Foundation insulation can be a huge part of the overall energy efficiency of a home. When you can save the cost of a full basement (and later the lifetime expenses of managing that basement), this can be a no-brainer for a highly energy efficient home.
This type of shallow-depth foundation has been recognized in the building code since the 1990s. The perimeter shallow depth insulation that rings the foundation wall creates a sort of umbrella – protecting the earth below from the outside freezing cold that typically results in the heaving of earth that can occur in these cooler climates. This reduced cost of infrastructure can then be re-allocated to better purposes inside the house!!!
But Justin has an improvement on the suggested detail that he believes offers much greater performance of this umbrella at minimal incremental cost. While the code calls for a 24″ width of insulation ringing the perimeter and 48″ at the corners, Justin takes it to a full 48″ perimeter ring. Justin has been moving earth as an excavation contractor for many years and has seen the benefits that this additional dimension of insulation makes on the performance of the surrounding earth.
On his website, Justin describes many different types of foundations that he can help customers with. He notes that some people feel that some architects or home designers push people to build a basement since they already must dig deep to get below the frost depth. And a basement can become this damp-feeling cool place that they do not often use. While some excavators use this excuse to sell more services – and it is tradition in many colder climates – it doesn’t have to be this way.
Check him out and his discussions on different foundation types on his website at: www.spearheadexcavation.com/foundations. If you live in the area of south-central Maine, Justin can help you out with a foundation – or an entire new home!
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