styrofoam and frost
grinder
Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 677 central Maine Pics |
2005-07-27 113972
Hey Beagle
How did your experiment come out with the foam on the ground?
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styrofoam and frost
beagle
Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1333 Michigan Pics |
2005-07-28 113996
Hey grinder, it's still July. But here it is from last years experiment.
4' x 8' 3/4" rigid insulation froze solid to the ground. Consulted with a friend of mine would does industrial foundation and flat work for a living. He says the experiment needs to be re-run with a larger ground cover. He pointed out that the soil retails a good deal of heat, and looses it slowly as the surface starts to freeze. Our frost line is around 42", so if the insulation covers a large enough area, and is designed to retain enough heat, it is possible to slow the freeze penetration. He doubts we can keep it from freezing all winter, although it is theoreticaly possible due to the heat source of the un-frozen earth at 42".
I'm willing to try again, Any ideas what we want to try to keep from freezing this year? My kids get a kick out of this stuff. My wife wonders why she married an engineer. ....
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styrofoam and frost
grinder
Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 677 central Maine Pics |
2005-07-30 114115
Beagle
My cement guru tells me an inch of foam per expected foot of frost. I am now using 2" foam doubled up. We get about the same frost penatration 4-5' without snow cover.
I don't think you will get much protection with 3/4".
Try it on a high dry spot and a low poorly drained spot.
I use a 4'x4'x4" pc.under an 18" round concrete pad.
Typically for Deck posts. Drainage is critical.
Have fun! It is tough to beat mother nature! ....
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