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Frugal and Energy Efficient Living

txlibdem

(6,183 posts)

21. Yeah, I think you'd have to but you could

Reply to Old and In the Way (Reply #20)

Fri Mar 9, 2012, 09:27 PM

Mar 2012

have lag screws embedded in the concrete where needed and drill holes in the studs for the washers and nuts. I think you could avoid decreasing the insulation value too much that way.

I really like the idea of ICF's, great sound insulation as well as its R value. I'm seriously thinking of Fox Blocks for my next retirement house.

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Earth sheltered homes built on a gently sloping hillside [View all] txlibdem Mar 2012 OP

I'm in my third walk-out ranch. Smartest design ever.... Scuba Mar 2012 #1

We call it a Daylight Ranch here Viva_La_Revolution Mar 2012 #3

I've got a walkout basement for my house that's built on the side of hill. Old and In the Way Mar 2012 #2

What do you have covering the floor? txlibdem Mar 2012 #5

Basically unfinished concrete. Old and In the Way Mar 2012 #6

Thanks for the tip txlibdem Mar 2012 #8

First! Old and In the Way Mar 2012 #10

Are you a fan of incorporating insulating pellets into the concrete? txlibdem Mar 2012 #17

Don't know much about that, sorry. Old and In the Way Mar 2012 #18

Pellet to concrete ratio is critical, I agree. Precise control needed. txlibdem Mar 2012 #19

Interesting....you wouldn't think styrofoam would stand up to the weight of poured concrete Old and In the Way Mar 2012 #20

Yeah, I think you'd have to but you could txlibdem Mar 2012 #21

We didn't add pellets, but we did do foam board around the GreenPartyVoter Mar 2012 #27

That's pretty typical up heah. Old and In the Way Mar 2012 #28

I find myself siding with your wife. Curmudgeoness Mar 2012 #4

Straw bail has insane insulation values, but you really need to know what you are doing if Old and In the Way Mar 2012 #7

Interesting problem txlibdem Mar 2012 #9

RE: sewer pipe Old and In the Way Mar 2012 #11

100% agreed... did you install the plumbing inside the building? nt txlibdem Mar 2012 #12

Nope....I know my limitations! Old and In the Way Mar 2012 #13

So would you bless my P trap then vent stack then drain to sewer? txlibdem Mar 2012 #14

Let the pro's handle it. Old and In the Way Mar 2012 #15

I'm thinking about having a green roof on it as well txlibdem Mar 2012 #16

Do you live in a tornado area? MADem Mar 2012 #22

I live in Dallas txlibdem Mar 2012 #23

I'd consult a qualified person (I'm not one) but I know mine works a treat MADem Mar 2012 #26

Usually the floor is slightly tapered to the corner where the sump basin is located Old and In the Way Mar 2012 #29

Sort of like some of these examples txlibdem Mar 2012 #24

There's also the pure joy of telling your little farts to go play on the roof! nt MADem Mar 2012 #25