Our foundation getting dug and setup.

PSDStu · Feb 20, 2006

( What is the shiney stuff under the block? Is this a metal shield or block? To stop bugs or limit the poured concrete to the upper course, or something else? )

Code here requires 6" min concrete embedment for the 1/2" anchor bolts to hold the sill plate. The shield is to hold the concrete in place.

#4 Rebar vertical wall reinforcement in fully grouted cells is also required every 4 feet.

Marlowe · Feb 20, 2006

I've not seen the rebar on top of the concrete blocks like that. It looks like you have vertical rebar bent over on top and tied into horizontal rebar. That ought to make for one tough wall, especially filled with concrete. Our code here calls for vertical rebar every four feet but nothing on top. Looks good. Keep posting pictures. I find it all very interesting. I'm currently putting in the blocks for my foundation.

Tom

Highbeam · Feb 20, 2006

"Code here requires 6" min concrete embedment for the 1/2" anchor bolts to hold the sill plate. The shield is to hold the concrete in place."

Sounds like the block cavities will generally be empty??? Seems it would be nice to fill it all in. We don't use blocks here, just formed stem walls. Anybody know why? With the blocks, a guy could use them as handy forms for the poured mud. We are seeing more ICF jobs than blocks.

PSDStu · Feb 21, 2006

( Sounds like the block cavities will generally be empty??? Seems it would be nice to fill it all in. We don't use blocks here, just formed stem walls. Anybody know why? With the blocks, a guy could use them as handy forms for the poured mud. We are seeing more ICF jobs than blocks. )

The block cavities are all filled, but only the top 6" for the ones holding the sill plate bolts.

I haven't seen any ICF jobs in this area of Florida..... probably because most of the homes are built on slabs, and a few like mine are on crawl spaces.

JimMorrissey · Feb 23, 2006

Full basements are an excellent way (when "walkout" is possible) to greatly expand your total sqaure footage and not have to pay property tax on that footage. Basements are not included when they calculate taxes. At least here in VT. You just finish it off and throw up some shades after they leave /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Overall, it's pretty inexpensive square footage regardless of where you live. I'm surprised more people don't do it in the south, especially considering the favorable digging conditions compared to the boulder infested north.

SkyPup · Feb 23, 2006

The high underground water levels and humidity down South usually negate basements

RobJ · Feb 24, 2006

What's a basement? /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

Farwell · Feb 25, 2006

A basement is one of those things us Northerners go to when hiding from tornados.
Farwell

Jagmandave · Feb 27, 2006

( A basement is one of those things us Northerners go to when hiding from tornados.
Farwell )

amen, brother.....here in Tornado alley, we know of which you speak!

In fact, my new house has a "Storm room" built into the design. A 10' X 10' re-inforced concrete room with concrete ceiling and heavy steel doors........