Hello everyone,
I find myself in a dilemma between choosing ICF or Precast Insulated Panels for the construction of my new house, specifically for external walls and floors. While I lean towards precast insulated panels, some questions remain unanswered. I plan to build a 2-storey house with internal dimensions of 8.5m x 8.5m, intending to make the attic 'habitable' with a spare room and utility space. I'm also considering raising the walls by 0.5m, essentially making it nearly a 2.5 storey structure. Additionally, I am contemplating a roof pitch of either 8/12 or 7/12. Here are my questions:
I find myself in a dilemma between choosing ICF or Precast Insulated Panels for the construction of my new house, specifically for external walls and floors. While I lean towards precast insulated panels, some questions remain unanswered. I plan to build a 2-storey house with internal dimensions of 8.5m x 8.5m, intending to make the attic 'habitable' with a spare room and utility space. I'm also considering raising the walls by 0.5m, essentially making it nearly a 2.5 storey structure. Additionally, I am contemplating a roof pitch of either 8/12 or 7/12. Here are my questions:
- Can anyone provide an estimate of the potential differences in cost and completion time between ICF and precast insulated walls?
- For the external rendering of precast insulated walls, is it sufficient to paint the concrete, or is another type of rendering (such as stucco) necessary? If rendering is necessary, what would you recommend for optimal durability and maintenance? Should a membrane be installed between the concrete and rendering to prevent trapping humidity/water?
- Concerning precast insulated walls, is rendering needed on the interior side, or is it possible to paint the concrete directly?
- Regarding the floor, if I opt for hollow core slabs, are load-bearing walls necessary on the ground floor, considering a span of 8.5m from wall to wall? How thick would the floor be approximately?