I am preparing to build in South Jersey and have just started researching superior walls vs. poured. I have seen mention of issues with the different franchises, is there a way to investigate a specific franchise's past without contacting a franchise directly; the reason...I don't want them sending me to only their satisfied clients. My current plan is to utilize the franchise out of Vineland.

Just to give you a piece of mind about the bulging between the studs on the superior walls precast foundation, it is common on the superior walls system and causes no problems structurally... The Dow styrofoam is used or acts as a part of the form to keep the concrete from breaking through and falling on to the floor during the pouring of the concrete. In some cases, the concrete weight will sag the styrofoam between the concrete studs. Once the concrete cures, the Superior Walls will hold the form of a bulg. If any thing be happy, cause there is more concrete in those areas. Again, often times we think of the world as a perfect place, and nothing in this world is perfect. Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions about the bulging...

We have already begun construction and have gone with the superior walls product. I went with the 10'ft walls to facilitate a full floor basement. We did have some minor issues during the construction (mission footer for lolly column and a misplaced garage door ht) but overall are very happy with the end result. The walls a very smooth which is a benefit since we have a walkout basement and will be stuccoing the exterior. So far, we would recommend this product to other builders.

I am building a 5000 sq ft house using superior walls. There are numerous houses in my neighborhood that used superior walls(some of them well over $1 million) and most of the builders like them. You cant make a superior wall foundation like you would a regular foundation. I am an engineer, as well as my brother and father and I can tell you, concrete does not bow. It breaks. If you see concrete that is not flat, it was poured that way or it is cracked and the rebar is holding it together. If this was the case, you would have more than a leak in your basement, you would have a small stream. I am a little skeptical but in theory, it is a great system. After all, what do train tracks use for their foundation. Gravel. I am noticing that all these posts are from northeast. I am in the Raleigh, NC area. Sounds like there are some shady contractors up there. I have put alot of thought into the topic and the selling factor is, better R-value, 5000 psi concrete(impenetrable by water unless there is a crack), and cheaper than a poured wall. I am using reinforced block for my garage b/c of amount of fill needed.

That's my cousin that owns the Millville plant. I appreciate all the comments and the fact is nothing is going to work 100%, 100% of the time. As with anything there is the potential for problems. Everyone has made good comments. It's important that you have someone that knows what they are doing each step of the way. If the basement was not dug right you could have trouble. If the stone was not compacted you could have a problem. You want to make sure that you dot your I's and cross your T's. Afterall it's much easier to fix something before it's finished than after. Superior is good stuff but it's not always for everyone. Make sure you look into all your options before making a final decision. BTW, another great product is Logix ICF which is essentially formed poured concrete.

Superior walls is like anything else if you dont install it properly and follow Superior Walls guidlines you are going to have problems. I would suggest not only making sure your installation of the walls is done correctly but also make sure your builder is able to understand and adhere to the superior walls guidlines .I have but a certified installer for over ten years and done poured inplace before that and superior walls is far more superior to poured walls if done properly .The guidlines are published for a reason and if they are ignored then you are just asking for problems .The franchise i work for install foundations every day and have been doing business for 12 years .We stand behind our product and have a well trained staff. to see pics of some of my install visit this link http://www.myspace.com/superiorwalls. My crew prides there selves in proper installation and it shows in our work

"Build Your Dreams on us!!"

I believe Superior walls should stamp/mold some of the critical install points onto their product. Once its installed, years go by and other projects get attached (and from the outside, the installer has no idea that the load may place the wall in jeopardy)... To him, he's just putting a load onto a sill plate... He didnt bid-or-plan to do foundation redesign work...

not having all the info you need is the problem .i think if you are going to use superior walls or any type of concrete foundation you need to have a person that is not affiliated with the company doing the install to ensure it is done properly .the most common problems with Superior walls is a improper install or not following proper guidlines.this usuallt falls to the contractor but if he dont know then how will he know it wrong. lot of peeps dont like the sealing process but if done properly it is fail safe .companys trying to save money might scimp on proper applying procedures wich allow leaks .HIRE SOMEONE WHO KNOWS DONT WASTE YOUR MONEY BY NOT KNOWING!!!!

As an employee of a Superior Wall manufacturer I know just how important it is that the manufacturers instructions are followed. Our company gives the instructions to the builder and requires a signature that they received the instructions and are going to read them. It is also in the contract that they will follow the Builders Procedure Book. This Book of instuctions is given to the contractor at time of order and also put onsite by the installation crew with a sticker placed on the wall above where it is placed stating "STOP read instructions below". Our franchise is willing to be at the site during the installtion of the floor system and inspect the foundation prior to backfill for a first/second time user or until the builder is comfortable with the procedure. Unfortunately we as a producer/installer also have to depend on the builder for the type and how the walls are backfilled, how the floor system is conected, and the stability of the soil that the construction is built on. Superior Wall is no different from anything else you buy. If you don't follow the instructions during assembly they will not perform as well as they should.

Hi,

We have a big oak tree close to the

house and a bowing-in cinder

block wall in the basement with a

long 1/4"-wide horizontal crack in it.

Outside, next to the cinder

block wall, there is a concrete wall

supporting the bricks. The tree is 3 feet away from the corner of the house.

The house stands on top of the hill, the foundation wall is about 9' tall,

so the foundation itself is deep

under the ground level at this side

of the house. There are no cracks in the bricks at all. The house is 40

years old. We had no water leaks

and the basement is dry.

Could you explain in what way do the

roots contribute to the problem?

Can they put enough pressure from the outside to make the foundation wall bow in? Doesn't the concrete outside

wall protect the foundation cinder block wall from that?

We may need to cut the tree down, but

it is likely to cost us a lot, so

I would like to understand more before

I make a decision about the tree.

What ways of solving the crack

problem would you recommend?

Thanks a lot, your help is greatly

appreciated!

Sincerely,

Alex

I know that many manufacturers & franchise companies insist that their vendors follow guidelines. Superior walls may well get a sign off. The difference is that McDonalds will take "real action" to stop a bad franchise. I have never seen an instance when Superior walls took steps against a bad supplier. They should try to protect the end user by refusing to work with with suppliers who provide inferior workmanship. I believe it would be in their best interest in the long run. There are foundations without homes on them in south Jersey...

Our problem with superior walls is the local franchise that is partnered with superior walls didn't install our walls properly. We had to completely stop the build and have been fighting with them and their insurance company now for almost 8 months. Still nothing is resolved as of today. I have a lot of pictures and more info on the build website. http://www.projectpogue.com At this point we can't even put a $$ figure on what this has cost us.

our house is 5 years old and the basement wall and garage floor that connects with the wall are both cracking and bowing. How can this be?

it wasn't cracked until this year.

D4Engineering - can you tell us how the installation went and if you are happy with the product? I'm about to buy a home in Raleigh with these walls and have been told they can't be treated for termites - additionally I'm concerned about the possibility 20 years down the road of problems.

Wehave a superior wall foundation. I overbuilt the house.my walls sit on 12inches of crushed rock (compacted)mesh in the concrete and 6 inch thick floor. I have no problems in 9 years.

if you are in the western pa area. you may check out other precast wall companies .such as specialty precast co. much stronger and heavily built.most important they are owner operated, small company that builds and install own walls.

Superior Walls is absolutely the worst company for standing behind their product. Wouldn't spend the $$ ....trust me.....it's not worth it! Guarantee? Ha! They blame all the problems on everyone else. Mold? Moisture?? Not their fault. Any suggestions??

I have a log home built in 2006-eleven years ago.Superior walls were used for a walkout basement.
They were installed over a porous gravel like substance, a covered pipe was installed around the outside to insure drainage.I have had zero problems-dry,straight,no water intrusion at all.I suspect
the drain was not used and water has been allowed to build around the outside at the base.The hydraulic pressure is going to cause failure.How do builders expect good results when they don't follow installation instructions?The homeowner is left with an expensive repair.
I am seeking direction on how to install a window above ground in my superior wall.
Thanks,Joe

Hi Guys,

Thanks for sharing your experience with us. Actually, I also build a new house in USA, Woodstock and in summers sunlight is the big issue over there.I tried many things to get rid of it but I didn't find any solution for it. After that, my best friend told me about the home window tinting services offered by tint guy and I checked their websitehttp://www.thetintguy.com/residential-window-tinting/ for more details, I called them and after their work, I am fully satisfied with their work.You can also try their services.