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charles · Guest

foam below grade

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I don't know how I got the idea that only extruded polystyrene should be used below grade. Maybe it was this forum or JLC itself. Regardless, I'm now being told that it's OK to use expanded polystyrene too, at least if the density is sufficient. What are you guys doing? Has anybody had trouble with waterlogged expanded polystyrene?

HenryP · Guest

Re: foam below grade

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Charles:
Reddiform uses EPS foam for their insulating blocks.
http://www.reddiform.com/epsfacts.htm
Henry

gdvais · Guest

Re: foam below grade

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All I have seen is expanded foam used, although I don't know why you couldn't use either. However, in our area (NC), there are some restrictions to using foam below grade because termites tend to tunnel under the protectio of the foam. Termite inspectors require a visible break so that any termites sneaking in behind the foam can be detected.

glenn

BillHartmann · Guest

Re: foam below grade

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ESP can and will get water logged. However it takes long and continous water pressure to do that. Where I have seen it happen is where it has been used for direct water contact floation.

Any place that you would be building should not have those signifcant amount of water problems. and if you did then you need detailed waterproofing/drainage systems regardless of the foundation or insulating system.

Also, AFAIK, ESP is the only type available with borate for insect control.

charles · Guest

Re: foam below grade

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Bill, is anybody besides R-Control making the borate-treated foam?

James Eggert · Guest

Re: foam below grade

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Polysteel USA does for their ICFs.
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Take Care

Jim

BillHartmann · Guest

I am not sure of this. But some quick googling makes me think that PerformGuard is the chemical base for EPS with borates.

And that R-control supplies that to chemical to other companies that make specialized products such as poly-steel.

And here is another company that makes contoured foam backing for vinyl siding.

http://www.fullback.com/products/performguard.php

They also supply it to board fabricators that make R-control branded products under liencse.

For example in the Kansas City area R-control products are made by a company called Countour Packaging.

I did not see anything that was not either R-Control or PerformGuard.

charles · Guest

Re: foam below grade

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Good enough, Bill. Thanks for the research.