Insulated Concrete Forms!
Here’s two quick snap shot of GCB Superstars Ian and Chris prepping and pouring an ICF (insulated concrete forms) foundation at one of our projects in Mount Pleasant. The full home reno includes expanding the basement, redoing the foundation and converting the former attic into a full second story… and everything in between.
The cool thing about ICFs is that they provide an all-in-one system for forming, structure and insulation – plus the R value is much higher than standard batt insulation. We love seeing plans that call for ICFs in lieu of traditional framing and forming, and are glad to see how common ICFs are becoming within the residential construction industry.
In the trenches, Ian makes it happen.
- The Pour.
Understanding Underpinning
Underpinning is when the earth beneath an existing foundation is excavated and a new foundation is poured directly under the old one to provide more structural strength and increase the height of a basement. We do this a lot in older homes with basements under 6 feet high when the homeowners wishes to convert the basement to a secondary suite or another full height level of the home. During the process, the house is supported with temporary walls and posts which eventually get replaced with new full height walls and posts, and the deeper foundation. Installing new drain tile around the perimeter of the house is usually one of the last steps of the underpinning process. It is technical and unglamourous work, but something we find very rewarding.
Existing basement and foundation before underpinning.
The old slab is demolished, temporary walls are installed and the old supports are removed.
Footings for new 8 foot posts are formed.
A close up of a form after the first pour.