Grancrete is currently being used as a below grade exterior wall coating to offer water protection and durability.

Yes, below-grade applications often must use both horizontal and vertical reinforcement depending on the size of the block used and the soil conditions and code requirements in a particular area. NRG Block can accommodate most of these situations.

FORMTECH ICF blocks can accept any type of interior or exterior finishes, including stucco. Finishes can be easily attached to the embedded strapping at 8" intervals with non-corrosive, self-tapping screws. No vapor or air barrier is required.

For regular walls, if the stud lands over a web, screw through the stud with a 3" deck screw and connect to the web. If it doesn't span a web, you can use Grapplers (see above) or just spring the stud out and use an adhesive such as Foam2Foam polyurethane foam, liquid nails or similar and glue the face of the 2X to the foam. in the uncommon case where the frame wall is a shear wall, then use anchor bolts or Simpson Ties just like you're installing a ledger and bolt the stud to the concrete.

Yes. There are three parts to the below grade waterproofing: French drain (foundation drain), waterproofing, and a drain board ? protection course. An ICF approved spray-on or roll-on liquid waterproofing membrane such as AquaSeal Eco-Flex is recommended from 6 inches above the finished grade to 6" down the footing. A French drain tile system should be installed at the base of the footing and covered with coarse drain rock.

Grancrete is in the process of working roof types of applications and will post the results from this process in the future here on Grancrete.net

am-cor inc. provides pre-engineered basement wall panels with are embedded in the footer and integrated structurally with the superstructure. This system is approved in all US states. Unlike sold wall basement walls, am-cor? cavity walls provide ready space for insulation and concealed services, should the owner wish to finish basement areas.

A - For regular walls; if the stud lands over a web, screw through the stud with a 3" deck screw and connect to the web. If it doesn't span a web, you can use Grapplers (see above) or just spring the stud out and use an adhesive such as Foam2Foam polyurethane foam, liquid nails or similar and glue the face of the 2X to the foam. In the uncommon case where the frame wall is a shear wall, then use anchor bolts or Simpson Ties just like you're installing a ledger and bolt the stud to the concrete.

The durability of plywood is determined by the quality of the veneers and the glue lines. Obviously, the rot resistance of the veneer timber will determine this aspect of the finished product. The best grade, the so called 'marine ply', utilises durable timber throughout, usually mahogany. This is very expensive.

Yes. There are three parts to the below grade waterproofing: French drain (foundation drain), waterproofing, and a drain board – protection course. An ICF approved spray-on or roll-on liquid waterproofing membrane such as AquaSeal Eco-Flex is recommended from 6 inches above the finished grade to 6” down the footing. A French drain tile system should be installed at the base of the footing and covered with coarse drain rock.

You may use exterior grade plywood but it increases the chance of problems over the life of your boat. Besides knotholes, patches and splinters- there are core voids (gaps) in the middle laminations that may delaminate and/or rot. These will need to be injected with resin. If you must use exterior grade plywood, try to fill as many of the core voids as you can. You will need to be a boat maintenance fanatic if you don't use marine grade ply.

Mohawk Engineered Hardwood Floors may be installed on all grade levels. See the Installation Guidelines for additional information and recommendations.

Yes... as long as the humidity level is acceptable and a PE film is installed between the subfloor and the underlayment (PE Foam, cork, etc)

We normally use 8” concrete walls for basements, and 6” concrete walls above grade level.

A - With virtually any conventional finish. For example, you can use siding, stucco, or brick. Proper planning should be considered. Check the AMVIC Tech Manual for details.

Yes. Before installing, a continuous vapor barrier of either plastic or foil film must be placed between the hardboard panels and the supporting structure (studs) to stop moisture from transferring into the back of the hardboard panels. If this is not done, warping or buckling is likely to happen.

Most stains are caused by moisture. The white chalky stains are efforescence, which is a deterioration of the cement as the water passes through the block. The brown stains could be mold or they could be acid stains from water passing thru a highly acid soil. The black stains could be mold and mildew. Mold will grow on painted surfaces more so than it will on a bare block because most paints have organic properties which gives the mold something to feed on.

Grancrete has experience with four (4) different pieces of equiptment: 1)Plastic drum sprayer, 2)Hopper based sprayer(small), 3)Gunite machine and 4)Continuous mixer/sprayer combination.

ICF is the acronym for Insulating Concrete Forms. There are multiple types of ICF's but in general ICF's are rigid plastic foam forms that are filled with reinforced concrete to create structural walls. They hold concrete in place during curing and remain in place afterwards to provide thermal insulation. ICF's are used to make structural concrete walls, and can be used to make either foundation or above-grade walls.

solid monolithic Ytong AAC wall system, the enclosed non-connected cellular structure and exterior finishes provide the healthy balance between resistance to moisture penetration and vapor diffusion. This balance is adequate to maintain a dry system, prevent moisture condensation and allows vapor diffusion when and if any presence of vapour occurs within the wall system.

Exterior: we call for 1x tongue and groove planking (plywood can also be used; however, it's more labor intensive as well as creates considerable waste of material), with either wood [cedar] shakes or shingles, or asphalt or fiberglass-impregnated asphalt shingles. However, a metal (aluminum alloy) roof can also be installed [over the sheathing base of the planks or plywood]. Interior: we call for drywall (a.k.a. gypsum board, sheetrock, or plaster board); however, t&g planks can also be used.

Metallic glazes were designed for interior use. If several coats of McCloskey Man O War Marine Spar Varnish are used, exterior applications are possible. Please note that Spar Varnish is very yellow/amber in color and may change the look of some colors.

You can use the rooms for whatever purpose you require: games room, gym, bedroom, flat annex, playroom, home cinema, kitchen or utility ? whatever you want really. Have a look at our gallery to see what our customers have turned their damp dark basements into.

Yes. The walls must be designed correctly to account for axial loads when used as a basement retaining wall. Due to the extreme horizontal pressures exerted by backfilling, thicker walls with additional vertical conrete and rebar reinforcement should be used, as specified by a qualified structural engineer. All walls below grade should be waterproofed as discussed above.

A - Generally walls will require 3000 psi concrete or as specified by your engineer or code. Maximum aggregate size is 3/4" and placed at a 5-6" slump.

Yes, when using the FORMTECH ICF below grade an approved non-oil based waterproofing system should be used. A membrane type system is preferable in most applications.

It is a new private-public partnership, focussed on improving the continent's investment climate. It aims to make Africa a better place to do business, by removing obstacles to domestic and foreign investment and by promoting Africa as an attractive investment destination. It is supported by NEPAD and endorsed by African Heads of State. The ICF is an independent trust with strong African representation on the Board of Trustees.