Energy Savings From the Ground Up

Money-conscious homeowners are constantly seeking out ways to reduce their energy bills. Those people fortunate enough to be considering building a new home have a way to potentially save up to 50 percent of total heat loss in a home simply by constructing with the right foundation system.

"Homeowners should be actively involved in the product decisions that go into the construction of a new home," says Jim Costello, president of Superior Walls®. "Consumers can build value from the bottom up in their new homes by using energy-efficient foundation systems.

"The steel-reinforced concrete panels created by our company are matched up in the manufacturing process with DOW® StyrofoamTM boards, which provide excellent rigid foam insulation. The resulting XiTM wall panels provide an exceptionally energy efficient foundation for a home."

According to the "Residential Foundation Insulation" report issued by Kansas State University with support of the U.S. Department of Energy, the benefits of foundation insulation are often overlooked. The study says: "heat loss from an uninsulated, conditioned basement may represent up to 50 percent of a home's total heat loss in a tightly sealed, well-insulated home."

The pre-cast insulated foundation systems provided by Superior Walls help homeowners save on energy bills and allow them to fully utilize their basement space as functioning and comfortable living areas in the home. The steel reinforced concrete walls create a permanent barrier against sidewall water penetration, making the home damp proof.

"These foundation systems are very popular with homeowners because you can create door and window openings in them to access natural light," says Costello. "By making the right decisions at the time of construction to use pre-cast insulated foundation systems, homeowners are making a long-term investment in their family's happiness and in the resale value of their house."

Superior Walls products are the first and only foundation systems to have attained the Green Approved Product designation by the National Association of Home Builders Research Center. For more information visit www.superiorwalls.com.