Materials Use in the Construction of an Insulated Precast Foundation

The insulated precast foundation is as important as any other element of a modular home. It’s what takes all of the loads from the roof to the walls to the floors, and it takes them and transfers them into your soil. Insulated precast foundation can provide an economical and attractive method to protect and enclose the modular home. Its use is mostly in commercial and residential projects. And there are different materials utilize for precast foundations.

Insulated Precast Foundation Material: Masonry (CMUs)

Masonry is used by modular home contractors in erecting the insulated precast foundation because it has 2,500psi and moderate permeability. It is built on site, and on labor intensive. Using this material can be overwhelming as its construction can be affected by the weather and it has a high site impact which approximately has 5 to 10 days.

Insulated Precast Foundation Material: Wood

Wood is one of the materials placed in the insulated precast foundation that has a high permeability and moderate site impact. Though it has a 7,000 psi, it can provide buckling concerns. Wood is often not use as a major material in the construction of the modular home foundation. Most contractors usually utilizes wood as a support material for foundation system.

Insulated Precast Foundation Material: Precast Concrete

Most general contractors, especially in Jackson, prefer to utilize the precast concrete for the modular home foundation. The precast concrete is usually built in a factory and is delivered on the site through a truck. Aside from the minimal delay during it’s on- site completion, its construction is fast because it cannot be hampered by any weather disturbance. Precast concrete is panelized which means it has joints for expansion and contraction. Additionally, precast concrete has low permeability and has a 5,000 psi.

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 Foundation

Types of Construction Used to Erect the Insulated Precast Foundation

Modular Home and Insulated Precast Foundation The type of construction affects how an insulated precast foundation may be damaged, cracked, settled, or moved. Each type of precast foundation, however, has their own unique characteristics and provide certain number of benefits.

Precast foundation walls simplify basement construction, save time and money, and result in warmer, drier basements. The walls comprise high-strength concrete panels manufactured off site. Each panel contains solid concrete studs for load-bearing support and a built-in concrete footing. Some panels include rigid insulation to keep the basement warmer and rebar and polypropylene fibers for strength. Walls can be customized by project to allow for door and window openings, steel-beam pockets and brick ledges. Manufacturers offer other convenience features such as built-in access for wiring and plumbing an
d wood or steel nailers for easy drywall installation. Panels range in size from 2 to 12 feet wide by 8 to 12 feet high to accommodate a variety of basement configurations.

Insulated Precast Foundation: Crawl spaces

Insulated precast foundation – wall height is a key factor in predicting crawl space failures. Special crawl space wall and knee-wall reinforcement is required in earthquake areas.

Insulated Precast Foundation: Basement

Wall height vs block width/reinforcement: taller basement walls may require additional reinforcement to resist buckling and bulging.

Insulated Precast Foundation: Actual footing

This type of constructing an insulated precast foundation is usually not visible, that is, the poured footing, or gravel, or other details that are below ground may be inferred, known from photographs taken during construction, supposed from building plans and drawings, but the actual details are buried unless excavation is performed to permit an inspection.

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 Foundation

Insulated Precast Foundation Walls for Modular Home Basement

Posted by Legendary Homes on August 14, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Most modular home contractors would prefer to cast insulated precast foundation walls for their customers. For concrete contractors, either erecting or actually casting precast panels could be a lucrative addition to your modular home.

The most popular insulated precast foundation walls come with a nearly a highly insulated finished panels and interior studs ready to accept drywall. Construction of the precast foundation can proceed in virtually any weather without concern about freezing or wet conditions. Insulated precast foundation erection is also simpler than cast-in-place or ICF construction and can be done by low-skilled workers with only one trained lead.

Benefits of Insulated Precast Foundation

Insulated precast foundation come in various configurations, and gives several benefits. Thicker insulation can increase that to R-21, leaving highly efficient walls for the basement.The insulated precast foundation walls can incorporate window or door openings. There are no stock panels; walls are cast specifically for each project and each panel is cast with its neighbor to match exactly.

This insulated precast foundation system results in crack-free and waterproof walls. The walls are made with 5000-psi concrete with low permeability. Since the concrete is cast in a factory setting, all shrinkage has taken place prior to erection of the walls so panels virtually never crack in service. A broom finish is standard for the exterior of the panels, although other finishes are available, including simulated brick or flagstone textures.

Construction of Insulated Precast Foundation

The base for insulated precast foundation panels is crushed, compacted gravel—no footing is poured. After excavation, 4 inches of ½-inch crushed stone is placed and compacted with a drainage system beneath. This base is adequate for most soils and loading conditions.

The panels are shipped from the factory through a crane. Panels for a typical modular home can be shipped using two or three trailers. Erection is handled with a crew of three or four workers, including at least one lead worker who is certified in the process by the manufacturer. Panels are lifted with a specialized sling and strong back.

Once all panels are in place, a vapor retarder is placed and a 4-inch basement slab is poured. Prior to backfilling, both the slab and the floor joists or trusses must be in place. Some subcontractors also provide hollow-core concrete planks for floors. Waterproofing, drainage panels, or both is applied to the outside face of the panels where needed.

In case you still have question about modular homes, 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 Foundation

Guide to Insulated Precast Foundation: Precast Foundation Walls vs. Poured Walls

Posted by Legendary Homes on August 13, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Get to know the difference of an insulated precast foundation and a poured basement before starting the construction process with your modular home contractor.

Construction Time Insulated Precast Foundation Walls vs. Poured Basement Walls

Installation of the insulated precast foundation walls and poured basement walls can be completed quickly – often in just a day or two and are not as susceptible to weather delays. Precast foundation walls are poured in a factory setting, assuring the quality of cement mix (no extra water is added on site, which can weaken the concrete).

psi of Insulated Precast Foundation Walls vs. Poured Basement Walls

Insulated precast foundation walls are typically poured at a higher psi – around 5000. Poured basement walls are a lower 3500 psi. However, the poured wall is solid throughout rather than 24” on center, so it doesn’t need the stiffer mix necessarily.

Drainage System for Insulated Precast Foundation Walls vs. Poured Basement Walls

Pea gravel footing of precast option allows for superior drainage. Rising water under the basement slab can flow to the footing tile through the crushed rock footing. On a poured wall system, water has to get around the concrete footing to reach the tile, which builds pressure, or flow into a secondary tile inside the footing to get out.

Certain soil types that are weaker (sandy, silt) are not ideal for insulated precast foundations.

Use of a insulated precast foundation system requires a little more coordination on the part of the general contractor, including scheduling rock delivery, flatwork, excavation and tile work. Precast foundation option reduces the chance for stress cracks in the wall system with controlled joints in the panels, but relies heavily on sealant to keep water out.

Warranty of Insulated Precast Foundation Walls vs. Poured Basement Walls

Precast options may come with a warranty. Superior Walls carries a 15 year limited warranty. Poured walls usually do not have a guarantee. Precast walls are pre insulated and ready for drywall. The concrete studs have holes to accommodate plumbing and electrical.

Cost of Insulated Precast Foundation Walls vs. Poured Basement Walls

Precast systems are relatively new in the residential field and homeowners, building officials, flatwork contractors, and builders alike are skeptical of them. Builders may charge more to build on a precast system because of the learning curve. There are a few minor extra steps that must be taken (mainly additional bracing and a delay in backfill) with the precast system that will increase the labor costs from the builder. Do your homework and choose a builder that has experience with the precast system installation, or you may pay for it.

In case you still have question about modular homes, 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 Foundation

Saving Time and Money with Insulated Precast Foundation for Modular Homes

Posted by Legendary Homes on August 12, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

When deciding whether to have an insulated precast foundation or not, nearly everyone’s first concern is how much they can get for their buck. One good way to make the space stretch with little additional cost is with a finished and insulated basement. However problem is that, among modular home buyers, the word “basement” usually conjures up images of damp, dark spaces that hardly rank as good living and playing spaces. But the good news is that insulated precast foundation systems, designed for use in residential and commercial construction, can eliminate those concerns.

Faster Construction of Insulated Precast Foundation

Installing a modular home on a perimeter wall insulated precast foundation system is typically a two-step process, similar to an installation over a basement. First, the home is delivered alongside or near the foundation and uncoupled from the transporting truck.

Next, the modular home is raised, and then it is rolled or craned onto the insulated precast foundation. This is inherently slower than driving the modular home into its final setup position, as would be the case with an anchor and pier or slab system. A crew of three typically can construct the crawl space foundation system in three days before delivery and install and finish the home in five days after delivery.

Big Savings from Insulated Precast Foundation

The cost of insulated precast foundation systems is competitive with the cost of other foundation walls. A precast concrete foundation is best-used to construct a full basement with consistent sill height; different wall heights slow the process, minimizing the cost benefit. Installers who aren’t familiar with precast concrete panel assembly will need additional training. Some manufacturers allow only certified installers to deliver and erect their systems.

In 2010, the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) which now requires basements to be insulated to a value of R-10 in climate zone five. This then give a high energy efficiency and conservation for the modular home, providing big savings on electrical bills and maintenance and repair fees.

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 Foundation

Modular Home Basement: Concrete Block vs. Poured Concrete

Posted by Legendary Homes on July 13, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

One use of a poured concrete wall is in the foundation of a home. Concrete is used because it won’t rot when exposed to the moisture in the ground, it’s fairly economical and easy to use and it’s strong enough to support the weight of your house. In modular home basement construction, concrete block or poured concrete is used.

Poured Concrete for Modular Home Basement

Construction of a Poured Basement for a Modular Home

Concrete blocks and poured concrete can be compared and contrasted in a number of ways. Although poured concrete is stronger than concrete blocks, it is a bit more expensive, and although blocks are cheaper to install than poured concrete, they are more likely to seep and retain water, thus allowing penetration of moisture to an interior wall.

Quality of Modular Home Basement Materials

Concrete blocks must be laid one single block at a time, whereas poured concrete is installed in one monolithic structure, which naturally makes the unit stronger; however, concrete blocks can be laid with type S mortar and have every fourth block cell filled solid with concrete and rebar, but, generally, block construction is best for projects that will not exert very much horizontal pressure on the construction of the blocks. Poured concrete serves best when it is installed as a barrier or retaining wall. This type of construction will hold off tons of pressure.

Cost of Modular Home Basement Materials

In 2002, the cost of installing blocks per square foot was roughly $3, including labor and materials. During the same year, the cost of installing poured concrete was around $6 per square foot, including material and labor. As of 2010, even though the labor cost has remained the same, the material costs have risen by $1. However, these costs change when you remove the labor cost from the two and decide to do it yourself. The concrete block price drops by $1 per square foot, and the poured concrete price drops by $3. These prices may also vary from location to location.

Disadvantages of Concrete Block and Poured Concrete

Most problems in each application occur because of poor installation. A poured concrete installation will crack and settle if the footers are poorly installed, such as if they are too thin or are not wide enough to support the weight of the poured concrete.

Concrete blocks are prone to water penetration because of the porous nature of the block materials. The block joints may also break down over time, thus allowing the structure to crumble and deteriorate.

Poured concrete problems can be solved by making sure that plenty of rebar is installed in the wet concrete to prevent separation of the materials once they dry. Make sure that the footing for the poured concrete is at least 12 inches thick and 16 inches wide.

You can prevent concrete block problems by using type S mortar for the installation and by painting a water barrier paint onto the surface of the blocks.

In case you still have question about modular homes, 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 Basement and Poured Concrete

The Determinants for the Cost of Building a Poured Basement for Modular Homes

Posted by Legendary Homes on July 13, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Adding a poured basement to a new home can create space for rooms or a drive-under garage. A basement adds value to virtually any home. However, issues with an extremely steep or rock-filled lot can make the price of a basement exorbitant. Cliffside homes or mountain homes can have these issues. But, a typical basement is affordable and well worth the investment.

Modular Home Basement

Poured basement is one of the most common basement designs. For a poured wall basement, a contractor pours concrete into the foundation framing to create a basement wall.

Homeowners will pay between $60 and $120 per square foot to finish an existing basement. Adding rooms for children, a home theater, spare bedroom or workout area is relatively easy. Basic sheetrock, studs and paint work for remodeling any basement cost close to $60 per square foot. But the cost starts to climb if the project includes high-end tile work, hardwood flooring, wall coverings and upscale plumbing and lighting fixtures.

Materials for Poured Basement

The cost of the raw materials for poured basement is less expensive. The basic components are small gravel, cement mix and sand. When the concrete is poured and set to become the walls of a poured basement, there is no additional work to be done, and no extra materials are needed.

Labor Cost for Poured Basement Construction

Poured wall basements require a larger expenditure for labor, as most homeowners must hire a professional to measure, mix and pour the concrete into the basement area.

Long-Term Considerations for Poured Basement

Poured basement are less likely to allow water into the basement. Though only external waterproofing can prevent water from entering, poured basements don’t have the cracks that block basements do.

Poured Basement Finishing Costs

Finishing refers to actually modeling a basement to live in. A basic basement costs only $20 or so per square foot to install once the excavation is complete, but it cannot be used for much except storage. Remodeling to add electrical, walls, floors and making the basement a room or rooms in the house can cost another $20 per square foot when all the costs are added.

In case you still have question about modular homes, 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 Basement

Modular Home Maintenance: Advantages of Crawl Space Encapsulation

Posted by Legendary Homes on July 8, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Jackson, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

What is crawl space encapsulation? Why do modular homes with crawl spaces need it? What are its benefits?

Installing a crawl space is an.effective way to protect the damp prone area underneath the modular home. It is typically utize to prevent and remove moisture brought by evaporation. However, crawl spaces are also liable in housing insects like roaches and ants, that can threaten the base of the modular home. That is why continuous maintenance to make the crawl space dry is a must. One of the effective technique use nowadays is the crawl space encapsulation.

Crawl space encapsulation is gaining popularity amongst home owners and buyers nowadays. It is a process of lining the floor and the foundation walls with overlapping sheets of heavy polyethylene plastic. Companies and general contractors who install crawl spaces usually add insulation to the crawl space to improve its quality. Others also use the existing HVAC system to regulate the heat and cold temperature from the crawl space to the entire house.

Crawl Space Encapsulation Improves Structural Integrity

Modular homes are built with gutters that channels away the water from the home. But a modular home must also have a dry foundation to prevent the appearance of mold and moisture that can lead to the destruction of the building. One way to maintain dryness of the area underneath the modular home is a crawl space. Encapsulating the crawl space can be is an effective way to keep the base from being wet as it avert expensive and widespread structural damage to the modular home.

Crawl Space Encapsulation Increases Comfort Levels and Energy Savings

One of the reason why crawl space encapsulation is sought by many is its effect in energy savings. Along with the insulation and proper HVAC system, the encapsulation quality of the crawl space reduces the energy consumption during seasons. These three techniques are usually combined to produce an efficient and uniform temperature throughout the modular home while lowering the cost of utilities each month.

Crawl Space Gives Fewer Incursions by Mold and Pests

Because of the crawl space encapsulation, insects such as termites, spiders, ants and roaches are not able to live underneath the house. These insects and pests love moist or damp areas and the crawl space is usually their choice. Once they have colonized the area, it is difficult to shoo them away. But with the encapsulated crawl space, they cannot penetrate and make the area their dwelling. The polyethylene property of the the crawl space encapsulation will also hold the mold and pests from infiltrating the base of the modular home.

Qualify for rebates and tax incentives

In other regions in the United States, some utilities offer rebates. One of the example of these utilities is the encapsulated crawl space. Owner of the modular home with encapsulated crawl space are given tax incentives by the federal government. Some even are offered by state and local governments.

An encapsulated crawl space is an attractive selling feature

Crawl space encapsulation is one way to attract potential buyers. It improves the resale value of your home as it provides a healthy foundation to the modular home. Potential buyers also find it compelling as it can offer a comfortable and energy efficient home in the long run.

In case you still have question about modular home 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 and Crawl Space

Modular Home Maintenance: Importance of Crawl Space Waterproofing

Posted by Legendary Homes on July 8, 2014 in Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations, Modular Homes with No Comments Yet

Keeping the crawl space against the threat of destruction is part of the routine modular home maintenance. One of the excellent methods of having a lasting crawl space foundation is implementing the waterproofing technique.

Modular Home

What is a crawl space? It is an empty space which usually does not allow a person to stand up but provides important roles in ensuring that there is enough ventilation and good temperature inside the house. A crawl space also allows easy access to pipes and substructures underneath any building or homes.

Crawl Space Waterproofing

Just like any other space in your home, a crawl space can house insects, molds, and moisture. These pests and household threats can destroy your foundation once neglected, leaving an uncomfortable living space. This then became the reason why crawl space waterproofing is realized. It is the only way to prevent the appearance of such unpleasant situations.

Crawl space waterproofing is a method used in maintaining the structure intact and from being protected againts water accumulation. This method uses advanced products and techniques that reduces moisture in the spaces and thereby prevents water accumulation.

Without the crawl space waterproofing, insects, mold and moisture party all day. A damp atmosphere under your modular home is a perfect place for the growth of insects and molds, which can destroy the interior piers and the entire crawl space. Insects like ants, termites roaches and spiders can create problems in the long run. They can make the space untidy and unclean, leaving the area polluted. When they grow in number, the insects can weaken the base of your modular home and can lead to the collapse of the entire house. To avoid these circumstances from happening, proper waterproofing of the crawl space.

Another benefit of waterproofing is its influence in the resale value of the modular home. Potential buyers highly consider the home with a waterproof crawl space than those with not. A modular home that is equipped with a water resistant crawl space is a resemblance of a healthy house. Buyers will be confident that they can enjoy a comfortable living when they decide to buy house. That is why it is better to waterproof your crawl space of your modular home as early as possible to harvest the turnaround of your investment.

The cost of waterproofing the crawl space depends on the dimension of your home. However there are general contractors and waterproofing companies that provides low cost services. You may need to ask around your neighborhood to determine which company offers the best waterproofing services.

In case you still have question about modular home 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 and Crawl Space

Benefits of Having a Crawl Space as your Modular Home Foundation

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

Many have enjoyed the benefits of installing a crawl space as their modular home foundation. Reviews and testimonies from homeowners who chose to have this type of modular home foundation are surprisingly living into anyone’s expectation.

A crawl space has been proven to provide a variety of advantages since its realization. These positive news about this type of modular home foundation brought lots of home buyers to embrace a cost effective and comfortable living. The benefits of crawl space foundation system is divided by cost, maintenance, resistance and appearance.

Cost of Crawl Space

It is noted that a crawl space construction is less expensive than the basement and concrete slab. The low price is attributed to the materials used by the general contractors. For a crawl space to be realized, the general contractor utilizes common materials like wood, bricks and concrete, leading to savings in modular home construction. The stumpy cost of having a crawl space leads to savings for modular home owners, thereof.

Maintenance of Crawl Space

Keeping the modular home foundation at its original state is not an easy task. But if you have a crawl space as a foundation, then you need not to worry big time.

Maintenance of crawl spaces requires less work, and less money. This is because this type of foundation is hardly visited by structural issues brought by moisture and termites and other pests. The crawl spaces today are insulated and waterproof that moisture and even flood water are prevented from threatening the foundation. Additionally, you don’t need special methods while doing maintenance as crawl spaces are made to be accessible.

Resistance of Crawl Space

The cries of installing a crawl space lead us to its resistant power. As a modular home foundation, it is flood, wind and gravity load resistant. Crawl space is highly recommended in regions where hurricanes and tornadoes frequent. However even those places that are not visited by extreme windy weather, are opting this type of foundations nowadays.

The FEMA recommends that the modular home owner whose still looking for a location should not place his home in low lying areas or flood prone areas. Those who already have chosen the setting of their home can have a crawl space as it elevates the home from the earth. Flood water is prevented from damaging the foundation since it is made from high quality and insulated materials.

The crawl spaces is also realized to support the whole modular home structure. The equal distribution of loads placed on the crawl space system prevents the home from collapse.

In case you still have question about modular home 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 and Crawl Space

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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