Superior Wall Foundation System

8 years ago

We are building a new home and one of the builders giving us an estimate uses this system. Superior Walls

Does anyone have experience with it? I am concerned about the panels being bolted together. Seems less secure than interlocking concrete block.

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Comments (5)

millworkman
8 years ago
A quick search of the site will bring up many many posts on the subject
PRO
Springtime Builders
8 years ago
I think most structural engineers would prefer SW system to typical concrete block. SW is a great system.
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Precast concrete foundation walls - which company?
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Comments (11)
@Bio-Modified Untrue. Poured walls will also leak. If there is water next to the foundation - you're going to have a wet basement, period. The difference is the Superior Wall system controls all the joints...A poured wall just cracks randomly and therefore has to be separately waterproofed. You can also use any exterior waterproofing system you'd use on a poured wall on Superior Walls if you want a belt and suspenders protection - but because the panels are 5000psi concrete they are impervious to moisture and that is normally unnecessary. The joints are double-sealed with a very high grade urethane sealant. The only "horror stories" I've ever seen or heard re: any of the pre-cast systems is when they are improperly backfilled and/or do not have drainage installed correctly. As long as the space around the foundation can freely drain- the basement WILL be dry.
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Q
Comments (55)
I interpret the builder's list is stating underslab moisture barrier and drain tile footing - standard basement fare. The only plastic inside a basement would be exposed scrim-wrapped insulation blankets if chosen. For the exterior, instead of damproofing (asphaltic emulsion spray) a better product is waterproofing (membrane - similar to roof "ice&water shield," and there are some proprietary roll-on types with thickness). The spray (what you may have referred to as "tar") does not expand over cracks, it separates with them. But a membrane will stay intact, and paired with dimple board and footing drain tile burrito wrapped, your basement will be utilizing best current practices. There are some other fine details and better spec grades of materials, but those are the basic essentials.
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Superior wall basement
Q
Comments (6)
Choose a stucco color to match the brick. No one will notice. I'd probably change the columns going from 6 to 4, making them larger and white instead of stained. Might make the porch less wide -- like 3 or 4 feet overall. Make the steps wider and space the inner two columns to match. You want to welcome visitors, not funnel them in. Consider increasing the height of the beam running across the columns. The two windows flanking the front door seem really close to it. Barely enough room for a wall, so I wonder about the floor plan. And I prefer simple, so I've removed the dormer. Your rendering shows the wall hanging over the foundation several inches. Probably just a poor rendering, but it should overlap only a small amount. For the windows, consider using a sill across the bottom (left) instead of picture framing.
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Looking to finish our basement that has Superior Walls foundation.
Q
Comments (1)
Just as you finish any other basement, your walls already have studs you can run wiring they already have access for wiring, etc and you attach drywall using glue and fine-tread drywall screws and the rest of the interior walls you can use wood or metal studs.
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User
8 years ago
I've had 2 houses with superior precast walls. I love them, they seem far better to me than a block foundation. I'm currently on a very wet lot and I've had zero issues with any leaks.
mushcreek
8 years ago
Superior Walls would much better than block. We considered it, but went ICF (DIY) instead. It's important with any foundation system to have good waterproofing and water management (drainage) to ensure a dry basement.
Am E
8 years ago
We have a superior walls foundation in our ongoing new build, foundation was complete in February/beginning of March (2016). I have never lived in a home with this foundation system, but it came highly recommended by basically everyone. We're impressed so far, although we haven't lived with it. It is quite obviously superior to a block foundation when you see it in person. We have a crawlspace foundation with a concrete floor, and it will be conditioned space. Our builder uses this foundation system almost exclusively, and we toured homes he built with full basements as well. Is it ok to post links to a personal blog? The post with the foundation pics is here if you are interested: https://amytracker.wordpress.com/2016/02/29/house-2-0-foundation-and-subfloor/

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Superior Wall Foundation System

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millworkman

Springtime Builders

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mushcreek

Am E

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