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Anyone Use Superior Wall?

16 years ago

I'm picking up bits and pieces of info on Superior Wall on the various forums, and I wonder how many of you have built with them? I've been quoted a price on a 9' walk-out basement that compares favorably with a poured basement, maybe even a little less. It looks like a good system to me- what was your experience?

Comments (4)

bus_driver
16 years ago
Put more effort into searching previous posts on this subject. Ask your prospective dealer/installer to let you personally watch a couple of installations in your area. I did that before deciding. If they decline to let you watch, avoid doing business with them.
gshouse
16 years ago
I've researched them for our new house and witnessed a few installations. Overall, I think they are a very good product, but with any major home component, there are situations when one material or technique is better than another. I've been told that ensuring adequate drainage is critical (although you can make the same agrgument for nearly any basement system) and backfilling must be done strictly according to manufactures instructions (lower lateral strength that poured or ICF). Superior also states that a concrete footing is not necessary and that a crushed stone footing is adequate. Although I have not discussed this with a Superior rep (or user), I would want more information including an evaluation of my soil conditions first. Fine Homebuilding did an article on Superior Walls a few months ago. Although the article appears on Superiors web site, it is directly from the magazine. Very Informative.

Here is a link that might be useful: Superior Wall Article in Fine Homebuilding
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boogamite
16 years ago
I used 9' Superior Walls on our house (walk out basement). Its been about 2 years since the walls were set. Zero problems so far. Basement is dry, warm in winter/cool in summer (was 74Â° inside after several days near or above 100Â°) Wiring is a breeze (pre-drilled holes through concrete studs). Only put up a bit of sheetrock so far, but it was easy (glue / screw to metal strips).

Superior Walls are big improvement over CMU, and price compares to poured - BUT you have insulation (R12) and nailers already in place in Superior, so if your finishing off the space you'd be ahead of the game. Nothing wrong with poured or ICF, but Superior Wall was the best for our purposes (and whatever material / system you use, proper installation and water control is the key to trouble free life).

I'd use Superior Wall again in a heartbeat.
bus_driver
16 years ago
Based on previous discussions of Superior Walls, some folks will remain skeptical no matter what. But do take notice that it is very rare for anyone to claim that they do have Superior Walls and are dissatisfied. I insisted that the installer furnish me in advance with the "builder book" for the SW. I carefully studied it and made sure that my site prep and his installation fully complied with those instructions. Departing from any aspect of those instructions invites disaster.

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