what impact on energy for above grade floor on auger steel posts. No earth contact!
scoutm38
| Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on
How about a study of building in zone 5-6 with no concrete?
What would J study show for not using ground in contact with insulated crawl space.
Can we make a floor above grade and insulate as if there was no warmth from ground?
How would you seal this area from rodents? How would the building code address this design?
We have a solid limestone layer at 48″ below grad all over the site. They usually hammer out rock for water supply lines for code depth.
Replies
Manual J analysis would provide an estimate of the heat loss (or gained) over this uninsulated space.
https://codes.iccsafe.org/content/iecc2018/chapter-4-re-residential-energy-efficiency
the guide above includes standards for floors above unconditioned space.
You can seal the underside of the floor cavity to protect against insect and rodent damage. this close to the grade, it is likely that treated wood would be required for the structure. you could close the underside of the floor joists with treated wood or several other types of materials, such as cement board.
One thing to keep in mind is that this would be an attractive space for critters to live under the house, even if you seal to keep them out of the structure. snakes, skunks, foxes, and other creatures will be happy to take advantage of this space to live and breed.
It is likely a codes official would require engineering analysis to ensure the house loads are supported by these piers, and that they will provide stability throughout expected frost cycles.