Forums > Specific Focus > Home, Garden & Construction in Mexico> Re: [robt65] Making a concrete addition to a Home

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May 26, 2011, 6:33 AM

Re: [robt65] Making a concrete addition to a Home

I am replying because sometimes these threads are repositories of information, that is what is unique about this site.

We are missing two other features of styrofoam panels. The first in insulation - good R factor, sound proofing, all at low cost. The second is runoff, much more important in rain (and snow) areas. A basic steel and concrete roof can be easily built with predictable load levels. Then comes the challenge and skill levels to make a flat roof (as much useable space as possible) that will shed water and not have puddles. A common practice in Canada - and I am sure, but have not confirmed that this is routinely used in Puerto Vallarta- Is to have the foam suppliers cut the panels each with a specified slope. This is very easy to do on the cad/cam cutters they all use to slice from the giant foam 'billets'. Imagine a large chunk of cheese, and the hot wire cutter making the slices. The slices are designed to interlock and the 'cut list' is all numbered for assembly. A water proof membrane is laid on the concrete, the foam goes down, fill in the blanks with lightweight concrete, and then tiles. Simple, stable and durable. Easy to wash down too. The ' structural panels' could be used, but then there is still the problem of waterproofing and deck slopes - you are just paying for the convenience of rapid assembly.

So we have learned that if you want something original, entertaining to the eye, and low cost - then use steel and concrete using lots of curves, which gives unbelievable strength over flat/square construction. If you still want flat/square - then build your frame, roof beams and footings as strong as needed, with steel and concrete, and then hang everything off of this skeleton. Of course, the key is to balance these two styles.

(This post was edited by Sculptari on May 26, 2011, 7:40 AM)

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Post edited by Sculptari (User) on May 26, 2011, 7:36 AM
Post edited by Sculptari (User) on May 26, 2011, 7:40 AM