FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
With any innovation and design, there are bound to be questions. Whatever your building needs, these FAQs can provide you with the most updated information on Superior Walls and our energy-efficient precast concrete foundation systems. If you need any more information, please reach out to us.
What are Superior Walls?
Superior Walls feature patented, insulated panels formed in a factory-controlled setting and delivered to the new construction site. There, the panels are lifted into position with a crane, carefully bolted together, and sealed. The walls are custom-designed and built to fit virtually any building type and architectural style, complete with window and door openings.
What is the difference between Superior Walls precast concrete and conventional concrete foundations?
Superior Walls foundations are dry, using a special low-water/high-cement ratio concrete that requires no additional damp proofing (US Markets; see ESR-1662). They are warm, with full-length insulation built in for energy savings. Superior Walls high-strength 5000+ psi concrete (the ACI (American Concrete Institute) standard is 3000 psi) is reinforced with steel rebar and polypropylene fibers for added strength and performance. The wall panels also feature convenient features like built-in access for wiring and stud facings for easy drywall installation with screws. Another important feature for builders is the speed of installation. A typical home foundation can be installed in less than one day. The walls can then be built on, or a modular home can be set on the walls immediately after installation.
Why does Superior Walls use a crushed stone footing?
Superior Walls foundations use a crushed stone footing combined with a steel-reinforced footer beam to provide a stable, load-bearing base. The purpose of any footing is to distribute a wall’s load evenly over a wide enough area of soil so that the soil’s bearing capacity is not exceeded. Superior Walls accomplishes this through a properly prepared layer of clean, crushed stone, which efficiently transfers the load from the wall system into the soil. Unlike traditional poured concrete footings, Superior Walls panels are flat on the bottom, allowing for quick and precise leveling. The crushed stone footing makes installation easier and more accurate than working with an uneven, bumpy poured footing. For detailed installation requirements, refer to the SWA Builder Guideline Booklet (MAN 42-9000), available for download on this website.
How is the depth of the crushed stone footing determined?
The depth of the crushed stone footing is determined by considering the allowable soil bearing capacity on the building site and cross-referencing that with the combined footing load per lineal foot, using a table in the SWA Builder Guideline Booklet (MAN 42-9000 BGB – US Version).
How are Superior Walls panels joined together?
Superior Walls panels are bolted together at the top and the bottom of each panel, and three beads of polyurethane sealant are used to seal the panel joints of the foundation system. This polyurethane sealant is specifically manufactured for use with precast concrete products.
What is the R-value of a Superior Walls foundation?
The original R-5 wall system was delivered with 1″ of DOW insulation with an R-value of 5. The Xi wall system has 2-1/2″ of polyiso insulation with an R-value of 16. Please check with your local Superior Walls supplier for availability, as not all Superior Walls products are available in all market areas.
What is the Superior Walls warranty?
Superior Walls brand products are manufactured and installed by independently owned and operated factories licensed by Superior Walls of America, Ltd. Each of these independently operated factories (licensees) provides a limited warranty on their Superior Walls products. The warranty covers defects in workmanship and materials, and sidewall water penetration. Warranty terms may vary because of state and local regulations. Service under the warranty is solely the responsibility of the Great Lakes Superior Walls. Great Lakes Superior Walls offers a standard 5-Year Warranty and two extended warranty options to meet your needs.
Where can I obtain design values for the Superior Walls panels?
The ICC Evaluation Service has created an Evaluation Service Report (ESR) for our Xi wall systems (ESR-1662), available on our website. These reports contain valuable design value information, such as allowable loads and uses for the wall system.
What are the standard heights and lengths of Superior Walls panels?
Because Superior Walls are custom-made, wall lengths vary. The maximum wall length is determined by panel weight, allowable crane reach, and foundation geometry. The standard wall heights are 2′-0″, 4′-0″, 6′-0″, 6′-8″, 8′-2″, 8′-10″, 9′-0″, 10′-0″, and 12′-0″. Please get in touch with us for your specific needs.
How soon can the walls be backfilled after installation?
To comply with building code requirements, the wall must be supported at both the top and bottom of the wall before the backfill placement. This means that the framing/decking connection at the top of the wall must be completed, and the floor slab at the bottom must be installed before backfilling.
What exterior finishes can be applied to a Superior Walls foundation?
Superior Walls panels are produced with a brushed finish that may be left as is, or that can readily accept multiple exterior finishes like paint, stucco, cultured/manufactured stone, or stone or brick veneer using ledges that are cast onto the walls during the manufacturing process. Major paint manufacturers typically recommend using elastomeric acrylic paints and other similar masonry paint or stain products with precast concrete products. Stucco and cultured/manufactured stone should be applied per the manufacturer’s recommendations, which could involve cleaning the wall panels with a pressure washer and then prepping the wall surface by etching the surface with a wire brush or a masonry acid wash solution. Wire lath could be used to span the panel joints, but they must be attached with masonry screws.
How do I attach drywall to my Superior Walls foundation?
After the corner studs and all blocking are in place, the Superior Walls panels are ready for drywall. A minimum of ½” drywall is recommended to span the stud spacing. It is best to leave a ½” gap between the concrete floor and the bottom of the drywall to prevent moisture absorption into the drywall. This moisture can cause drywall deterioration and paint finish problems. Attach the drywall using 1” drywall screws (fine thread/sharp point). A solid bead of construction adhesive should be applied to the stud’s top bond beam and face.
Can additional insulation be added to a Superior Walls foundation?
Superior Walls products may have additional insulation installed. Since open-cell products, like fiberglass batts, could contribute to moisture issues, we recommend closed-cell insulation products, like DOW® Styrofoam. The idea is to prevent the moisture present in the air from penetrating the insulation, reaching the cooler wall surface, and condensing. Closed-cell insulation will keep any airborne vapor on the room (warm) side of the insulation, minimizing chances for condensation.
Where can I find information about finishing my basement?
The Superior Walls Homeowner’s Guide, available from this website individually or as a part of the complete Builder Guideline Booklet, contains helpful information about finishing your basement. We also have many helpful How To documents in our Documents Center on adding insulation to your basement walls, drywall blocking, and many other topics.
Can I add a window or door to an existing Superior Walls foundation?
Yes. After evaluating issues like point loads, bearing walls, and frost protection, a window or door can be added to an existing Superior Walls foundation. See your Superior Walls representative for guidance when adding a door or window. As with other procedures that involve revising the existing foundation wall, an engineer or other person competent in applying the structural design principles should be consulted.