Anyone use Lite-Deck or similar in residential construction? We would like to use it in conjunction with ICFs or SIPs. Thoughts?
Lisa

Just a suggestion...use generic terms and not trade names or acronyms, and more of us will understand what you are talking about without doing unnecessary research.

I have received information from a local contractor that ICF basements and suspended floors such as Lite-Form and Insul-Deck work well together. From what I was told, an engineer will need to provide a stamp on the plans with the change noted so the building inspector won't have a cow when you propose a 20-30 foot unsupported garage floor. For reference, I was told 10-12 dollars per sq foot is the average.

A structural engineer will definitely be required to do a lot more than stamp drawings. The proper joist depth for the span and load conditions must be calculated, and the required steel reinforcing specified. Details of how the floor/roof structure is structurally tied to the walls must also be designed.

When all the costs are taken into account (forms, preparation of forms for plumbing and electric, steel reinforcing, shoring, placement of concrete in at least two separate operations, connections to walls, and finishing both floor and ceiling below), I do not believe a cost of ten to twelve dollars per square foot is realistic.

I have estimates from two different companies in the midwest (Iowa) supporting both the Amvic and Lite-Deck systems. Here is what I have for estimates.

1) $500 to & $600 for engineering fees. Lite-Deck provides several write ups/documents for engineers so they can quickly calculate what is needed to meet code and load params.

2) 4-6 dollars per sq foot for forms. If you are spending more, look around.

3) 6-7 dollars for install and concrete. Using $90 per yard for concrete.


As for steel beam support, not needed. As for electrical and plumbing, there is little more planning needed with Lite-Deck than with a SIP flooring system.

You're already at 10-13 per square foot plus engineering, and you have not included the costs of finished floor and ceiling. I stand by my opinion.

As far as engineering cost, with a 22X24 garage it is < 1.00 per sq foot.

From: Kelly Main [mailto:kamain@iowatelecom.net]
Sent: Wednesday, November 09, 2005 6:33 PM
Subject: RE: Website Inquiry


Paul,
1) I would need to know what type of wall you intend to build on. You will
probably need an engineer's stamp to clear your building permit---depending
on the locality that you are building in. Your engineer should be able to
get the necessary design info off the LiteDeck website.

2) $10-$12/sqft if you were building yet this year. Increasing material
prices might affect next years price.

Are you building with ICF (Insulated Concrete Form System) or conventional?

If not ICF, I would like to have the opportunity to point out the many
advantages of ICF construction.

Along with being a LiteDeck distributor, IntegraSpec Midwest is the
exclusive distributor of IntegraSpec ICF wall system in Iowa, Missouri, and
NE Kansas. We have several complete ICF home projects in various stages of
construction in central Iowa.

If I can be of further assistance, please call or email

Sincerely,

Kelly Main
IntegraSpec Midwest

I designed a house in CO. using ICF walls (ECO block) and Lite Deck to span a 32' wide basement garage. It was my first application and it worked quite well.
The floor above the garage (5" concrete) had hydronic heating and the customer was delighted with the results.
Assuming that you are going to drywall the interior, ICF's will reduce wall costs over CMU's by 15% or more depending on how much you are willing to do labor-wise.
I am presently working on a 10K sf house using LITE-Deck on the entire project with hydronic heating.
Lite-Deck or Insul-Deck (same co) are excellent people to work with and will cooperate with any special requests you might have...

quote:

Originally posted by structural:
I designed a house in CO. using ICF walls (ECO block) and Lite Deck to span a 32' wide basement garage. It was my first application and it worked quite well.
The floor above the garage (5" concrete) had hydronic heating and the customer was delighted with the results.
Assuming that you are going to drywall the interior, ICF's will reduce wall costs over CMU's by 15% or more depending on how much you are willing to do labor-wise.
I am presently working on a 10K sf house using LITE-Deck on the entire project with hydronic heating.
Lite-Deck or Insul-Deck (same co) are excellent people to work with and will cooperate with any special requests you might have...

I was not aware theat Lite-Deck and Insul-Deck were produced at the same locations. Good info to use when comparing prices. Were you able to use standard ICF forms to support the Lite Deck? Was the ECO block rep able to help in engineering the walls to meet specs or did you hire a structural engineer?

how does insuldek, litedek compare w/ using precast hollowcore for spans?