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A monolithic, or single pour, is used to create the slab and frost walls. Todd LaBarge of LaBarge Engineering reviews some of the steps involved in the process. To create the frost wall, they dig down four feet and use innovative insulated forms called ReddiForm blocks that snap together. These polystyrene forms can withstand the pressure of backfilling because they have a structural interior web that reinforces them. The frost wall is backfilled and a rebar cage is inserted into and over the ReddiForm blocks. The front face of the form is cut out and the rebar is extended out across the surface where the slab will be poured. The bearing is then transferred up to the top of the slab, which achieves in one pour what would normally require three: footing, frost wall, and floating slab. A column pad is put in place to increase the load for the load-bearing wall.
The product used for under-slab insulation is called Insul-Tarp, which can be laid out quickly and easily, saving time and labor costs. This is an all-in-one reflective and insulated vapor barrier. When the radiant tubing is put down over the barrier, the heat will reflect back into the living space instead of passing into the ground.
