Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Frugal and Energy Efficient Living

GreenPartyVoter

(73,074 posts)

27. We didn't add pellets, but we did do foam board around the

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

Thu Mar 29, 2012, 06:40 AM

Mar 2012

outside of all the basement walls. (Did not do anything to the floor. I am sure it would be even warmer if we had.) I wonder about the infiltration issue with our walls, though, given that we did it this way.

Still, the basement is pretty comfortable. We aren't heating it, but have been able to go down and play ping pong and pool all winter. (Granted, it's not been a typical Maine winter, but I think being below ground it doesn't much matter?) The kids have had parties down there and even ridden their scooter around. It's been great for them, compared to life in the old trailer!

Edit history

Please sign in to view edit histories.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

29 replies

= new reply since forum marked as read

Highlight:

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