2025-10-22 - Completed Insulation Installation - Ground Level Overview

Completed Insulation Installation - Ground Level Overview

Photo Details

• Date: October 22, 2025
• Time: 7:06 PM (dusk)
• Weather: Light to moderate drizzle, 47-51°F. Wet conditions visible.
• Phase: Foundation - Under-slab insulation installation complete
• Location: 309 E. 7th St., Clare, MI
• View: Ground-level perspective from southwest corner

Description

This ground-level photo provides a comprehensive view of the completed Creatherm insulation installation, showing the full foundation footprint and excellent installation quality from a more accessible viewing angle.

Visible Elements

• Creatherm Insulation Field:
  • Bright orange foam panels with distinctive dimpled/waffle pattern
  • White stripe markings running across panels for alignment
  • Two square openings for thickened concrete pads (future 2-post car lift foundation)
  • Clean, professional installation with tight panel joints
  • Uniform coverage across entire slab area
  • PEX loops visible on left side in mechanical room area for future boiler connections
• Foundation Forms and Perimeter:
  • Pressure-treated lumber form boards around entire perimeter
  • Black foam insulation visible along foundation edges (frost protection)
  • Gravel/aggregate base visible in excavated trench
  • Foundation appears level and properly squared
• Site Surroundings:
  • White house with decorative lattice fence in background
  • Natural wood privacy fence on right side
  • Fall trees with vibrant autumn colors (red, orange, yellow)
  • Dark cloudy sky typical of late afternoon in fall
• Nearby Properties:
  • Neighboring houses visible in background
  • Utility poles and power lines
  • Residential neighborhood setting

Installation Quality Observations

The ground-level perspective clearly shows:

• Dimpled surface pattern - characteristic of Creatherm panels providing enhanced concrete bonding
• Consistent panel orientation - all panels laid in same direction
• Proper edge treatment - perimeter foam properly installed for thermal break
• Clean work site - minimal debris or excess materials on surface

Construction Significance

This completed insulation layer is critical for:

1. Thermal Performance: 2” Creatherm provides R-10 insulation under entire slab
2. Radiant Heat Efficiency: Prevents heat loss into ground from in-floor heating system
3. Frost Protection: Perimeter insulation protects foundation from freeze-thaw cycles
4. Energy Savings: Reduces heating costs for conditioned garage space

Next Construction Steps

With insulation complete, the next phases are:

1. Install ½” PEX tubing in loops for radiant floor heating
2. Connect PEX to manifold system (visible in subsequent photos)
3. Pressure test the radiant heating system
4. Install rebar or welded wire mesh for slab reinforcement
5. Pour concrete slab

Related Documents

• Delivery invoice for hydronic heating - Material specifications
• Hershberger’s Contract - “2” Creatherm foam under concrete w/ ½” pex for in floor heat”
• Garage HVAC and Heating - Radiant heating system design
• Garage Insulation - Thermal performance and R-values
• Sequence to build garage - Construction sequence