WE DOUBLED THE WARRANTY 

The foundation is done—and what a massive undertaking it was! Rather than using the  ROCKWOOL exterior insulation as we did at our Rhode Island passive home project, we’ve opted to use a different product. The reason? By using the Tremco TUFF-N-DRI Basement Waterproofing System, we actually doubled our warranty—from the original 15-year warranty that Tremco would give as bare waterproofing to a 30-year warranty. We could have used ROCKWOOL on the outside of the walls, but that wouldn’t have triggered the bump up to 30 years. And with the threat of water in this basement, we wanted to ensure we got the best warranty and protection possible.  

PREPPING THE SLAB

Before we can begin framing, the slab needs to be poured. The slab prep included laying out ROCKWOOL ComfortBoard 80. There are four areas where we have a thickened slab—where there are structural walls, we have a 12-inch slab. Everywhere else, it is a 4-inch slab. Rebar gets bent through the haunch wall areas, and welded wire mesh is placed throughout the rest of the slab base. Once the insulation and wire mesh was placed, a 15-mil vapor barrier was put down and all the seams were taped. Looking around this massive space now covered in yellow vapor barrier and feeling the ROCKWOOL under my feet, it makes me think: This is what it would feel like to walk on top of a giant pool cover (which I would never do! Kids—don’t try this at home!).

‍It’s time to discover what NS Builders can intentionally design and build for you! Contact us today to get started on your custom dream home. Together, we can make it happen. 

—Nick Schiffer