GBA Logo horizontal Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram YouTube Icon Navigation Search Icon Main Search Icon Video Play Icon Plus Icon Minus Icon Picture icon Hamburger Icon Close Icon Sorted

Community and Q&A

FPSF when constructing an addition

Forrest_Tucker | Posted in General Questions on

Hi,

 I’m trying to figure out how to connect the FPSF to my existing footing/stem wall foundation and also how to protect it from frost heave. (Zone 6)

Thanks!

GBA Prime

Join the leading community of building science experts

Become a GBA Prime member and get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

Replies

  1. Expert Member
    MALCOLM TAYLOR | | #1

    Forrest,

    What type of FPSF are you considering? A slab? Stem walls?

  2. Forrest_Tucker | | #2

    Malcolm,
    I plan to do slab, one unheated style for the attached garage and the other heated space style for the bedroom addition.
    Thanks!

  3. Expert Member
    MALCOLM TAYLOR | | #3

    Forrest,

    Sorry - one more question: Is the existing house a slab, or does it have a framed floor on top of the stem walls?

    1. Forrest_Tucker | | #4

      Framed on top of stem walls.

      1. Expert Member
        MALCOLM TAYLOR | | #5

        Forrest,

        That makes things complicated. With an slab, or a slab inside stem walls, you can attach the new FPSF slab to the existing and away you go.

        With framed floors you have to figure out a) the intersection of the framing and new slab when you essentially are burying the rim joist, and b) how to build up the exterior grade under the new slab while maintaining the required clearance to the framing at the existing house.

        The garage slab is no problem, as you can pour it at the same level as the existing foundation, but the bedroom addition might be best built with a framed floor. Both could be protected from freezing using FPSF techniques.

Log in or create an account to post an answer.

Community

Recent Questions and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |