World class explanation of water management through "continuity". Civil engineer and I learn from you on every episode - presentation, client expectations, details, and humor - Thank you Steve
Well thank you very much sir!!! Greatly appreciate the comments!!! We all need to have discussions, and discussions, and discussions....it is how we all get better - THank you for joining in
I am fully impressed! It’s just a complete th-cam.com/users/postUgkxGqOCINHE0Z0E5gxzSdNi9NWGugRY5Hm2 plan with the best resources and step by step instructions . These shed plans are so satisfying as if the sheds build themselves on their own. Worthy work Ryan!
Steve, these videos are gold. You have a knack for making the sometimes dry building science stuff more interesting and easy to digest. Keep this stuff coming
Steve, you're so humble. When Steve paid you a compliment, you immediately directed it to something else. Impressive. Like I've said before, thanks for this series. Jayman...
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 It's not that, you "my friend", (if I may call you that), are an amazing, knowledgeable, likable person. Your attitude, and attention to detail. Are from your love of, and knowledge of designing and building, true. But you're more than that much more. I can't say enough about loving this series. Jayman...
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 - Steve, I want you to be my architect! Do you do simple (2000 sq ft relatively basic layout) but awesome comfort homes, the builder I just started speaking with is into B.S. too and wants me to talk to an architect
Love the videos, Steve. Makes me understand my own home so much more, which has become a huge passion for me. Thanks again for sharing, you are bringing awesome, practical information to people you don't even know. And thanks to the homeowner for letting everyone watch!
Nice video and explanation covering the process. I will be comparing Halo GPS Subterra 2"-4'x8' with taped seams versus closed cell spray foam. My project is climate zone 4. Also, really nice design running all the drainage pipe under the slab and under the footing along with using sand.
Bolting on a stairway or window well is nothing new. Did 4 just like that in 1991. Thank you for promoting the concept. A lot of people just don't know.
One of the best decisions! Amazing to watch the installation process by Shea Concrete. They make a 5700 pound bolt on staircase seem so simple. They came well equipped and it was such a pleasure to work with true professionals. It has been a gReat process of working with amazing professionals on all aspects and learning as we take each step. Great collaboration.
Steve - would like to hear your opinion on first laying a poly film barrier underneath 2" XPS to keep it dry and then Stego over the top of the XPS as the "Real Vapor Barrier" in a basement Climate zone 4 Chattanooga, TN. Great Episode, As usual!
Hey Steve, love all of these videos. Just one question. In our house, they did all the slab work (stone, plumbing, concrete) before any framing at all. They did the foundation, then the walls, then the slab. So it was all open from above. That made perfect sense to me. So what is the reason for doing all of the framing first, and then squeezing the concrete into the basement to do the slab last?
We did it both ways, but we frequently used to pour the floor before we put up the walls. It was concrete block back in the day, and it made a nice surface to work from while laying the block. We'd pour the footings, do the under-floor drainage tile and plumbing, lay the first course of block and then pour the floor. That said it can be a bit tricky lining up the plumbing coming down from above since there can always be slight changes to the plans when the plumbers are actually doing the rough in.
This might not be the true reason why he waited to pour the concrete slab in the basement, but the first thought that comes to my mind is that he is doing it like that so the concrete can be protected from the elements like rain and the cold temps that way the concrete can dry and cure properly after it has been poured.
Jesus has built an amazing business, starting as Jesus and a truck. That is what entrepreneurship as all about. Visiting his office and warehouse shows the same level of detail with a beautiful facility that he has built. Great teams come from great leadership.
44:30 - very smart, to have 1 pump set higher - 👋 having a redundant sump pump does you no good if you do not have a reliable indication that the primary has failed.
In my own build efforts of 7/10 homes, over 30yrs, I’ve always had a walk-out basement - both to the exterior back yard as well as to/from the attached garages - in the former cases, wherein the slope/grade wasn’t naturally offering a true walk-out entry, I always did “a forced walk-out”, using a similar approach as demonstrated herein
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 gotcha, since it’s a large area wouldn’t the foam all bond together and basically make one big pad supported from all walls and posts to keep movement from happening
@@TristanHutchison the problem is getting it to bond and not run on the Stego, nothing there to keep it in place. Obviously is we took 3X or 4X time you could make it work, but what pain it would be
Hey Steve, why do you pour the slab level? I know that makes framing easier, but if you were to get a water leak and the water migrates to the basement, wouldn't it be best to have the floors sloped to floor drains in the utility spaces? We had this situation a few years ago (broken supply line to a toilet), and a sloped floor would have significantly reduced damage in the basement. I know the floor drains could increase the likelihood of issues should there be a sewer backup, but with bathrooms in the basement that already would be a risk. Your thoughts?
This is a tough question, I see your point, and if a leak occurs the success to your point. If the basement was all storage it is a little easier to work in your point, with living space it is a little more difficult. With drains also, there is the notion of where do they drain to? In most regions you would have to drain them into the sewer, then you have to deal with the traps drying up, and solve for that.....
If you're floating 50 yards of concrete entirely on closed cell foam aren't you limiting the lifespan of the slab? Im sure the foam doesn't maintain its structural integrity as long as the concrete, especially bearing such a big and slightly live load. I know its different chemistry / sun exposure but I have retired surfboards built of closed cell foam after 10 years because they start to get "soft". Just wondered if its a issue that was addressed with the foam manufacturer. Again thanks for the Post, I learn so much watching your channel
The foam doesn't shrink......maybe a very very little. I have been in numurous homes we have renovated with open space / retracted ground under a 1" or 2" slab
I built a DELTEC Home. If you're familiar with them, all the floor trusses Run to the center of the house. Additionally, the first layer of subfloor does not have any running bond so a second layer is applied in running bond. Both are 5/8". Consequently, staple up radiant isn't feasible for two reasons, One, there's very little room for the pipe. Two because once your final floor is installed (3/4" hardwood in our case) you have a solid 2" of wood which wouldn't transfer heat. I looked into Warmboard, and got a quote. Just the Warmboard not shipped from CA was $12,000. By the time you factored in shipping and the cost of the mechanicals, it was going to be around $20,000 to heat the 1500 SF main floor. So we chose not to use it. Now having lived in this house for 7 years I know that in floor heat in the bedroom/bathroom/laundry/pantry area is not necessary. We heat the main floor with a combination of a wood burning fireplace and Radiant Cove heat. Our walkout basement has Radiant hot water in the slab. In conjunction with the ICF walls and underfloor insulation, it's a very comfortable and easy to heat space. But the areas mentioned before maintain comfort year round with no additional heat. We have a total of 10 Radiant cove units and only use 3. So knowing this now, I could have put Warmboard in the Great room and 1 1/8" OSB for the rest of the house. We live in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Our nights are cool in the summer and consequently we don't have AC. Our great room has 5 windows that are 5'x6' as well as a 6' slider. So heat gain in the summer is a bit of a problem, but by lowering our blinds, we can mitigate that.
Hey! Hey! Hey! Here we go...Steve B is back....long live our houses.....Its not Rocket Science , its Building Science.....AND Continuity! I almost forgot to add that last word! ☺ 🇨🇦
The plumbers said that the sand is a code requirement around all waste lines. Thanks to Steve’s design of the bedroom/gym windows and exterior walls, it was also easy to back up to that area and slide the bags down into the basement on scrap pieces of Zip R9. Bob Connolly, the plumber from RGC Plumbing, and his team did an exceptional job. I am so impressed with their work and care to do an amazing job. They were back today for the vents and final decisions on some plumbing placements. Very excited to have added drain water heat recovery from Eco Innovations.
Steve, If the closed-cell spray foam under the slab is a class 1 vapor barrier, then you add another 15mil vapor barrier on top of that because you dont trust the spray foam....why use the spray foam at all? Maybe in your market the prices are different, but from what I can tell rigid foam is always cheaper than spray foam. Are there other advantages you are used to justify spray foam vs rigid foam under the slab that I am missing?
Seeing VERY high levels of radon in the old house made the foam/Stego Home decision quite an easy one and it may prove to have been a very cheap adder. Since I did the labor, that part of the cost was not a factor. If I did it again, it would take half the time - learning curve!
Do we ever insulate outside the foundation, it seems like there's alot of mass there to hold and stabilize temperature inside the house instead of vice-versa.
I don't usually, my homes energy efficient levels don't really benefit from the thermal mass, if they do it is minor. Outside it becomes a challenge to install properly and protect, and provide a proper finish.....
Nice quality. Does the pump tube rip holes in the plastic? Likely not an issue with closed cell foam. I wish it was affordable for more homes to be built that well. Great job.
Just watching this series, really great stuff. I have a question about the control joints though. For all the effort that you went to with both the spray foam and the Strego barrier, at 50:13 in the video you can pretty clearly see what appears to be yellowish/greenish residue coming up in the control joint cuts, which sure makes it look like they cut clear through the slab and the Strego and into the spray foam. Or were those actually very shallow cuts on top of a green/yellow chalk line?
I have a set of those concrete bulkhead stairs in nearby Brookline, Massachusetts. It leaked from the very beginning. The concrete stairs require proper backfill underneath to give it support. Otherwise, the bolts are taking all the leverage of the weight of the stairs. Our stairs pulled away from the top of the foundation and rainwater found its way in at the very beginning. Several tubes of sealant later, we had the problem solved, but it was totally unnecessary. I'm not sure why they build a foundation with a hole in it. Just square it off and install steel stairs.
Sometimes we do simply cast a well and infill with a wood stair - I walk thru these choices, with associated budgets and discuss with the builder and homeowner.
Love it Steve. If Radon is not an issue, is there any need to come up the wall with the stego barrier? Most guys in our area are using thin poly and just laying it to the edges of the foundation and not securing it or coming up the wall. My build has a ton of corners and wondering if the extra effort of securing to the foundation will be worth it. I am using ideal walls (similar to superior wall), R10 foam board and a hydronic under slab heating system in my basement.
So how make holes do you think were punctured in the Stego VB with all those square-edged shovels? Perhaps someone should invent a special hard, rounded plastic shovel to be used in this situation.
I don't think they made any holes , I was there for the better part of the concrete install. If they attempted a hole you would see the shovel stop, they were skimming the top top shift some quantity
Steve, -- QUESTION -- Did you ever reveal what the build cost was on that beautiful barn that you built in Massachusetts. It was on the Build Show with Matt and had that dark blue exterior and awesome light colored wood interior (imported from Canada) with lots of solar and solar water hearer on the roof. Simply stunning. We have always wondered how much that would cost to build? Can you ballpark it? Was it a million dollars? four million? or a low $500k?? Really have no clue on the build cost (not including the real estate cost)??
Sory, I have not, it's my policy out of respect for my clients to never distribute cost data. Here's the deal, I do work all over the country. Let's say that barn was $800K. I could find a builder here where it may be $600k. Likewise I could find a builder here that it would be $1 mil. If I did that barn 100 miles west it is probably $450k........region plays a large role in cost. It doesn't really matter until you have a location and a builder. The best advice I can give you is that you are probably hard pressed to do exactly that barn for less than $600k (anywhere in the US), and it could be as high as $900k........Hope that helps - that's the best I got
Love everything about this build except 35:05 -- the metal hose couplings rubbing on the Stego on every concrete pump stroke. Yeah they probably don't have enough skid pans/plates for the full run, but old carpet would probably be good enough to avoid damage under the parts of the pipe that aren't getting repositioned frequently.
Those pipes DO NOT slide easy, and they are very good about picking it up, I was there for pretty much the whole casting. Also, have you ever used Stego? Putting a hole in it is a challenge.
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 My experience is with machinery, so I'll trust your experience on this application. I was talking about the back-and-forth shock when the concrete pump s-valve flips, and specifically under the metal couplings. However if it's fine after doing it, then it is fine. It's a good ad for stego versus what goes under most spec homes. Thank you for your informative videos.
At time 50:14 you show the control joints. It also shows some green material. It so happens that the vapor barrier is also green. Is that the vapor barrier being cut? If not, this got me thinking how often does that happen? Does the control joint need to be cut all the way thru or can it just be a portion of the slab so as to avoid cutting your vapor barrier.
Hi Steve - What type of drainage pipe are you using for that sump pump? Seems like it would get crushed under the stone. Are the holes up or down if any?
It's the typical drain pipe up here, it is rigid (due to ribs) but not hard pipe. Definitely strong enough not to crush, also understand the circular shape contribute to strength. As for holes, it is perforated all around.
HEY THERE STEVE! BIG FAN OF YOUR DESIGNS. I APPRECIATE THE TEDIOUS PLANNING. ONE QUESTION, WOULD IT ALSO HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE TO PUT THE STEGO UNDER THE CLOSED CELL FIRST? WOULD IT MAKE IT EASIER TO SEAL THE PERIMETERS AND FIELD PENETRATIONS? OR IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH POURING CONCRETE DIRECTLY OVER THE SPRAY FOAM??? PLEASE ADVISE🙂
Steve's comment at the time was that the closed cell will not properly cure OVER the Stego and the advantage of the closed cell over the stone is that it will bind to it and cure well. They "primed" the stone with a small amount of foam before building that up, similar to what they did on the concrete walls. There was a careful review and discussion about the best order of Stego and spray foam. Regarding the question of the Stego going up the wall, there was a concern over how to keep a proper chalk line for level if the Stego went up the wall. A possible solution would have been to spray foam that Stego to "bind it" to the wall, then put in the chalk line, but the added cost of a spray foam visit for that limited purpose did not seem to make sense as there was almost no gain to that approach.
Steve, is that a preference, or are there specific reasons? I am building in MN and have the rock, vapor barrier, then 4in of foam, then conc. I wrap the foam up the wall and plan to use the top of the foam as the "chalk line". Thoughts? I love your content. You and risinger have greatly improved my house plan
@@dbcartwr Specific - insulation on top of the VB puts you at risk of concrete getting under the insulation and it going bouyant, and that would be a mess. VB on top of insulation provides a uniform load on the foam in the down direction......I know some reverse it, but I have seen rigid foam "iceberg" and it is not pretty - so I will never take the chance
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 Ok, good! I built a mother in law unit at my home that has 2" foam underneath the slab and hydronic radiant heat tubing in slab, and I often wonder if that's going to be an issue later on.
@@jmhowlett My guess is the foam may shrink in a few spots, the concrete would bridge the small areas - I have seen the ground recede under an old slab
Why they are not using pressure foam panel (Finnfoam), which is always used here in Finland for similar installations. It can stand way more pressure and has much better instalation properties than spray foam.
just a interesting question, I dont know if you see my name but the letters are"JFF", i know it would be a massive low chance but what does the JFF stand for on the truck.
Nice! -- QUESTION -- @38:40 why is the concrete slab so black and not that nice light colored concrete like the walls? Seems like it must be a different product??
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 ...fair enough.. I had thought it may be the fiberglass in the concrete or that it was still wet.. Regardless, the floor will cover it, but I sure love that light colored cement.. Becoming one of my favorite surfaces and I never thought I would say that.. An exterior high quality exposed concrete wall can look amassing and be a great part of the character of a house.
@@WearySteerer I would be a mess and not bite the VB. Also I like the VB on top to ensure concrete doesn't get under the insulation and have it go buoyant. More of a problem with rigid sheets, but I always put the VB directly in contact with the concrete
SPRAY FOAM and CONCRETE The issue of Portland cements, the ingredient of concrete: has any evidence based experiments been carried out (polyethylene touching Portland cement pH 11) over time? I see a polystyrene waffle pod construction, relying on the internal grid of reinforced beams. 🏝️🌏
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 ,the only person I would know with this answer is Tyler Ley,PE, PhD /Oklahoma State University (perhaps an email would be in order). He’s an absolute nut 🐿️ about concrete . You All need to check out his TH-cam channel and tell me what you think.
A video spotlight on the basement wall assembly would be awesome! Is that in the works? Currently have a similar build under construction and would love to see how you connect your continuous basement wall insul to the spray foam that extends up the wall from under the slab as well as the best location for the vapour barrier. Thanks!
Why does nobody make a poly boot to seal up the pipes penetrating the slab? I just finished a slab and the part I was least satisfied with was where the vapor barrier meets those pipes. Using origami tape just doesn’t cut it.
What would it be worth in added cost to make certain that radon that has been proven to be below the slab does not have a chance to get into the house that is an expensive investment? This was an easy decision!
Why not just use Amvic R-30 ICF for basement walls no extra framing air barrier included no sub insulator to call in , schedule, pay faster , fewer parts ,shipping , handling use EPS on the floor for whatever R value you want lower cost
I looked at pricing and the ICF approach was 2-3 times the price. Steve wanted real basement framing, so the savings n framing were not going to be a factor. We will try again to look at ICFs with a piece of the project to come in a few months.
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 I suppose cost is regional depending on labour rates and concrete pricing, we find its equal to wood frame but faster. Many foundations are half the cost with ICF
You don't trust the 4" of foam to be perfect in continuity? You only need 1-1/2" for a complete moisture and vapor barrier and even that is conservative. If you can't reliably achieve that in 4" then you need to consider a different foam crew. Whatever the homeowner is willing to pay, I guess.
not on this one! they were not hitting the Stego mat. Having a concrete contractor who understands that is important. They were spreading the concrete with their shovels and pushing the concrete, not stabbing at the Stego.
Im conflicted with all that foam on the basement floor , it just seems like a bad idea in the event something unexpected happens. Time will tell I guess.
If you run a depressurizing fan from the start, the slab may be enough. The problem with slabs is you only get ! CHANCE to get it done....a little insurance I think is good
This is weird to me, as I've *never* lived in a home with a basement. In California there's basically no point, and full slabs are either incredibly expensive or illegal, and in Arizona there's also no point and hard slabs are pretty much everywhere. I just don't understand the whole concept of "basements" at all.
Either they added world best plasticizer or there is lot of water in that 4k mix of concrete being poured. Love the videos but concrete work irks me to no end.
World class explanation of water management through "continuity". Civil engineer and I learn from you on every episode - presentation, client expectations, details, and humor - Thank you Steve
Well thank you very much sir!!! Greatly appreciate the comments!!! We all need to have discussions, and discussions, and discussions....it is how we all get better - THank you for joining in
I am fully impressed! It’s just a complete th-cam.com/users/postUgkxGqOCINHE0Z0E5gxzSdNi9NWGugRY5Hm2 plan with the best resources and step by step instructions . These shed plans are so satisfying as if the sheds build themselves on their own. Worthy work Ryan!
47 year Inspector here. Good Job Steve! Keep up the good works!
Thank you for your service to our industry, and thank you for the kind words - very much appreciated
Steve, these videos are gold. You have a knack for making the sometimes dry building science stuff more interesting and easy to digest. Keep this stuff coming
Knowledge, Craftsmanship, Pride, Experience...Technology backs it up, but those are the true foundations for a great home
Agreed Thank you for joining in
Steve, you're so humble. When Steve paid you a compliment, you immediately directed it to something else. Impressive. Like I've said before, thanks for this series. Jayman...
Just love designing and building......
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 It's not that, you "my friend", (if I may call you that), are an amazing, knowledgeable, likable person. Your attitude, and attention to detail. Are from your love of, and knowledge of designing and building, true. But you're more than that much more. I can't say enough about loving this series. Jayman...
@@wantsomething3319 I may have you become my new spokesperson lol.......Seriously, thank you very much for the kind words, and for joining in!!!
First time I didn't believe something out of Steve's mouth. "this foam is holing up my 150 pound frame"
He said “150 pound frame” ….. so yeah his bones and cartilage might be that much
I think I had one leg up lol.....
@@trp2413 At least unfortunately lol
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 - Steve, I want you to be my architect! Do you do simple (2000 sq ft relatively basic layout) but awesome comfort homes, the builder I just started speaking with is into B.S. too and wants me to talk to an architect
@@trp2413 we should talk....
This deep dive is excellent. Makes my day that he recapped by going over the drawings and revisiting drainage. Never can over-address drainage.
Thank you
Love the long form stuff. Great job Steve and the construction team on this one.
Thank you and thanks for joining in
really interesting, thanks for taking the time to post this
Love the videos, Steve. Makes me understand my own home so much more, which has become a huge passion for me. Thanks again for sharing, you are bringing awesome, practical information to people you don't even know. And thanks to the homeowner for letting everyone watch!
Steve you are just the best!
Thank you for the kind words, and for joining in
Great editing
agreed
Nice video and explanation covering the process. I will be comparing Halo GPS Subterra 2"-4'x8' with taped seams versus closed cell spray foam. My project is climate zone 4. Also, really nice design running all the drainage pipe under the slab and under the footing along with using sand.
Awesome -let me know if you have any questions
Thanks
Welcome
What an awesome client!
They are top shelf!!!
Bolting on a stairway or window well is nothing new. Did 4 just like that in 1991. Thank you for promoting the concept. A lot of people just don't know.
wELCOME - THANKS FOR JOINING IN
One of the best decisions! Amazing to watch the installation process by Shea Concrete. They make a 5700 pound bolt on staircase seem so simple. They came well equipped and it was such a pleasure to work with true professionals. It has been a gReat process of working with amazing professionals on all aspects and learning as we take each step. Great collaboration.
Steve - would like to hear your opinion on first laying a poly film barrier underneath 2" XPS to keep it dry and then Stego over the top of the XPS as the "Real Vapor Barrier" in a basement Climate zone 4 Chattanooga, TN. Great Episode, As usual!
you could, but a waste of money XPS is hydrophobic.....
Hey Steve, love all of these videos. Just one question. In our house, they did all the slab work (stone, plumbing, concrete) before any framing at all. They did the foundation, then the walls, then the slab. So it was all open from above. That made perfect sense to me. So what is the reason for doing all of the framing first, and then squeezing the concrete into the basement to do the slab last?
That's what I was wondering. Seems a little silly to me.
We did it both ways, but we frequently used to pour the floor before we put up the walls. It was concrete block back in the day, and it made a nice surface to work from while laying the block. We'd pour the footings, do the under-floor drainage tile and plumbing, lay the first course of block and then pour the floor. That said it can be a bit tricky lining up the plumbing coming down from above since there can always be slight changes to the plans when the plumbers are actually doing the rough in.
This might not be the true reason why he waited to pour the concrete slab in the basement, but the first thought that comes to my mind is that he is doing it like that so the concrete can be protected from the elements like rain and the cold temps that way the concrete can dry and cure properly after it has been poured.
Super great video!!! Nice work
Thank you for joining in
Shoutout Jesus, seems like a nice guy. I can see why they wrote a book about him
He's a Great Guy!!!
Jesus has built an amazing business, starting as Jesus and a truck. That is what entrepreneurship as all about. Visiting his office and warehouse shows the same level of detail with a beautiful facility that he has built. Great teams come from great leadership.
44:30 - very smart, to have 1 pump set higher - 👋 having a redundant sump pump does you no good if you do not have a reliable indication that the primary has failed.
Agreed - have the same system at my house and the secondary dumps on my driveway - instant alarm....
In my own build efforts of 7/10 homes, over 30yrs, I’ve always had a walk-out basement - both to the exterior back yard as well as to/from the attached garages - in the former cases, wherein the slope/grade wasn’t naturally offering a true walk-out entry, I always did “a forced walk-out”, using a similar approach as demonstrated herein
Thank you for joining in the discussion
I feel the barrier they put after the spray foam should have been placed before they spray foamed as well 26:35
The foam wouldn't bite the Stego wrap -wouldn't work
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 gotcha, since it’s a large area wouldn’t the foam all bond together and basically make one big pad supported from all walls and posts to keep movement from happening
@@TristanHutchison the problem is getting it to bond and not run on the Stego, nothing there to keep it in place. Obviously is we took 3X or 4X time you could make it work, but what pain it would be
Hey Steve, why do you pour the slab level? I know that makes framing easier, but if you were to get a water leak and the water migrates to the basement, wouldn't it be best to have the floors sloped to floor drains in the utility spaces? We had this situation a few years ago (broken supply line to a toilet), and a sloped floor would have significantly reduced damage in the basement. I know the floor drains could increase the likelihood of issues should there be a sewer backup, but with bathrooms in the basement that already would be a risk. Your thoughts?
This is a tough question, I see your point, and if a leak occurs the success to your point. If the basement was all storage it is a little easier to work in your point, with living space it is a little more difficult. With drains also, there is the notion of where do they drain to? In most regions you would have to drain them into the sewer, then you have to deal with the traps drying up, and solve for that.....
If you're floating 50 yards of concrete entirely on closed cell foam aren't you limiting the lifespan of the slab? Im sure the foam doesn't maintain its structural integrity as long as the concrete, especially bearing such a big and slightly live load. I know its different chemistry / sun exposure but I have retired surfboards built of closed cell foam after 10 years because they start to get "soft". Just wondered if its a issue that was addressed with the foam manufacturer. Again thanks for the Post, I learn so much watching your channel
The foam doesn't shrink......maybe a very very little. I have been in numurous homes we have renovated with open space / retracted ground under a 1" or 2" slab
I built a DELTEC Home. If you're familiar with them, all the floor trusses Run to the center of the house. Additionally, the first layer of subfloor does not have any running bond so a second layer is applied in running bond. Both are 5/8". Consequently, staple up radiant isn't feasible for two reasons, One, there's very little room for the pipe. Two because once your final floor is installed (3/4" hardwood in our case) you have a solid 2" of wood which wouldn't transfer heat. I looked into Warmboard, and got a quote. Just the Warmboard not shipped from CA was $12,000. By the time you factored in shipping and the cost of the mechanicals, it was going to be around $20,000 to heat the 1500 SF main floor. So we chose not to use it. Now having lived in this house for 7 years I know that in floor heat in the bedroom/bathroom/laundry/pantry area is not necessary. We heat the main floor with a combination of a wood burning fireplace and Radiant Cove heat. Our walkout basement has Radiant hot water in the slab. In conjunction with the ICF walls and underfloor insulation, it's a very comfortable and easy to heat space. But the areas mentioned before maintain comfort year round with no additional heat. We have a total of 10 Radiant cove units and only use 3. So knowing this now, I could have put Warmboard in the Great room and 1 1/8" OSB for the rest of the house. We live in the Black Hills of South Dakota. Our nights are cool in the summer and consequently we don't have AC. Our great room has 5 windows that are 5'x6' as well as a 6' slider. So heat gain in the summer is a bit of a problem, but by lowering our blinds, we can mitigate that.
Thank you for joining in the discussion
Hey! Hey! Hey! Here we go...Steve B is back....long live our houses.....Its not Rocket Science , its Building Science.....AND Continuity! I almost forgot to add that last word! ☺ 🇨🇦
As always, thanks for joining in!!!
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 You are finding details to help us understand, because there is no one out there doing what you are doing. 💝🇨🇦💪
I have not seen sand used before for under slab plumbing, can you talk more about why sand of gravel for leveling?
much easier to rake and work to set the correct pitch
The plumbers said that the sand is a code requirement around all waste lines. Thanks to Steve’s design of the bedroom/gym windows and exterior walls, it was also easy to back up to that area and slide the bags down into the basement on scrap pieces of Zip R9. Bob Connolly, the plumber from RGC Plumbing, and his team did an exceptional job. I am so impressed with their work and care to do an amazing job. They were back today for the vents and final decisions on some plumbing placements. Very excited to have added drain water heat recovery from Eco Innovations.
Steve, If the closed-cell spray foam under the slab is a class 1 vapor barrier, then you add another 15mil vapor barrier on top of that because you dont trust the spray foam....why use the spray foam at all? Maybe in your market the prices are different, but from what I can tell rigid foam is always cheaper than spray foam. Are there other advantages you are used to justify spray foam vs rigid foam under the slab that I am missing?
Here we can spray CCSF for almost equal cost to purchase rigid foam - then you have the install cost......
I am inferring from the client behavior in the video that the /client/ insisted on the additional vapor barrier, probably related to Radon concerns...
@@epiphany6 We don't have radon out by me so I didn't consider that. Thats a good point.
Seeing VERY high levels of radon in the old house made the foam/Stego Home decision quite an easy one and it may prove to have been a very cheap adder. Since I did the labor, that part of the cost was not a factor. If I did it again, it would take half the time - learning curve!
I wonder why the sump pit was not next to the clean out for over flow reasons
Do we ever insulate outside the foundation, it seems like there's alot of mass there to hold and stabilize temperature inside the house instead of vice-versa.
I don't usually, my homes energy efficient levels don't really benefit from the thermal mass, if they do it is minor. Outside it becomes a challenge to install properly and protect, and provide a proper finish.....
Nice quality. Does the pump tube rip holes in the plastic? Likely not an issue with closed cell foam. I wish it was affordable for more homes to be built that well. Great job.
It wasn't. That 15 mil Stego is a force to reckon with, it's a heel of a product
Just watching this series, really great stuff. I have a question about the control joints though. For all the effort that you went to with both the spray foam and the Strego barrier, at 50:13 in the video you can pretty clearly see what appears to be yellowish/greenish residue coming up in the control joint cuts, which sure makes it look like they cut clear through the slab and the Strego and into the spray foam. Or were those actually very shallow cuts on top of a green/yellow chalk line?
I have a set of those concrete bulkhead stairs in nearby Brookline, Massachusetts. It leaked from the very beginning. The concrete stairs require proper backfill underneath to give it support. Otherwise, the bolts are taking all the leverage of the weight of the stairs. Our stairs pulled away from the top of the foundation and rainwater found its way in at the very beginning. Several tubes of sealant later, we had the problem solved, but it was totally unnecessary. I'm not sure why they build a foundation with a hole in it. Just square it off and install steel stairs.
Sometimes we do simply cast a well and infill with a wood stair - I walk thru these choices, with associated budgets and discuss with the builder and homeowner.
Love it Steve. If Radon is not an issue, is there any need to come up the wall with the stego barrier? Most guys in our area are using thin poly and just laying it to the edges of the foundation and not securing it or coming up the wall. My build has a ton of corners and wondering if the extra effort of securing to the foundation will be worth it. I am using ideal walls (similar to superior wall), R10 foam board and a hydronic under slab heating system in my basement.
So how make holes do you think were punctured in the Stego VB with all those square-edged shovels? Perhaps someone should invent a special hard, rounded plastic shovel to be used in this situation.
I don't think they made any holes , I was there for the better part of the concrete install. If they attempted a hole you would see the shovel stop, they were skimming the top top shift some quantity
Steve, -- QUESTION -- Did you ever reveal what the build cost was on that beautiful barn that you built in Massachusetts. It was on the Build Show with Matt and had that dark blue exterior and awesome light colored wood interior (imported from Canada) with lots of solar and solar water hearer on the roof. Simply stunning. We have always wondered how much that would cost to build? Can you ballpark it? Was it a million dollars? four million? or a low $500k?? Really have no clue on the build cost (not including the real estate cost)??
Sory, I have not, it's my policy out of respect for my clients to never distribute cost data. Here's the deal, I do work all over the country. Let's say that barn was $800K. I could find a builder here where it may be $600k. Likewise I could find a builder here that it would be $1 mil. If I did that barn 100 miles west it is probably $450k........region plays a large role in cost. It doesn't really matter until you have a location and a builder. The best advice I can give you is that you are probably hard pressed to do exactly that barn for less than $600k (anywhere in the US), and it could be as high as $900k........Hope that helps - that's the best I got
Love everything about this build except 35:05 -- the metal hose couplings rubbing on the Stego on every concrete pump stroke. Yeah they probably don't have enough skid pans/plates for the full run, but old carpet would probably be good enough to avoid damage under the parts of the pipe that aren't getting repositioned frequently.
Those pipes DO NOT slide easy, and they are very good about picking it up, I was there for pretty much the whole casting. Also, have you ever used Stego? Putting a hole in it is a challenge.
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 My experience is with machinery, so I'll trust your experience on this application. I was talking about the back-and-forth shock when the concrete pump s-valve flips, and specifically under the metal couplings. However if it's fine after doing it, then it is fine. It's a good ad for stego versus what goes under most spec homes. Thank you for your informative videos.
At time 50:14 you show the control joints. It also shows some green material. It so happens that the vapor barrier is also green. Is that the vapor barrier being cut? If not, this got me thinking how often does that happen? Does the control joint need to be cut all the way thru or can it just be a portion of the slab so as to avoid cutting your vapor barrier.
Hi Steve - What type of drainage pipe are you using for that sump pump? Seems like it would get crushed under the stone. Are the holes up or down if any?
It's the typical drain pipe up here, it is rigid (due to ribs) but not hard pipe. Definitely strong enough not to crush, also understand the circular shape contribute to strength. As for holes, it is perforated all around.
HEY THERE STEVE! BIG FAN OF YOUR DESIGNS. I APPRECIATE THE TEDIOUS PLANNING. ONE QUESTION, WOULD IT ALSO HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE TO PUT THE STEGO UNDER THE CLOSED CELL FIRST? WOULD IT MAKE IT EASIER TO SEAL THE PERIMETERS AND FIELD PENETRATIONS? OR IS THERE AN ISSUE WITH POURING CONCRETE DIRECTLY OVER THE SPRAY FOAM??? PLEASE ADVISE🙂
Steve's comment at the time was that the closed cell will not properly cure OVER the Stego and the advantage of the closed cell over the stone is that it will bind to it and cure well. They "primed" the stone with a small amount of foam before building that up, similar to what they did on the concrete walls. There was a careful review and discussion about the best order of Stego and spray foam. Regarding the question of the Stego going up the wall, there was a concern over how to keep a proper chalk line for level if the Stego went up the wall. A possible solution would have been to spray foam that Stego to "bind it" to the wall, then put in the chalk line, but the added cost of a spray foam visit for that limited purpose did not seem to make sense as there was almost no gain to that approach.
Steve do you always like doing the insulation below vapor barrier? thanks.
In cold environment depends on locations I.e your weather pattern
Yes, my typical arrangement
Steve, is that a preference, or are there specific reasons?
I am building in MN and have the rock, vapor barrier, then 4in of foam, then conc. I wrap the foam up the wall and plan to use the top of the foam as the "chalk line". Thoughts?
I love your content. You and risinger have greatly improved my house plan
@@bennewland3933 not sure what location has to do with it?
@@dbcartwr Specific - insulation on top of the VB puts you at risk of concrete getting under the insulation and it going bouyant, and that would be a mess. VB on top of insulation provides a uniform load on the foam in the down direction......I know some reverse it, but I have seen rigid foam "iceberg" and it is not pretty - so I will never take the chance
Do you think that the concrete slab is going to compress the foam and sink over time?
No, it's not that heavy.....I exert more pressure walking on it than the slab does
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 Ok, good! I built a mother in law unit at my home that has 2" foam underneath the slab and hydronic radiant heat tubing in slab, and I often wonder if that's going to be an issue later on.
So far I haven't noticed any sinking, and it's been about 8 years.
@@jmhowlett My guess is the foam may shrink in a few spots, the concrete would bridge the small areas - I have seen the ground recede under an old slab
Why they are not using pressure foam panel (Finnfoam), which is always used here in Finland for similar installations. It can stand way more pressure and has much better instalation properties than spray foam.
A question for you Steve…..how does the Zip-R sheathing affect the shear loading of a home?
not steve, but zip-R's structural layer is just 7/16" osb, so the performance should be pretty similar
just a interesting question, I dont know if you see my name but the letters are"JFF", i know it would be a massive low chance but what does the JFF stand for on the truck.
I will find out.....
Nice! -- QUESTION -- @38:40 why is the concrete slab so black and not that nice light colored concrete like the walls? Seems like it must be a different product??
The walls are cured where as the slab is still fresh.
@@trentonlof5286 That is certainly part of it
I think the camera has contributed to it also.
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 ...fair enough.. I had thought it may be the fiberglass in the concrete or that it was still wet.. Regardless, the floor will cover it, but I sure love that light colored cement.. Becoming one of my favorite surfaces and I never thought I would say that.. An exterior high quality exposed concrete wall can look amassing and be a great part of the character of a house.
@@michaeltca3103 Agreed
The water coming down the bulkhead.
Where does that go?
It will have a bilco cover, so no water will be coming down
Ok my other question is why does the spray foam not go on top of the vapour barrier
I'm sure it'll be covered with a door of some kind.
@@dlg5485 YES!!
@@WearySteerer I would be a mess and not bite the VB. Also I like the VB on top to ensure concrete doesn't get under the insulation and have it go buoyant. More of a problem with rigid sheets, but I always put the VB directly in contact with the concrete
SPRAY FOAM and CONCRETE
The issue of Portland cements, the ingredient of concrete: has any evidence based experiments been carried out (polyethylene touching Portland cement pH 11) over time? I see a polystyrene waffle pod construction, relying on the internal grid of reinforced beams.
🏝️🌏
Not that I know of, but I will ask some very good concrete colleagues and see........Thanks for joining in
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 ,the only person I would know with this answer is Tyler Ley,PE, PhD /Oklahoma State University (perhaps an email would be in order). He’s an absolute nut 🐿️ about concrete . You All need to check out his TH-cam channel and tell me what you think.
I'm curious about the mesh for strength...Could that have been used in the foundation instead of the screening?
No, it is not a substitute for rebar
A video spotlight on the basement wall assembly would be awesome! Is that in the works?
Currently have a similar build under construction and would love to see how you connect your continuous basement wall insul to the spray foam that extends up the wall from under the slab as well as the best location for the vapour barrier. Thanks!
Do termites bother the spray foam ?
They could tunnel thru it - this may be too deep for them......not quite the termite expert
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 thank you
Why does nobody make a poly boot to seal up the pipes penetrating the slab? I just finished a slab and the part I was least satisfied with was where the vapor barrier meets those pipes. Using origami tape just doesn’t cut it.
there are flashing companies out there that would work. I think everyone believes the tape is successful, and the cheapest....
Those concrete guys hit that vapor barrier with their shovel at least 300 times in the footage you showed. Pretty sure that’s compromised.
I would think differently, but certainly understand your concern
If you "don't believe the ground is bleeding a bunch of air anyway", what is the need for the radon system?
What would it be worth in added cost to make certain that radon that has been proven to be below the slab does not have a chance to get into the house that is an expensive investment? This was an easy decision!
Why not just use Amvic R-30 ICF for basement walls
no extra framing
air barrier included
no sub insulator to call in , schedule, pay
faster , fewer parts ,shipping , handling
use EPS on the floor for whatever R value you want
lower cost
I looked at pricing and the ICF approach was 2-3 times the price. Steve wanted real basement framing, so the savings n framing were not going to be a factor. We will try again to look at ICFs with a piece of the project to come in a few months.
We looked at a couple ICF installs - that just didn't compete in price.
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 I suppose cost is regional depending on labour rates and concrete pricing, we find its equal to wood frame but faster. Many foundations are half the cost with ICF
They're using a laser for level, just wondering why they need to snap a line.
a couple old guys there - can't change their tricks lol
You don't trust the 4" of foam to be perfect in continuity? You only need 1-1/2" for a complete moisture and vapor barrier and even that is conservative. If you can't reliably achieve that in 4" then you need to consider a different foam crew. Whatever the homeowner is willing to pay, I guess.
concrete workers come in with shovels and poke through wet concrete and bust holes in 15 mil plastic
not on this one! they were not hitting the Stego mat. Having a concrete contractor who understands that is important. They were spreading the concrete with their shovels and pushing the concrete, not stabbing at the Stego.
Im conflicted with all that foam on the basement floor , it just seems like a bad idea in the event something unexpected happens.
Time will tell I guess.
Laughing from New Mexico. It's (Hey-Zeus , like the greek god) not Jesus. Still love all the videos, Thanks.
Awesome 😂
NO it's not, It is JESUS!!!.....but enjoy laughing, it's good medecine
Actually, it's Jesus. That's his name haha
I know nothing about radon, but can't the concrete people design a mix that would replace the plastic? Penetron maybe?
If you run a depressurizing fan from the start, the slab may be enough. The problem with slabs is you only get ! CHANCE to get it done....a little insurance I think is good
What software do you use for your 3d renderings?
Build in Sketch Up and render in Lumion
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 thanks for quick response.
@@ToddBizCoach Sure thing
how do you stop termites?
This is weird to me, as I've *never* lived in a home with a basement. In California there's basically no point, and full slabs are either incredibly expensive or illegal, and in Arizona there's also no point and hard slabs are pretty much everywhere. I just don't understand the whole concept of "basements" at all.
Consequently, when I bring up the idea of a slab here in New England, I get the similar negative response
LOL. LDS and Jesus - working together since 1830.
Yes sir, lol
Ha! LDS actually stands for Land Development Services.
@@scottrodman I figured as much. It was still a funny juxtapositioning.
Either they added world best plasticizer or there is lot of water in that 4k mix of concrete being poured. Love the videos but concrete work irks me to no end.
One of the trucks was a little wetter than desired, in the end it worked out well.
yes - what's the slump?
I just cant take Steve calling that guy "Jesus" lol .... can't he go by the Spanish pronunciation "Hey-soos"!!!
Why no Glavel?!?
We considered it but it would require a lower head height to accommodate the required added thickness, so you can see what thew homeowner chose
@@stevenbaczekarchitect9431 ok thanks, makes sense.
+ Hey-soos is hispanic (ask me how I know) so it makes sense.
Does that guy really go by Jesus, usually they say HeySueSs
No he will correct you - it's JESUS
Yeah, Hey-zeus is a spanish pronunciation. I don't know what that guy's first language is, but it's not spanish :)
why no comelongs ?
? You have