Rutledge@LegendaryHomesInc.com

Located in Jackson County Michigan