ICF Foundation Completed
Our two-and-a half story wood framed character home house lift in Vancouver was lowered back down!
TQ achieved the goals of upgrading the original field-stone foundation to a modern, insulated one and gaining a higher ceiling height for the basement. We demolished the original field-stone foundation because it contained rubble and depleted mortar, and it was condemned by our engineering professionals.
The foundation is made up of insulated concrete form (ICF). Rise best explains ICF as “a system of expanded polystyrene (EPS) rigid insulation blocks, separated with plastic webbing. It is used as an integrated concrete form for pouring a concrete wall, instead of a traditional wood plank or plywood forms” (2020).
TQ also upgraded the perimeter drainage, water line and sewer line.
For the ground, we had a high-speed conveyor belt shoot out 3 dump trucks worth of gravel to create a strong base. Approximately 30 yards of gravel was effectively transported into the basement space in 2 hours compared to several hours of manually hauling wheelbarrows of gravel. This time-saving efficient equipment was supplied by TQ’s excavator.
A strong gravel base was required to prevent the upcoming concrete slab from cracking and shifting. Our crew graded the ground.
Insulation and vapor barrier were placed to prevent any moisture from coming into the basement. Steel reinforcements were also placed to provide extra strength. Then concrete was poured and set to dry.
Framing is being completed with steel beams to be placed.
Next for this dream home renovation: remove and replace the top level.
Watch out for TQ’s next newsletter and social media for more exciting photos and project updates!
Contact TQ Construction today if you’re interested in increasing more space for your home with a house lift to dig down. We will let you know what’s possible for your home.