Types of Precast Foundation for Your Modular Home

A precast foundation or precast panel is a construction material made in a precast factory, transported to the construction site set in and then the home is attached to it. It differs from the standard concrete or poured walls by fine and rigid mixture of cement or casting. The making of a precast foundation is controlled by standard materials and professional work in the factory, leaving a high quality product. Because of how it is made, it costs less than the poured wall foundation.

Basic Types of Precast Foundation

There are three basic types of precast foundation, which differ in shape, size, function and cost. To further understand each of them, here are their description.

Solid Precast Foundation

Solid precast foundation is one of the earliest types. Solid walls are stronger which means it could support vertical structure loads. It is recommended for those living on marginal lands because of it bridge the soft spot or areas, thereby saving time and money when construction is in poor soil.

The solid precast foundation contains no integral insulation, with walls being typically 4 to 8 inches thick. These traditional wall systems require an interior finish wall system with insulation to complete the envelope.

Thin Shell Precast Foundation

Thin Shell Precast Foundation is commonly known as the ‘studcast’precast because of the steel stud used during the pre- casting process. The process into which it is produced is called hybridization, where two separate building materials are made to form the said wall.

Thin-shell precast can be used for structurally efficient load-bearing walls as well as for cladding and curtain walls. This is because of the steel studs defy the axial and transverse weights, and the concrete hardens the steels, providing a resisting diaphragm in-plane strengths.

Thin-shell precast uses up to 75 percent which means it just weighs about 35 pounds per square foot (psf) including the framing. And if a cellular concrete mix is used, the wall can weigh as little as 12 psf. Its weight affects the entire makeup of your home, saving money and materials and helps reduce the size of foundations.

One of the significant features of thin shell precast foundation is its suitability for ‘green project’. Because of its recycled content and energy efficient materials, your project can gain credits from the US Green Building Council’s LEED Program.

Thus, thin shell precast foundation is one of the most innovation foundation today. With its flexible and energy efficient functions, it provides a strong structural integrity for your home.

Insulated Sandwich Wall Panels

Insulated Sandwich Wall Panels are done faster, economical, energy efficient, durable and has an attractive finish. They are available in a wide range of widths, lengths, thickness and exterior finishes.

Because it’s made in the precast plant, construction is inexpensive and never hampered by weather and accidents. The 120 linear meter panels can be erected within one day on either concrete of steel frame buildings. And the exterior walls can be installed within one to three days. The faster construction process ensures huge savings of money.

Insulated sandwich wall panel has a minimum concrete strength of 35MPa, which makes it durable, rigid and low maintenance. It has high insulating properties but this vary according to the RSI requirements for each project. Thickness of the insulated panel has no limitation, but it should at least be 25mm thick. To ensure its energy efficiency, the thermal characteristics of materials and design temperatures must be checked. The insulation value of this precast foundation is from R5 to R20 or higher.

Having a strong, energy efficient, durable and budget friendly precast foundation is one tough decision to make. But most of the home owners today choose insulated precast foundation for their homes because of its aesthetic and functional exterior finishes.

“With its superior quality, energy efficiency, strong and budget friendly modular homes, Legendary Homes is one of the trusted modular home builders around Clarklake and Jackson Michigan for over 20 years of experience now. Legendary Homes helps in site location, acquisition of permits, excavation, foundation (including Insulated Pre-Cast Foundations), landscaping, breeze ways and other services needed to complete your home. As a company that prioritizes its customers, Legendary Homes allows you to customize your home. And most importantly, we assist in home financing by working with the top lenders in Michigan.”

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