Formsulate
What is Formsulate?
Formsulate is a leave-in-place concrete slab form board with integral R-10 insulation. It consists of an extruded plastic form board with Styrofoam insulation, along with specialized linear joiners and corner sections. A demonstration video of the prototype is available to view online in Quicktime and Windows Media formats.
What makes Formsulate special?
Formsulate saves labor by eliminating the need to strip form boards after the concrete has cured. In addition, it utilizes unique termite-resistant features in both the foam material and extrusion profile to enable use in areas of heavy termite infestation. Formsulate allows for substantial energy savings while allowing concrete subs to continue using standard forming practices and single pours common in new construction.
How is Formsulate being developed?
Formsulate is being developed by Davis Energy Group (DEG) in partnership with Dow Chemical to supply the termite-resistant Styrofoam. Significant support comes from the National Energy Technology Lab (NETL) of the U.S. Department of Energy.
How does Formsulate work?
Formsulate insulates the exterior edges of a slab foundation and eliminates the need for secondary application of insulating foam. The insulation provides an average savings of 60 therms/year with even greater savings for buildings with hydronic heat. Formsulate can provide a 10-20% savings on winter heating bills.
What is the target market for Formsulate?
Formsulate can be used for any new slab-on-grade construction including single and multi family residences. It is suitable for both custom and production homes, with and without hydronic flooring, and with and without post tension slab reinforcement.
How will Formsulate be tested?
Formsulate has been used to form a custom house in Davis, CA and is also being used as part of a test setup to measure heat loss reduction versus un-insulated slab edges. The system will be used for multiple homes in 2007 including a true zero energy demonstration home.
When will Formsulate be available?
We plan on completing development of Formsulate by mid to late 2008. Initial installations will be in the Central Valley of California.
How can I learn more about Formsulate?
Contact Marc Hoeschele