All Forum Posts by: Mike Reynolds

Welcome JM.

@ cathy, Do you have a code for that? Here is mine

http://www.icc-es.org/Reports/pdf_files/load_file.cfm?file_type=pdf&file_name=ESR-1385.pdf

3.2.2 Grout: The masonry units must be fully grouted

with grout complying with Section 2103.12 of the IBC or

Section R609.1.1 of the IRC, and having a minimum

compressive strength as indicated in the tables at 28 days.

I would like to know what they do in Miami Dade as we go by the IRC here in Texas.

Oh and you could also look into DraftSight.

Chief Architect is good as well as sketch up. With Sketch Up they have free classes you can take online to help you with the process. Also AutoCAD is free if you are a student. You just cant use your plans for anything but yourself or classes.

Andrew I am from Texas so the prices I pay may be similar and they may not be. It depends on your location in Fla. Palm Beach contractors may charge more than in the panhandle per say. But around here its 6-10 bucks a square foot of coverage area. I have worked in West Palm Beach (not EIFS though as I am a carpenter) and the prices there are about maybe ten percent higher in carpenter/roofing than they are here whereas the panhandle is actually about 5% cheaper than here.

Hope that helps some. The best thing to do is get estimates to vet it. Cathy will be better tuned into this question if she sees it. Maybe a PM to her will help as she might know a specific one in your area.

Welcome Brad. I am not new. More like renewed.

@Edward, It would do me no good to have a sign in my back window as I always have a trailer behind my truck. My rear view mirror and window is useless to me. I have learned to use my side mirrors instead. The older I get the more I appreciate not having to turn all the way around to back up too.

There should be a local up and coming company that would be more than happy to do it. I live in a small town and there are plenty.

@matthew, The r factor is about 5 or so but here is the problem with that. It encapsulates the exterior and the best air sealing measures come from sealing the inside. R values are just one way to improve your rating. Stopping air flow (to a point so as not to make it too tight) is the best way to help your utility bill.

Andrew, those blocks, if they are built correctly, should be filled with concrete. Not saying that they are but that they should be. That being said, yes you could install Dryvit or Sto over it easy enough. If they are not filled then spray in foam is your cheaper route though.