Article #1494 - COMcheck Web-Based Training Questions - Slabs
This article contains questions asked during the August 18, 2005 live broadcast of the
COMcheck Web-Based Training
session. The original language of the questions and answers has been modified to make them as generic as possible while retaining the applicable specific information.
What is "continuous" insulation for a slab on grade?
Slab-on-grade floors are typically insulated with foam board laid vertically and/or horizontally along the edge of the slab with no breaks. This is considered continuous insulation.
Will the slab on grade screen let you tell the program that you are using both horizontal and vertical rigid insulation?
Yes, choose "Horizontal with Vertical Slab Insulation" as your Option. Horizontal insulation extending away from the foundation must be covered by pavement or at least 10 in. of soil. If placed horizontally with vertical insulation, insulation depth is the vertical distance from the top of the slab downward to the bottom slab, and then horizontally underneath the slab. Five options are available for horizontal plus vertical insulation depth: 1'', 2'', 3'', 4'', and Fully Insulated . Select Fully Insulated if the insulation runs vertically and then horizontally under the entire slab.
Can you take credit for floor insulation if there is no thermal break between the slab and ground?
The general idea of insulation is to provide that thermal break. For slab floors, the insulation needs to either form a break with the footing or cover the footing to separate it from the ground.
How are slabs-on-grade treated in an air conditioned basement?
A basement by definition does not have a slab on grade. This term only applies to slab floors where the slab edge is not buried. If the entire slab floor is greater than 12" below grade, it would not be entered in COM check as part of the building envelope.