Log Home Foundation Walls

03/16/2009 - 15:51

I plan on building a 2 story log home with a walkout basement. The home will be built on a slope.
I'm familiar with poured walls, but am wondering about prefab walls. I understand they sit on gravel with no concrete footings as is the norm. They also can be easily insulated and have areas for wiring, etc. Considering that I will be living in this home for quite a while, I want to do the right thing. The expense is secondary. I figure there is no sense building a durable and long lasting home with a foundation that may be questionable for this application.
Anyone who has had experience with them, good or bad, I'd like to hear from you. Naturally, their own website boosts quite a bit of advantages . Thanks.



Comments

03/16/2009 - 17:07
basements - the easest way...

thom,
With out doubt, the easiest way to build a basement is by using icf's. We have a member that poured the footer on Thursday, and then poured his basement walls the next Thursday.
Icf's are insulated concrete forms. Check it out. You can do them your selves. I did. Look at my home pictures...
OBTW, two other member also did the same thing. I have another neighbor that also has an ICF basement.
If you want to see more pictures, let me know and I'll post more in the ICF area.
Good luck

--

Dave Weathered in - need to stain then overcoat the chinking
My log home http://s154.photobucket.com/albums/s274/flintlock1/
If can, can. If no can, no can. An unaimed arrow never misses.



03/16/2009 - 22:11
Superior Walls, not necessarily.

I think you'll find when you do the engineering checks, that the Superior Walls precast foundations will not have sufficient bearing area to support the weight of the house.

--

Rod Reidnauer
Class of Apr. 9-10, 2005
Status: Repairing/modifying RV for temp living quarters
Thinking outside the vinyl sided box
My log model



03/16/2009 - 23:36
Prefab concrete foundtations are designed for speed.

Not necessarily for the best foundation.

I'm with Rocklock on this one, go ICF.

--

Class of April 08
Windows and doors... in progress...
Second roof in progress... trying to beat winter... again!
Still wishing I'd built smaller...

http://picasaweb.google.ca/parent.jason/LogHomeBuilding#
http://forelocke.blogspot.com



03/17/2009 - 17:44
THANKS!

Thanks guys for your input. And thanks Rocklock for the pics. I will be looking into ICF's.