The waffle pods are basically just for framework. When concrete is poured it fills in between pods to form footings and then the balance is laid over this and waffle pods to the thickness of the slab. Reo is laid in these areas (just as you would if laying reo in dug out areas for footings) and reo is set out over waffle pods for the slab. I was told that sometimes if not laid properly things can move resulting in a reduced thickness of concrete over pod which is not obvious until problems/cracks occur later.įrom memory the idea is that they are laid on the level ground leaving gaps - which are to become the footings. Specification,part 4-Performed foam cellular concrete blocks.

Additionally, concrete houses offer an energy savings of about 20 to 30 over traditional wood. Because of rising lumber prices, it'll cost about 5 to 10 more to build an insulated concrete form (ICF) concrete home over a traditional wooden house. As usual there were various opinions on their use, but the majority of builders with a well known reputation did not favour them. On average, a 2,200-square-foot concrete house costs 340,000, or between 240,000 and 445,000.

On making enquiries with various building companies I was told they were a cheaper option than putting piers down in less than ideal ground. BuildBlock Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) are a building system that uses interlocking EPS foam blocks to create a formwork for reinforced concrete walls. I was looking at having a house built a few years ago in an area where waffle pods were being used - I had never seen them before. During construction, two insulating pieces of foam block are separated by a space connector and concrete is poured into the cavity.

Concrete foam blocks