Understanding Precast Concrete Panels for Modular Homes

Designing the Insulated Precast Concrete for Modular Homes, Precast Concrete

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

Features of an Insulated Precast Concrete Installed for Modular Home Basement

Modular Home and Insulated Precast ConcreteYour modular home needs a basement that is made of insulated precast concrete. This material is proven to be high quality, durable and energy efficient.

But what makes it more popular? Precast concrete gains more popularity because of its features.

Purely Concrete or No Organic Content

Precast concrete has no wood or organic content to attract mold and rot. Designed specifically for basements, these panels will stand up to the toughest conditions –even a basement flood. You’ll never have to worry about mold, wood rot, nasty odors or soggy insulation.

Integral Steel Studs

The steel studs of precast concrete for attaching finished wallboard. The studs provide a broad flange to secure your finished wall materials.

Rigid Foam Insulation

Precast concrete offers unmatched durability for the basement, as it can’t be damaged by moisture or mold, and never falls out of place or loses R-value.

Built-in Wiring Channels

Insulated precast concrete is installed to simplify running electrical wires. There’s no need to drill holes through studs or snake through framing and fiberglass insulation. Horizontal and vertical wiring channels make the job easy for your electrician.

Superior Energy Efficient Precast Concrete

This special graphite-infused foam has higher R-value than standard foam. A completed installation creates a continuous blanket of R-13 insulation to make your basement comfortable and energy efficient.

Narrow Profile Precast Concrete

A narrow profile precast concrete maximizes your basement floor area and simplifies installation. Basement-to-beautiful panels are just 2½ in. thick; that’s a full inch thinner than a standard 2×4 wall. Spray foam adhesive and special plastic fasteners are used to secure the panels to basement walls.

If you find a modular home builder that uses precast concrete, you would know that he is reliable in terms of modular construction.

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

Benefits and Applications of Precast Concrete

Modular Home and Precast ConcreteDoes a precast concrete provide high quality modular home? What are the benefits of precast concrete to modular home construction?

Precast concrete, a highly efficient, practical method of concrete construction makes beautiful buildings especially modular homes possible at a cost that rivals even the most utilitarian industrial building.

The following highlights the benefits and applications of a precast concrete;

Application of Precast Concrete

Precast concrete can be applied or used for the construction of industrial, commercial and residential buildings. The popularity of precast construction has made rise to quality made hotels, commercial offices, airports, railways and even schools. Other general contractors utilize precast concrete when building correctional facilities, health and aged care institutions, cinemas and theaters. Clubs, libraries, churches and community centers are also built with precast concrete nowadays. Additionally, warehouses and factories are realized through the installation of precast concrete.

Benefits of Precast Concrete

Decrease Cost

Precast construction costs lesser because it moves work offsite, greatly decreases waste, speeds up erection and reduces vulnerability to weather all while providing significantly reduced facility, supervision, equipment hire and wage costs.

Quality

General contractors and manufacturers of precast concrete ensure that their product meet and exceed expectations. Produced in factories with strictly controlled processes for moulding, batching, casting and finishing, precast is a consistent, high quality construction material.

Reliability and Impact

Produced in factories, by skilled workers, precast provides a level of reliability that many other construction materials simply do not. The combination of large factories, dedicated workforces, reduced weather vulnerability and impressive quality control standards ensures the production and delivery of a consistent, high quality product, day after day for even the largest projects.

Full precast concrete construction sites easily achieve at least a 35% reduction in build time, have less vibration and greatly reduced noise-generating processes. Precast decreases the site impact of a project, providing a substantially quicker and quieter construction with shorter period of disturbance for surrounding properties.

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

How to Maintain and Protect the Precast Concrete Foundation of Modular Homes

Modular Home and Precast ConcreteAmong the many concerns of modular home owners is the maintenance of the precast concrete. Ways to prevent leak or structural damage must be known and done to ensure the durability of the foundation as well as the modular homes.

Precast concrete offers superior qualities to resist weathering and corrosion. The high density, prestressing and post tensioning make its air and watertight with fewer joints, thus offering excellent protection from climatic conditions.

The natural durability of precast concrete is enhanced by pre- stressing, resulting in a trouble-free wall that will give decades of service and provide unmatchable impact resistance and security. The steel formed interior surfaces provide clean, lightly-colored interior walls especially suitable for clean rooms or food processing facilities.

Maintenance of the Precast Concrete

Precast concrete provides trouble free service. Its reduced maintenance characteristics offers a smooth, dense, and clean surface that minimizes the collection of dirt and bacteria.

The beauty of precast concrete with its variety of colours and textures, together with its versatility and function, is an integral component of the building envelope. By following a simple program of inspection and maintenance precast concrete can guarantee the designed service life of a building.

To ensure the continued performance of the wall system and to maintain the warranty, visual inspections should be carried out at regular intervals. It is recommended that these inspections be carried out annually.

Attention should be paid to the connecting joints, surface appearance and connections. Any signs of deterioration should be documented at once with a copy of the written report sent to the manufacturer. Any applicable defects reported within the warranty period shall be remedied by the manufacturer. The owner is urged to maintain this annual inspection program past the warranty period in order to optimize the life of the structure.

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

What is Precast Concrete and Why Do Modular Homes Need It?

Designing the Insulated Precast Foundation for Modular Homes, Precast ConcretePrecast concrete is a construction product that is produced by casting concrete in a reusable mould. It is cured in a controlled environment, transported to site and lifted into place. Precast concrete is a highly versatile product available in vast range of different sizes, functions and finishes.

Precast concrete construction has many advantages and is best incorporated into a project like building modular homes. It is also an efficient way to gain a high quality modular home especially when you hire an experienced contractor.

Precast concrete products are manufactured in specially-equipped factories, which are established in permanent locations.

Finished products are transported to site, ready for installation. Products are then craned into place. Final products can range from sophisticated polished reconstructed granite wall facades to functional storm water drainage pits.

Reason to Use Precast Concrete for Modular Homes

Design-Build Efficiency

Precast concrete provides an efficient delivery model for your modular home; allowing building construction to proceed while the design is developed.

Environmentally Friendly

An inherent characteristic of precast concrete is its natural resistance to mold, which greatly reduce health concerns from VOCs. With its environmentally friendly advantages, precast concrete satisfies a growing demand for sustainable design and construction. Additionally, precast concrete structures are completely recyclable making their impact on the environment minimal.

Energy Efficiency

The thermal mass inherent to precast concrete lends itself to energy efficiency and reduces the heating and cooling peaks and loads; often necessitating less costly mechanical systems. The national Energy Policy Act of 1992 mandates improved energy performance in commercial buildings, and recognizes the effect thermal mass contributes to reducing heating and cooling loads.

Maintenance

The exterior of a precast concrete structure can be left unpainted without damage from the elements. If painting is desired, repainting is needed only every five to ten years. Precast concrete interiors are less subject to damage, and easier to wash.

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

Waterproofing Benefit of Insulated Precast Foundation for Modular Homes

Modular Homes and Insulated Precast FoundationWhy does a high quality and waterproof insulated precast foundation installed in modular homes? There are several reasons why waterproofing is needed for the modular home’s foundation. One of which is to provide us with a strong foundation that lasts longer and is cost efficient.

Insulated precast foundation is manufactured in accordance to the National Standards and recognized Building Codes with 5,000 psi concrete. This eliminates the need for additional waterproofing.

Manufacturers of modular homes in Michigan guarantee that the insulated precast foundation prevents water infiltration and moisture build up that causes structure destruction. They provide techniques via the precast concrete foundation to protect the structure. Because of the insulated foundation, modular homes are warmer and drier than conventional houses.

To further understand the waterproofing benefit of insulated precast foundation for the modular homes, let us look at how it is manufactured;

Anatomy of Insulated Precast Foundation for Modular Homes

To enhance strength and durability, insulated precast foundation panels are manufactured with steel-reinforced concrete studs, and rigid insulation.

The bond beams and concrete facing are cast in one continuous pour. The precast concrete panels connect to the studs by encapsulating vertical rebars and galvanized hooks and pins that protrude from the top, bottom, and back of each stud. Pressure-treated furring strips are pre- attached to the inner face of each stud to provide a base to accommodate a variety of wall finishes. In addition 1-inch diameter holes are cast into each stud, allowing for the installation of wiring and plumbing. The precast foundation system is delivered to the jobsite with a built-in footer and is installed on crushed stone sub-footer.

The precast foundation walls of modular homes are pre-insulated with 1-inch DOW Styrofoam, with an R-5 rating. Additional insulation may be added to the wall cavity between the studs to increase the R-value up to R-26.

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 Homes

Insulating the Basement of Modular Homes in Addison, Michigan

Modular Homes and Insulated Precast FoundationHomes, especially modular homes, in colder climates like in Addison, lose a great amount of heat through the basement walls. To prevent this huge loss, modular home contractors suggest an energy-efficient basement. You can complete easy ways to make your basement energy efficient, by insulating the basement walls.

Installed properly, insulation allows us to make basements comfortable, limit escaping heat and help keep moisture at bay. But before insulating the basement of modular homes, consider some tips for basement insulation.

Inquire the Local Building Codes

Check local codes to determine if you are required to add fire-rated protection over the insulation. Even if not required by code, adding fire-rated covering can add additional protection.

Check the Benefits of Insulating the Basement of Modular Homes

Because the basement is connected to the rest of your home, insulating the basement ceiling does not afford as much energy-efficiency as insulating the basement walls. Insulating the walls does more to protect modular homes from outside temperature and moisture. Insulating the walls is also easier and requires less insulation, leaving you with more savings during the construction.

Discuss the Type of Insulation with Your Contractor

If you are building a new modular home, ask the contractor about concrete block insulation or insulated concrete forms, which can be installed during construction and provide additional energy efficiency in your basement.

Concrete block insulation or the insulated concrete forms (ICF) is used especially for modular homes because of its efficiency and high quality advantages. The self-supporting blocks of the insulated concrete form are locked together to create a structure strong enough to hold poured concrete. The insulation of the ICF is dependent on the units, however most of the general contractors in Addison used R15- R19 to ensure high quality 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: Modular Homes

Types of Basement for Modular Homes in Addison, Michigan

Modular Homes and Poured Basement

Building of Modular Home on a Poured Basement

Basement for modular homes provides several advantages such as additional living space for the family, extra storage, and even a place for entertainment and leisure. Basement is one of the many areas that enhance the value of modular homes. Its construction can be done with concrete block, poured concrete, precast concrete, or even treated wood.

The following are the types of basement materials use for modular homes;

Precast Concrete Foundation System for Modular Homes

Precast concrete foundation systems can save money by reducing on-site costs. This type of basement construction uses factory-made concrete panels that are shipped to the site and assembled on site-built footings. Many times the footings are actually gravel trenches and not poured concrete. The cost saving comes from the elimination of the need to build concrete forms and then strip away the forms and transport them off-site. But usually those benefits are not significant for a “one of a kind” modular home. In modular homes that are built repetitively in a subdivision, there is an economy of scale with precast concrete foundations that can save both time and money that is multiplied over many modular homes.

Precast concrete basement construction is quite strong. But it is not as commonly done as poured concrete or concrete block. If you’re buying a modular home with this type of foundation, you do not have to worry about that. Just be sure to get documented engineering certification on the design. It will give you peace of mind and also reassure a future buyer of the integrity of the basement and house foundation.

Concrete Block for Modular Homes Basement

Modular homes with concrete block is quite common. It will produce a strong basement in most locales. Concrete block tends to be the most economical way to build a basement for modular homes. You’ll have many more concrete masons to bid the job than sub-contractors who can do poured concrete basement construction. The competition tends to produce lower prices. However, concrete block, even if reinforced, is not appropriate for areas that have expansive soil.

Although not as strong as reinforced concrete basement construction, concrete block basements are absolutely strong enough to support a house and can be reinforced to make them even stronger if your site conditions require it. The amount of reinforcement you need will depend on the amount of soil your basement walls will hold back. A structural engineer can advise you on the exact way to do this. But here are some basic guidelines.

Poured Concrete Basement for Modular Homes

For areas with expansive soils and if modular homes will have an unbalanced fill condition above six feet, reinforced concrete basement construction would be best. This is the most expensive option. But consider how much you are investing in the construction of your house. It is probably a prudent investment to make sure your house foundation will perform as intended and not require expensive repairs in the future. A structural engineer is necessary for the design of a reinforced poured concrete foundation.

Reinforced poured concrete basement construction is a multiple step operation. First, forms are erected according to the structural or architectural plans. Next, reinforcing steel bars are assembled within the forms and tied together. When that is completed, concrete is poured into the forms. When the concrete is two or three days old, the forms are stripped away and the concrete basement walls remain. By then, the concrete is strong enough to support itself in that short time. After seven days, it is nearly up to its ultimate strength. But the concrete curing process will continue for several more weeks until the chemical process within the concrete is complete.

There is one aspect of poured basement construction that actually overpower some of the additional cost. Concrete foundations can be built very quickly, sometimes in as little as two to three days, speeding up the construction schedule of modular homes. Rain and foul weather can delay progress on a concrete block basement. The time savings converts to money savings you’ll see in site supervision costs and construction financing.

One additional benefit of poured basement construction is that concrete walls are intrinsically much more resistant to water infiltration than concrete block walls. You still should waterproof the basement walls properly. But the added water-tightness of poured concrete will give you a second line of defense against damaging water intrusion.

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 Homes

Why You Need an Insulated Precast Foundation for your Modular Home

Modular Home and Insulated Precast FoundationInsulated precast foundation offers a wide variety of options for modular home owners. It varies in texture, shapes, and finishes. As a result, the precast foundation provides a number of reasons why it is needed in the construction of a modular home.

The following are the reasons for installing an insulated precast foundation for your modular homes;

Thermal Performance of Insulated Precast Foundation

Insulated precast foundation derives its thermal performance characteristics primarily from the amount of insulation placed in the cavity or within the backup wall, which is commonly a metal stud wall in commercial construction.

Moisture Protection of Insulated Precast Foundation

The most common moisture protection system used with insulated precast foundation wall systems is a barrier system incorporating an adequate joint seal. In some cases where additional moisture protection is needed, the application of a sealer or a concrete coating is also used. Sealers can be either clear or pigmented if used as an enhancement of the precast appearance. Film-forming coatings usually offer a higher level of performance but will have a significant impact on the appearance of the precast concrete unit.

The insulated precast foundation should also be designed to provide the appropriate level of durability for the planned exposure. Durability can be improved by specifying minimum compressive strengths, maximum water to cement ratios, and an appropriate range of entrained air.

Fire Safety of Insulated Precast Foundation

Insulated precast foundation wall systems are not considered to provide any improvement in fire safety over cast-in-place concrete. In fact, for high-rise buildings precast concrete panels can pose a serious safety hazard when a fire occurs that damages the panel connections and causes a panel to then fall from the building.

Acoustics of Insulated Precast Foundation

A insulated precast foundation wall system and cast-in-place facade will provide similar performance regarding sound transmission from the exterior to the interior of the modular home. However, distressed and open joints between panels can provide a condition in which sound transmission to the interior may be increased.

Material/Finish Durability of Insulated Precast Foundation

Insulated precast foundation walls used in wall systems have many different finishes and shapes. Often the finish will include the abrasion or modifying of the surface by sandblasting, exposing aggregate, acid washing, bush-hammering, or other techniques. Each of these finishes presents a different challenge in producing a durable precast concrete panel.

Evaluation of future precast concrete durability is performed in several ways. Often requirements are specified (air entrainment, maximum absorption, minimum compressive strength, etc.) to enhance the durability of the concrete.

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

Designing the Insulated Precast Foundation for Modular Homes

Designing the Insulated Precast Foundation for Modular HomesInsulated precast foundation has been used to enhance the quality of a modular home or any structure. Its design has also received appreciation from both the contractors and homeowners.  The exterior surface of precast foundation can vary from an exposed aggregate finish that is highly ornamental to a form face finish that is similar to cast-in-place. Some precast panels act as column covers while others extend over several floors in height and incorporate window openings.

In most cases, the architect selects the cladding material of an insulated precast foundation for appearance, provides details for weatherproofing, and specifies performance criteria. The structural engineer designs the structure to hold the cladding, designates connection points, and evaluates the effects of structural movement on the cladding. The precast concrete manufacturer designs the cladding for the specified loads, erection loads, connection details, and provides for the weatherproofing, performance and durability of the cladding itself.

Insulated precast foundation wall systems offer a wide variety of shapes, colors, textures, and finishes to the designer. As a result, the assessment of samples is a key component in the use of precast concrete. The majority of the review and approval process is conducted at the precast plant prior to precast panel production. This assessment is in addition to the quality control and field testing that takes place during the production phase.

Typically, each insulated precast foundation panel is independently supported to the building structure using an assemblage of metal components and anchors. Joints around each of the precast panels are usually filled with sealant.

Structural Aspects of Insulated Precast Foundation Design

Precast foundation wall systems are most often constructed as a curtain wall or veneer, in which no building loads are transferred to the concrete panels. Most typically the insulated precast foundation wall system must resist lateral loads directly imparted on it, such as from wind and earthquake; as well as vertical loads resulting from the self weight of the precast wall system. These loads must be transmitted through the wall system and secondary structural elements to the building’s structure. Other loads such as erection, impact, construction related, and transportation must also be taken into account in the design. It is important to evaluate the design, detailing and erection of precast panels in order to avoid imposing unwanted loads onto the panels.

 Joints between panels must be wide enough to accommodate thermal expansion and differential movements between panels. Joints between panels are most commonly sealed with sealant to prevent water penetration in the wall cavity. The wall cavity space and back up wall which is usually covered with a water resistant membrane provide a secondary line of protection against water penetration into the building.

The concrete panels are designed in accordance with PCI Design Handbook-Precast and Prestressed Concrete (MNL 120), Design Responsibility for Architectural Precast Concrete Projects (ACI 533.1R-02), and ACI 318 Structural Concrete Building Code. Steel elements of a wall system are designed in accordance with AISC specifications for steel construction. Precast concrete elements are designed in accordance with ACI and PCI specifications.

Application of the Insulated Precast Foundation Design

Precast concrete wall systems allow a wide variety of colors, finishes and architectural shapes. Precast concrete can be used in environments that allow the use of conventional cast-in-place concrete. In addition, precast concrete may be made in a controlled environment and erected in an environment that would not allow site casting of concrete. The concrete used in precast panels should be designed to be durable in the environment in which it will be used.

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

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