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WEB-EXTRA: DAC-Art Construction FAQ's From "Be Your Own Contractor: Vacation Homes" episode DBCV-107

The Wilder's Italian-style vacation home on the Alabama gulfcoast.

Following below is some additional information and frequently-asked questions on DAC-Art construction from the producers of Be Your Own Contractor: Vacation Homes.

The 600-square-foot house is built from large concrete blocks that are stacked "dry," with no mortar between them. The blocks are finished so there is no drywall or siding and no interior or exterior finishe. They will not corrode in the salty conditions and never need painting. The blocks have optional foam liners for added insulation. At intervals of three or so layers, concrete is poured into the cavities inside the blocks and reinforced with iron rods to hold everything in place. This system is called DAC-Art for "dial architectural concrete," named for Ted Dial, the Alabama builder and designer who invented them.

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	The house was built with a specialized material known as DAC-Art, modular concrete components particularly well suited to the hurricane-prone region.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is DAC-Art the same thing as an ICF system?

No. Foam-mold systems, commonly referred to as insulating concrete forms (ICF's), provide structure but not finish. With ICF construction, hollow expanded foam molds are assembled at the job site to provide a form for a poured-in-place structural framework. Conventional finishes such as stucco, brick, drywall, wood and paint are still required on ICF's once the concrete is placed.

By contrast, the heavy, hollow DAC-Art blocks are dry-stacked on the site using a Bobcat, Dynalift, or Lull small crane and back-filled with concrete to create a very strong poured-in-place structure. Because the DAC-Art block surfaces are inherently beautiful and may also incorporate decorative architectural elements, the need for many conventional skilled finish-subcontractors is minimized.

DAC-Art does not require exterior cladding of any type. This saves time, money and maintenance.

DAC-Art components are available in insulated and un-insulated form.

Are there moisture Problems?

No. An independent concrete testing laboratory (Construction Technology Laboratories, Inc.) has evaluated the DAC-Art building system for potential moisture problems and states in its report : "Moisture-laden air infiltration is not expected to be a problem for the DAC-Art system . . .The system reviewed does not have potential problems due to moisture-laden air infiltration or water transmission."

What is the R-Value of DAC-Art?

DAC-Art is a good solution for high utility costs. The standard 12-1/4"-thick blocks have an R-value equivalent of about 19 when taking thermal mass into account. DAC-Art can make a 20" block wall with a pure R-25 and an R equivalent of about 40 with thermal mass. This would use urethane foam in one of 2 cavities. The back-filled concrete and rebar would be in the other cavity the same as the 12 in thick blocks. Since all jobs are custom cast, it would be possible to achieve R-100 if desired. Further, it is possible to run radiant heat in DAC-Art walls.

Are there different Colors?

Yes. DAC-Art pre-cast concrete architectural modular components come in about 12 different custom colors. You can have the exact look you want. Additionally, you can grout between the blocks with a grout color that is a contrast to the color of the 'stone' blocks or the same as the color of the DAC-Art for a monotone stucco look. Of course, the fact that your blocks will have naturally occurring variations in color adds to the real stone look.

Can I build a two story or three story DAC-Art home?

Absolutely. You can even build an elevated multi-story home using DAC-Art. You can use whatever type of flooring you choose on each level. For this particular house, we used concrete on which we did an acid stain finish so we would have a waterproof finish and be hurricane proof, but

Can I build an elevated coastal DAC-Art home?

Definitely. In fact, DAC-Art has arches in several radii that can be used on DAC-Art columns for a stunning look. On the coast, it is necessary to build above the Corps of Engineers' established 'mean high-tide line'. Additionally, particularly in the South it's nice to be able to park one's car in the shade under the house. Most traditionally built 'stick' homes end up with a 'Grand-daddy-long-leg' look on tall wood pilings. A DAC-Art home can have a much more properly proportioned, classic look by using cast column blocks, arches, and an under-structure appropriate to the overall style of the home.

RESOURCES :

Special Resources for Be Your Own Contractor: Vacation Homes, episode 107

DAC-Art Building Systems
Website: www.dac-art.net

Lundy Wilder's website
Website: www.scrapbookscrapbook.com