Quitting time came and went for seven of the eleven volunteers who worked this last Saturday. Their goal was to bring up the back walls to the pouring level so we could project the height needed for the front of the house.
With that accomplished we determined the height of the front wall will be 24 1/2", Knowing this, we can finish the front walls and be ready for inspection and pump the concrete next week. Since we have set our goal to build totally 'green' the question has come up about the toxicity in using concrete as a building material. Engineers have told us that, if properly maintained, the walls will have a useful life span of between seven and nine thousand years. That and the thermal attributes more than negate the short term issues of using concrete.
We have chosen Integra Spec
as our ICF (Insulated Concrete Form) provider due to their commitment to protect the environment. Their foam is generated using steam rather than chemical reactants thereby eliminating toxic off-gassing during manufacturing. In addition the black plastic webs, channels, and studs are made with 90% recycled material.
Our thanks go out to all the great volunteers who all worked so hard. A special welcome to Mark who made it for the first time. Thanks also to Caroline for being a wonderful hostess and for providing lunch. This Saturday we will continue with the walls. This week we are proud to have a volunteer crew join us from Schuster Physical Therapy here in Jefferson. Rumor has it that we are going to stretch some muscles they haven't read about since grad school. If you can make it, please come and join us. We work from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. No tools are needed and lunch is provided. You must be 17 to work in construction at the site. The home is located in Jefferson off Highway 88. From Jefferson take West Main (Highway 88) to McFarland Publishing. Turn right on Hickory Hill Road and a left on West Hickory Hill. Just over the top of the hill. Habitat for Humanity is a Christian Housing Ministry that has over 70 affiliates in North Carolina making it the largest in the United States. That is because North Carolinians care, We would like for you to be a part of it in Ashe County. Church and business teams are more than welcome to schedule a work day. Don't wait! Call and leave us your contact information (336) 846-2525 Please pray for our safety and success.