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This raised-slab poured concrete foundation includes flood-resistant features such as a sloped grade, capillary break under the slab (gravel or sand), vapor retarder under the slab (rigid insulation), and capillary break at the top of the foundation wall

This raised-slab poured concrete foundation includes flood-resistant features such as a sloped grade, capillary break under the slab (gravel or sand), vapor retarder under the slab (rigid insulation), and capillary break at the top of the foundation wall
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This sump pump is installed correctly

This sump pump is installed correctly
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This Texas homes uses a slab foundation including a 4-in.-thick post-tensioned monolithic slab with turned-down edges poured over a 6-mil polyethylene vapor barrier and capillary break; slab edge insulation is not used due to termite risk.

This Texas homes uses a slab foundation including a 4-in.-thick post-tensioned monolithic slab with turned-down edges poured over a 6-mil polyethylene vapor barrier and capillary break; slab edge insulation is not used due to termite risk.
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To help keep the monolithic slab-on-grade foundation dry, the site’s surfaces is graded away from the structure, the slab is poured on a bed of gravel, and using a vapor barrier will separate the foundation from the sill plates.

To help keep the monolithic slab-on-grade foundation dry, the site’s surfaces is graded away from the structure, the slab is poured on a bed of gravel, and using a vapor barrier will separate the foundation from the sill plates.
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Trapezoid swale design

Trapezoid swale design
CAD File:

Turned down concrete slab - 1 1/2 inch rigid insulation

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Turned down concrete slab - 1 1/2 inch rigid insulation
CAD File:

Turned down concrete slab - 1 inch rigid insulation

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Turned down concrete slab - 1 inch rigid insulation
CAD File:

Turned down concrete slab - 3/4 inch rigid insulation

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Turned down concrete slab - 3/4 inch rigid insulation
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Two inches (R-10) of rigid foam line the interior of the perimeter footing walls before the post-tensioned slab is poured.

Two inches (R-10) of rigid foam line the interior of the perimeter footing walls before the post-tensioned slab is poured.
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Typical basement foundation and safe room.

Typical basement foundation and safe room.
Video:

UAF Cooperative Extension Service: Radon Mitigation in Super-Insulated Slab

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UMN NorthernSTAR: DOE Building America: Exterior Foundation Insulation

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Untreated lumber has been used on a below-grade wall against masonry

Untreated lumber has been used on a below-grade wall against masonry
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Unvented air-sealed crawlspace is insulated along the perimeter walls with rigid foam

Unvented air-sealed crawlspace is insulated along the perimeter walls with rigid foam
Presentation:

Upgrading Below Grade Spaces

Upgrading Below Grade Spaces
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Use this simple calculation to size overhangs above south facing windows.

Use this simple calculation to size overhangs above south facing windows.
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Water intrusion

Water intrusion
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Water-proof materials cover the exterior side of crawlspace windows in a crawlspace retrofit, while foil-faced rigid foams seals and insulates the inside face of the openings

Water-proof materials cover the exterior side of crawlspace windows in a crawlspace retrofit, while foil-faced rigid foams seals and insulates the inside face of the openings
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Well insulated slab

Well insulated slab
Video:

Wet Floodproofing

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When adding an addition to an existing home, the new construction must meet current code.

When adding an addition to an existing home, the new construction must meet current code.
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Wrong - Air leakage from the conditioned space to the basement foundation wall can lead to condensation or moisture issues in a conventional blanket insulation installation.

Wrong - Air leakage from the conditioned space to the basement foundation wall can lead to condensation or moisture issues in a conventional blanket insulation installation.
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Wrong - Basement rim joist not sealed.

Wrong - Basement rim joist not sealed.
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Wrong - Basement window not sealed.

Wrong - Basement window not sealed.