Building with Polystyrene Forms and Concrete
Bob explores innovative construction technologies – Insul-Tarp and ReddiForm polystyrene blocks – as the structure is reinforced and the first-floor walls start to go up.
Project: Building an Addition for an Elderly Parent
Building a First-Floor Slab and Walls with Concrete
The home’s concrete-slab floor is constructed with foam decking and connected to PEX tubing that will heat the home. The ReddiForm foam blocks enable a single concrete pour for the first-floor slab and walls.
Pouring the Upper-Story Walls and Saving Energy with Concrete Construction
As the upper-story walls are poured, Bob talks with the builder and contractor about the significant savings in time, energy, and cost that come with concrete and foam construction.
New Insulated Garage Doors
New insulated garage doors will replace the home’s originals and be installed on the new garage. They have the appearance of wood and the performance of factory-finished metal.
Installing the New Garage Doors
Bob talks with Robert Rainey of PJ Overhead Door as the new and improved garage door panels and tracks are installed on the Norwell home.
Reviewing the Addition’s Footprint and Garage Doors and Laying Down the Second-Story Floor
The new addition’s footprint is essentially a whole other house, yet it will integrate visually with a matching roofline to the existing house. New technologies have allowed quick construction with a minimum of waste.
Installing Galvalume Metal Roof and Solar Panels
Work is being done on the roof—laying Deck-Armor and installing metal roofing and photovoltaic panels. Bob talks with Jeff Wolf from GroSolar about the photovoltaic panels, solar power, and the costs involved.
Fiberglass Windows, Sliding Glass Patio Doors, and Mold-Growth Prevention
Fiberglass windows and sliding glass patio doors are installed. A trailer is brought in to remove moist air and bring in dry, clean air to prevent mold growth while the house is being built.
Installing Fiber-Cement Siding and Cellular PVC Trim
While the house is being dried out, fiber-cement siding is put in place, as well as a cellular PVC trim that has the look of wood boards without any of the hassles.
Constructing the Porch and Reviewing the Mechanical Systems
A big farmer’s porch will run the whole width of the house. Bob discusses the boiler, which will heat the domestic hot water, radiant floor heating, and hydro-air heating system.