We were introduced to Polycore Foundations at the recent Home and Garden show in Edmonton. Invented and developed in Edmonton, it seems like a welcome alternative to concrete. The sections are cost-effective, energy efficient and environmentally friendly.

What is a Polycore Foundation?

This new foundation system was designed and developed by Polycore Canada Inc. and uses “industry accepted 2 1/2″ galvanized structural steel studs, encased in 4″ builder quality type I EPS (expanded polystyrene) rigid insulation provided in standard size sections. In combination, these components provide the strength and properties that easily replace a traditional concrete foundation floor for all residential applications. Each Polycore Floor System is mapped out and designed for easy installation.”

polycore foundation walls
Photo Source: Polycore Canada Inc.

According to Polycore Canada, “Polycore building systems are EPS framed with steel. Steel makes an ideal building material as it can be cut to an exact size and will not warp or shrink. Galvanized steel takes up very little space, but still provides lasting strength that is non-combustible and recyclable. EPS and steel, fitted together with the Polycore technology, create a resilient structure that is easy to set up. You’ll be amazed at how at how much strength we’ve packed into such a light system.”

polycore foundation walls 2
Photo Source: Polycore Canada Inc.

The building systems can be used for foundation floors, foundation walls and roofs. The sections are made from two materials –EPS (expanded polystyrene) as an insulating wall core and integrated galvanized structural steel construction studs for strength. The spacing, gauge and width of the steel studs are customized to meet specific load and engineering requirements of the project. Steel inserts are the ideal choice for support as they will not shrink, rot or split.

polycore foundation floors
Photo Source: Polycore Canada Inc.

Once your footing is in place, you no longer need concrete or forms. The walls created without concrete contain 8” of foam combined with galvanized steel providing a R36+ insulated foundation. 8” foundations walls constructed with concrete and an insulated frost wall range between R15 and R19 depending on the thickness of the front wall. Noninsulated concrete has an R value of 1.5.

The EPS is 100% inert, and will not produce harmful emissions at any time. This makes Polycore safe to the environment giving it an upper hand for the environmentally conscious consumer.

Should You Choose Polycore For Your Foundation?

This system has many unique advantages, significant cost savings, and its ease of installation makes the product less dependant on costly and hard to find skilled trade workers. Easily set up by two or three workers, the system is engineered and tested to perform well above your projects requirements. Simple components merge in an effective design that keep costs competitive or lower than traditional concrete systems. So, if you have a new custom home project and want to try an alternative to concrete, Polycore might be for you. If you are considering building a new custom home or a home renovation in Edmonton, contact us and we can help you decide on what kind of foundation is right for you! Don’t live near Edmonton? Don’t worry, we have locations across Canada.