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| Permanent
Wood Foundation (PWF) |
| Frequently
Asked Questions |
| Click
on the FAQ's Below for answers |
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| 1. |
What is
a Permanent Wood Foundation? |
| 2. |
How is a Permanent Wood Foundation constructed? |
| 3. |
Are Permanent
Wood Foundations" Energy Wise"? |
| 4. |
Are Permanent
Wood Foundations" Environmentally Friendly"? |
| 5. |
The
plans for my new home indicate a masonry foundation, can I change to a PWF? |
| 6. |
Are the
chemicals used in the treatment process safe? |
| 7. |
What
about mold and mildew in PWF basements? |
| 8. |
What are
the chances of the basement leaking? |
| 9. |
Can I
have a walk-out basement with a PWF? |
| 10. |
What
about finishing the basement? |
| 11. |
How much
does a PWF cost compared to poured concrete? |
| 12. |
How long
does it take to install a PWF? |
| 13. |
Can I
have a woodstove in a PWF basement? |
| 14. |
How long
will a wood foundation last? |
| 15. |
Can I
install a Permanent Wood Foundation
myself? |
| 16. |
Where
can I get more information? |
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| What
is a Permanent Wood Foundation? |
| The Permanent Wood
Foundation, or PWF, is an innovative building
system that saves builders time and makes
basements warm, comfortable living areas. PWF
basements have all the livability of above ground
rooms. They incorporate superior drainage
features that prevent the moisture problems
typical of ordinary masonry foundations. |
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to Top
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| How
is a Permanent Wood Foundation built?
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| A PWF is a series of
load-bearing lumber framed walls sheathed with
plywood. All lumber and plywood used in
the PWF are specially pressure treated with
preservatives to withstand decay from moisture
and insect attack. Southern Pine lumber (a
very strong species of lumber)
used in a PWF is pressure treated to a retention
level of 0.60 lbs./cu.ft., in accordance with
AWPA standards. (This is approximately 50% more
preservative than exterior deck materials.) |
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to Top |
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| Are
Permanent Wood Foundations "Energy
Efficient"? |
| Very much so! Basement heat loss from an insulated PWF is about 1/3 of that from a poured concrete basement. A 30'x50' basement, in central Michigan, saves
approximately 38,000,000 (thirty eight million) BTU's per heating season. (That's about $200.00 in natural gas) |
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| Are Permanent Wood Foundations "Environmentally Friendly"? |
| Wood is our most renewable
resource, more trees are planted each year than harvested. Additionally, the fossil fuel use, greenhouse gas, water and air pollution resulting from lumber production is 1/3 that of steel manufacturing and ½ of concrete. |
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| The plans for my new home indicate a masonry foundation, can I change to a PWF? |
| Not a problem! Each PWF is specially designed to suit the building above it. Prior to the construction of the basement, drawings are provided to suppliment your plans, a copy for the local building department and one for the homeowners records. PWF's are accepted by all building codes. |
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| Are the chemicals used in the treatment process safe? |
| PWF materials are treated
with naturally occurring metals found in the earth's crust, plants and living organisms, including people. No vapors are released and no leaching occurs. Extensive testing has been done and pressure treated materials have been proven safe for indoor use. |
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| What about mold and mildew in PWF basements? |
| The nature of the PWF system
allows for fresh air to circulate through the concealed areas of the basement floor lessening the opportunity of bacterial growth. Additionally, the construction details of the PWF and its granular footing keep ground moisture further from the basements interior where it cannot "wick-through" the walls and floor as in a concrete basement. |
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| What are the chances of the basement leaking?
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| During construction the
plywood joints are sealed full length with butyl caulking, the walls are covered with a vapor barrier prior to being back-filled, partially with P-rock to facilitate drainage and eliminate leaks do to hydraulic pressure caused by soil
expansion around the basement. These measures and the in-ability of the PWF walls to crack, as is common in masonry construction, virtually eliminate the possibility of leakage. |
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to Top
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| Can
I have a walk-out basement with a PWF? |
| The PWF system is a
designers dream. The great strength of the
plywood diaphragms comprising the PWF coupled
with its light weight, allow walk-outs, garages
in or above basements, earth berm and underground
projects to be accomplished. Even in areas with
less than optimum soil bearing capacities. |
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to Top |
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| What
about finishing the basement? |
| It's ready! No furring
strips or additional framing is necessary, just
insulate (if desired), and nail drywall or
paneling directly to the studs. |
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to Top
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| How much does a PWF cost compared to concrete? |
| Professionally installed the
PWF costs about the same as a poured concrete basement. A prefabricated PWF foundation installed by the homeowner can save about 30%. |
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| How long does it take to install a PWF? |
| Prefabricated foundations
are usually installed in one day. |
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| Can I have a woodstove in a PWF basement? |
| Of course. There are no
restrictions of any kind regarding the use of a PWF. Fire insurance companies, lending institutions and home warranty companies approve and accept Permanent Wood Foundations the same as other types of basements. |
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| How long will a wood foundation last? |
| The manufacturer of
the "Wolman" brand preservative used in the treatment process, warranties materials used in PWF construction against decay or insect damage for 75 years. |
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| Can I install a Permanent Wood Foundation myself? |
| Substantial savings
can be realized by "do-it-yourselfers"
doing their own PWF installation. However, quality control, correct fastening techniques and attention to detail are essential to insure a quality product. The most practical way for a homebuilder to install a PWF is to purchase a prefabricated foundation and do their own installation. |
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| Where can I get more information? |
| Click Here
for links to Friends and other PWF Professionals |
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