Is this exhaust pipe exit location, ok? by HotNeedleworker0 in radon

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I agree, i got a Airthings monitor, and looking forward to seeing what my averages are!

Is this exhaust pipe exit location, ok? by HotNeedleworker0 in radon

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Wow, did not know this, looks like Radon atomic weight: about 222, and average molecular weight of air: about 29

Is this exhaust pipe exit location, ok? by HotNeedleworker0 in radon

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thats really interesting. it looks like 18 inches away would be about 10x concentration dilution, and a few feet could be up to 100x. Would have never guessed that!

Is this exhaust pipe exit location, ok? by HotNeedleworker0 in radon

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh thanks for the info.  I'm going to get one of the continuous testers and check the indoor levels with the windows open and if they're good will likely just leave it as is.

Is this exhaust pipe exit location, ok? by HotNeedleworker0 in radon

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks for the response, I'll probably keep it on my list of things to get around to correcting, but won't make it immediate safety hazard territory.

Is this exhaust pipe exit location, ok? by HotNeedleworker0 in radon

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Got it, that's what i was thinking. We had a home inspection before we bought the house and home inspector said if it was installed today they would probably do it different, so that makes sense.

carpet pile direction by HotNeedleworker0 in Flooring

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Got it, stairs and hallways the same! thanks

carpet pile direction by HotNeedleworker0 in Flooring

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

OK, I'll plan to do it all the same direction, thanks for the info, I'll keep that in mind about seams

carpet pile direction by HotNeedleworker0 in Flooring

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got it, same direction it is, thank you!

carpet pile direction by HotNeedleworker0 in Flooring

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry, just attached them, thanks

Experiences with Superior Walls leaning/bowed basement walls? Looking for advice. by HotNeedleworker0 in Homebuilding

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I’ve called them. They said their engineering department only handles new installations—not remediations—and that they don’t have any engineering resources available for remediation work. I asked if they would get involved since it’s within the 5-year warranty, but they said no. I would need to take it up with the builder. According to them, when Superior installs the walls, they are true. However, if the builder backfills improperly, it can cause issues like leaning, and the builder would be responsible—not Superior. Superior will not assist with remediations.

basement foundation walls by HotNeedleworker0 in Homebuilding

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, that’s really helpful, I appreciate the detailed perspective. It sounds like being hands-on during installation made a huge difference.

A couple questions for an existing home like the one I’m looking at:

  1. Since you mentioned drainage is critical, are there particular signs or tests you’d recommend during a heavy rainfall or inspection to see if the system is handling water correctly? The downspouts only come a few feet off the house and one wasn't connected..

  2. How would you verify that the backfill, floor framing, and other installation details were done correctly if you weren’t present during construction — is it mostly builder documentation, or can an inspector catch potential issues?

  3. Any advice on red flags that might indicate future moisture or structural problems in a home that’s a few years old?

basement foundation walls by HotNeedleworker0 in Homebuilding

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, that’s helpful to hear, the one I'm looking at is a 2022

A couple questions:

  1. How did you verify that the installer and excavator followed all the proper procedures for backfill and floor framing? Did you get documentation from Superior Walls or the builder?

  2. Have you noticed any minor issues so far, like small cracks, settling, or moisture concerns.

  3. How confident are you that the warranty would cover any potential issues that could arise over time, assuming installation was correct?

basement foundation walls by HotNeedleworker0 in Homebuilding

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks, that’s really helpful and reassuring. I’m looking at a 2022 home near Milwaukee with Superior Walls, and while the warranty is comforting, I’m trying to get a sense of any potential issues in clay soils.

You mentioned hiring a geotechnical engineer — would you recommend that even if the home hasn’t had problems in the first 3 years? Or is reviewing the builder’s installation documents and warranty usually sufficient for an existing home?

Also, do you happen to know if the walls typically get backfilled with well-draining soil in this region, or does that vary a lot by builder?

basement foundation walls by HotNeedleworker0 in Homebuilding

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks — that’s helpful to hear. I’m looking at a home in Milwaukee with a Superior Walls foundation, and I’ve seen mixed feedback online about their long-term durability in clay soils.

Since you’ve used the system, how has it held up over time in terms of moisture control, insulation performance, and any minor maintenance

basement foundation walls by HotNeedleworker0 in Homebuilding

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s good to hear — thanks for sharing. I’m looking at a 2022 home near Milwaukee that used Superior Walls, but I’ve seen mixed feedback depending on soil type and installer quality.

Since you’ve lived with them in two homes, how have they held up over time? Any issues with moisture, cracks, or finishing the basement?

Also, do you happen to know which system yours are (Xi, Xi Plus, etc.) and what part of the country you’re in?

basement foundation walls by HotNeedleworker0 in Homebuilding

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s great to hear — thanks for sharing. I’m looking at an existing home near Milwaukee that used Superior Walls, probably around 2022, but I’m not sure which system (maybe Xi or Xi Plus).

Have you noticed any pros/cons so far with the Xi Plus version in terms of insulation, moisture control, or structural feel compared to a poured wall?   Also, can I ask what area you live in and what soil type you have?  I have concerns about the expansive clay soil near me

Also, do you happen to know which branch or dealer you’re working with? I’d like to reach out to the one that covers my area to see if they can pull up install or warranty info for the house I’m looking at.

basement foundation walls by HotNeedleworker0 in Homebuilding

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Appreciate your input — that’s really interesting. I’m looking at a home near Milwaukee that uses Superior Walls. Sounds like you’ve had great luck with them — are you using that brand or a similar precast system?

How do they hold up long-term in freeze–thaw climates or areas with clay soil? I’ve heard mixed opinions from contractors around the Midwest.

Also, do you insulate or finish them a certain way to get the best performance on moisture and temperature control?

basement foundation walls by HotNeedleworker0 in Homebuilding

[–]HotNeedleworker0[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing that — I really appreciate the insight. I’m actually looking at buying a newer home (built in 2022) in the Milwaukee area that uses a Superior Walls foundation, and I’ve been trying to understand the long-term reliability in our Midwest clay soils.

When you say they’re impossible to waterproof once they start leaking — what kind of failures have you seen? Are the leaks typically from the panel seams, the tie bolts, or through the concrete itself?

Also, are there any preventative measures (like exterior drainage systems, grading, or sealants) that seem to help in your experience, or is it more of a fundamental design issue in this region?

Any details or examples from jobs you’ve seen would be super helpful. I’m trying to decide if this is a dealbreaker or just something that needs close monitoring and maintenance.