Terra-Dome Earth Shelter Build

[SamWalton]

We had a few warm and dry days, so we cleaned and sealed the leaks on the roof using up the last of our Ecoline-R. We are leak free in the areas where we reapplied several times. We also began working around the house covering the strap holes on the horizontal walls with the mesh patches and the Ecoline-T. We began installing the kitchen laundry room wall. We are pleased on how the pipe holes, fasteners and glue worked. We will continue anchoring and gluing our pressure treated to the concrete floors, walls and ceilings.

 

[SamWalton]

If you didn't install a high quality vapor barrier on top of a deep bed of crushed stone, completely taped and sealed around pipes and other protrusions like stated below you may have moisture issues related to the below.

Based on the response to this post I would say I am sorry if I offended anyone. I have done some research on the concrete moisture problem and this is why we went to such extreme to prevent these problems. I believe if you follow the method using under slab French drain, crushed stone, a quality vapor barrier taped and sealed your slab will be free of serious moisture issues. I found a better method of waterproofing your concrete. It is called crystalline waterproofing. This technology turns the porous concrete into an impermeable barrier. The result is a structure with reduced cracking, self-sealing and waterproofing abilities which provides a powerful defiance against water damage and corrosion of reinforcing steel. Replaces unreliable exterior membrane systems, Penetrates deep into concrete, Self-seals hairline cracks, Reactivates in the presence of moisture years later, Effective against hydrostatic pressure, Waterproofs from any direction, Impervious to physical damage and deterioration, Easy to apply. Only thing I don't know the cost.

 

[sajurcaju]

Hey Sam,

While I know a lot more about concrete than when we started our house, I still don't know beans. All I noticed in your post was that it was technical details on concrete and mine was already cast. I sure didn't see any issues with your post.

Steve
Maine

 

[mjncad]

I'm not seeing anything offensive either.

 

[SamWalton]

Our local electric co-op was scheduled to begin installing our three poles and also replace an existing pole that begins the feed. They got a late start and only installed two of the four. Our rock prevented them from getting the third pole in place. The will need to blast to get this in place. We got some more of the framing in place.

 

[forgeblast]

Is the plan to also have solar panels? Or stay grid tied?

 

[SamWalton]

Is the plan to also have solar panels? Or stay grid tied?

We plan on limited photovoltaic and many hydronic solar panels

 

[tommu56]

Our utilities up use a core drill for the rock / pole problems but blasting is more fun!

Sam in the last picture is that a door frame were the plate is cut?

If so I do the samr thing while framing but I usually cut the bottom of the plate so I dont have to hit the floor with the saw to clear out the waste.

tom

 

[sajurcaju]

We plan on limited photovoltaic and many hydronic solar panels

Hi Sam,
I bet you're already aware, but here are two big resources for doing solar thermal panels yourself (the first has some PV too):
BuildItSolar: Solar energy projects for Do It Yourselfers to save money and reduce pollution
SimplySolar : SimplySolar

Not like you have time for detailed planning at this point...

Steve
Maine

 

[SamWalton]

Our utilities up use a core drill for the rock / pole problems but blasting is more fun!

Sam in the last picture is that a door frame were the plate is cut?

If so I do the same thing while framing but I usually cut the bottom of the plate so I don't have to hit the floor with the saw to clear out the waste.

tom

I meant to cut the bottom but got it mixed up. So I also put a small cut on the bottom.