jrepp
Silver Member
Hi Gang, has anyone had any first hand experience with a Permanent Wood Foundation for a full basement? Thanks Jim.
Permanent Wood Foundation
- Thread starter jrepp
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I don't have any direct experience but there are some houses in my area with them. Many people don't even know about wood foundations.
My problem with them is how permanent can they be? I think the best PT wood available is warranteed for 50 years. That's not very long for a house. With the price of wood lately I'm not sure that you can even save very much money with one.
Good Luck,
Kevin
My problem with them is how permanent can they be? I think the best PT wood available is warranteed for 50 years. That's not very long for a house. With the price of wood lately I'm not sure that you can even save very much money with one.
Good Luck,
Kevin
beenthere
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Several of them around. My son built his house using PWF a few years ago, and having wood in the basement (lower level) is much friendlier and warm than concrete. Finishing off the lower level has been a picnic, being able to insulate the thick walls and then drywall, as well as easy to heat.
The only thing that has appeared to be a negative was the hot water heater setting on the wood floor. Apparently with the house so tight, and the shower fan running, it caused the gas flame in the water heater to be 'pulled' downward enough to cause the floor to get too warm. Raising the hotwater heater and putting mortar board down solved the problem (a fault of the heater, not of the wood floor IMO). Some people put hotwater heaters in closets on wood floors, so overheating shouldn't happen.
PWF have been around for a good many years, as seems they originated in the 60's. The concrete lobby has been pretty active against them, and I think pretty effective as well.
The only thing that has appeared to be a negative was the hot water heater setting on the wood floor. Apparently with the house so tight, and the shower fan running, it caused the gas flame in the water heater to be 'pulled' downward enough to cause the floor to get too warm. Raising the hotwater heater and putting mortar board down solved the problem (a fault of the heater, not of the wood floor IMO). Some people put hotwater heaters in closets on wood floors, so overheating shouldn't happen.
PWF have been around for a good many years, as seems they originated in the 60's. The concrete lobby has been pretty active against them, and I think pretty effective as well.
MossRoad
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My father was a construction specification writer and architect and showed me many things over the years. Before he passed away, we worked on several ideas for my future home. I asked him about wood foundations. He had this to say... "The Romans used concrete and it is still standing."
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JimMorrissey
Veteran Member
That's just the warrantee. When was the last time you saw any kind of warrantee on a concrete foundation.....the warrantee lasts until the contractor closes the door on his truck on the last day of the job.
