Insulated Concrete Slab Foundation

Concrete slab on grade.

Insulated concrete slab foundation.

Continuous insulation extends downward from the top of the slab and along the entire perimeter and completely covers the entire area under the slab. Two materials used to construct foundations are icf and poured concrete. Martin holladay explains insulating a slab on grade in the energy smart details department. 4 10 2012 3 climate zones e301 1 6 5 8 4 slab r value table 402 1 1 insulation and fenestration requirements by component e402 1 1 climatezone slab r valued 4 10 2 ft 5 10 2 ft 6 10 4 ft 9.

From an engineering perspective there are two choices. A basement foundation supports the entire structure. R 10 scored squared edge insulation sheathing model 52dd view the owens corning basement and crawlspace insulation. A basement foundation is a minimum of eight feet above the footings and provides living and storage space.

Slab foundation is the least expensive of the three foundations. Insulated concrete forms foundations. The climate the type of foundation whether the slab includes hydronic tubing for radiant heat and the severity of the local termite problem. The f factors for slab on grade floors are defined in standard 90 1.

Install rigid insulation foam board against the foundation from the subfloor to the plastic or concrete slab on the floor of the crawlspace. Slab on grade refers to a concrete slab that s used as a foundation for a structure. The slab is created from a mold built into the ground that s reinforced with rebar and wire mesh. Best seller owens corning foamular 250 2 in.

A concrete floor is an excellent solution for a high performing home. Insulating a slab on grade depends on at least four factors. If you re pouring up against your foundation walls insulate between the slab and the walls. How you insulate under the slab depends upon the severity of your winters.

Check out the podcast episode and please feel free to leave you comments or questions. Do so all the way around the perimeter of the foundation. For a cleaner looking installation cut the top edge of the foam board at a 45 degree angle so the concrete will flow all the way to the foundation wall and hide the foam. But to make the most of the thermal mass benefits of concrete the slab and foundation should be insulated from both the ground and the air.