Construction Begins — and We Encounter a Few Snafus |

Roger Normand's latest blog on GBA: construction has finally begun in Maine.

ICFs are open-ended, hollow-core blocks made from expanded polystyrene (EPS Expanded polystyrene. Type of rigid foam insulation that, unlike extruded polystyrene (XPS), does not contain ozone-depleting HCFCs. EPS frequently has a high recycled content. Its vapor permeability is higher and its R-value lower than XPS insulation. EPS insulation is classified by type: Type I is lowest in density and strength and Type X is highest. ) and plastic internal webbing; they will be used to build the foundation. They stack together like the Lego blocks you played with as a kid. Once assembled, linked with plastic zip ties and rebar, then filled with concrete, they offer a one-step foundation sandwich with a concrete core and a continuous layer of EPS foam on the outside and inside that provides insulation, a thermal break, and sound attenuation.

Full article: http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/guest-blog...