Why You Need an Insulated Precast Foundation for your Modular Home
Insulated 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
