Insulated Concrete Slab Foundation

Martin holladay explains insulating a slab on grade in the energy smart details department.

Insulated concrete slab foundation.

Slab foundation is the least expensive of the three foundations. Concrete slab on grade. 4 10 2012 3 climate zones e301 1 6 5 8 4 slab r value table 402 1 1 insulation and fenestration requirements by component e402 1 1 climatezone slab r valued 4 10 2 ft 5 10 2 ft 6 10 4 ft 9. You can either use a raft foundation which is a reinforced concrete slab and foundation cast in one or opt for a perimeter reinforced concrete ring beam arrangement to support the load bearing walls with a separate reinforced concrete slab for the floor.

Frost protected slab poured over polystyrene insulation with additional polystyrene insulation outside the foundation wall. The climate the type of foundation whether the slab includes hydronic tubing for radiant heat and the severity of the local termite problem. Check out the podcast episode and please feel free to leave you comments or questions. If you re pouring up against your foundation walls insulate between the slab and the walls.

The slab is created from a mold built into the ground that s reinforced with rebar and wire mesh. A concrete floor is an excellent solution for a high performing home. Slab on grade refers to a concrete slab that s used as a foundation for a structure. Two materials used to construct foundations are icf and poured concrete.

For a cleaner looking installation cut the top edge of the foam board at a 45 degree angle so the concrete will flow all the way to the foundation wall and hide the foam. Install rigid insulation foam board against the foundation from the subfloor to the plastic or concrete slab on the floor of the crawlspace. An alternative to foam board is to drape fiberglass roll insulation down the foundation walls with the edges butted tightly together. Do so all the way around the perimeter of the foundation.

A basement foundation is a minimum of eight feet above the footings and provides living and storage space. Best seller owens corning foamular 250 2 in. A basement foundation supports the entire structure. Insulating a slab on grade depends on at least four factors.

How you insulate under the slab depends upon the severity of your winters. Insulated concrete forms foundations. From an engineering perspective there are two choices. The f factors for slab on grade floors are defined in standard 90 1.