Why I Use Styrocrete - Saves MONEY and the EARTH!!

[@AbundanceBuild]

ENROLL IN THE ONLINE CLASS HERE: abundancebuild.com

[@JacquePhillips63]

Love It! Whatever it takes to reduce electric cost!

[@HospitalityKings]

I’ve been watching your channel for several yrs now and I’ve finally have EVERYTHING (shredder, foam gun, etc etc) but the FORMULA. Would you please share? I promise to pay when I build something and make $$. Thanks 🙏

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@HospitalityKings email [e-mail]

[@jimwilson7]

Very generous of you to share the results of your experiments and final conclusions! I certainly appreciate the value of all the hard work you've done! Thank you so much. Looking forward

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thank you Jim. I am enjoying the research.

[@avatarmong]

I’m thankful to you as well - for sharing your experiments’ findings; and that touching story.

[@simonlang2001]

Sludge pump

[@towerace1238]

i did this same thing 17 years ago.. i found that using Styrofoam that was broke down by sanding .that the mix will be stronger because the gloss on the balls of Styrofoam is broken and sticks together far better ..

[@AbundanceBuild]

Very cool! Thanks for the tip!

[@towerace1238]

@@AbundanceBuild you will find the mix is easy to mix and sticks together better and makes it stronger without the glossy coating on the none sanded method

[@kwakukumi4729]

Bless you Stephen (and your wife), for stepping forward and adopting. It takes special people to adopt.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thank you!

[@Don-sx5xv]

Stephen you are a superstar in your presentations, you are a great instructor and instill confidence in those who may be pursuing this revolutionary idea. Thanks Stephen

[@AbundanceBuild]

You're welcome! subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@zanesking]

Fantastic job! I'm sure I speak for many others when I say thank you for such a detailed and informative video. Good luck and best wishes to you and your family in your new home!

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thanks! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@wehiird]

@20minutes it’s amazing you didnt get hurt!!! So happy to see youre well and sharing all this awesome info. Thank you!

[@AbundanceBuild]

Youre welcome! New builds incoming - stay tuned!

[@MattWellandMiscMarvels]

I am glad to see the problems I had with aircrete confirmed. Have you tried making a batch of styrocrete without using foam?

[@AbundanceBuild]

New foam free recipe video coming soon! Subscribe to be notified!

[@AndreaGrinoldsSoap]

I have, had floating issues. I was also using Styrofoam beads and not shreds which added to the issue.

[@gustavomorenllopez7029]

It is a pleasure to greet you. I am Gustavo Moreno López from Colombia. I am really grateful for your ideas and the way of transmitting them very clearly and completely. It is a pleasure to meet enterprises like this

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thank you Gustavo!

[@rowgler1]

There is so much information in this video. Ive been a carpenter and mason for forty years and this is inspiring. I can't get past-Why the foam? In cordwood construction (Rob Roy wrote several books) they use sawdust in the mortar to get to coefficient of expansion and contraction similar to the soft wood log lengths. I wonder if wood shavings or sawdust or even polysorb could be substituted for the foam? I feel like the foam is the technological sticking point that makes this beyond the reach of a lot of people. Most of those bubbles must pop any way. Shredded leaves or straw? There must be a low tech substitute for the foam. I love Portland cement. It is so versatile.

[@Mad-Lad-Chad]

Those little foam balls aren't hollow bubbles.

[@AbundanceBuild]

thanks for sharing!

[@bobbyg9587]

There is a guy here in KZbin using sawdust...he calls it "dustcrete"

[@cheeseheadfiddle]

@@bobbyg9587 Amish sawmills near me have mountains of sawdust. Big mountains.

[@SoulSpark-g9p]

I did the workshop with Domegaia for building domes with aircrete, and their foam generator is great. The trick according with their recipe is that you have to weigh the foam until it has the right weight and once you do you set at that number and the foam generator will produce a consistent thickness of the foam. But I do have to say the bricks we were making from the mixes didn't always come out great and oftentimes was dependent on the weather where we were. On a couple of wet cold days it was not great. This technique looks promising and would need to make bricks to build the domes from.this mix instead of regular aircrete. They also used a reinforcing fiber sheet you are using.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Some on our team also completed Domegaia training. We actually now have a new recipe of styrocrete that doesnt require the tricky foam generator! New builds coming soon - stay tuned!

[@AbundanceBuild]

Workshop July 25 - 28th!

[@exiledengineer1697]

Stephen, great channel, I love your simple approach to everything. Here are a couple of possible solutions to some of your challenges: 1. Foam solution issues: Add foam solution to the air using an eductor (aka ejector), so you can use an atmospheric plastic barrel as the reservoir. This is what is done to create fire fighting foam. Simplest eductor is a tee fitting with the air blowing through it, and the solution sucked through the "tee" leg. That is also inefficient, but more efficient eductors can be purchased that would have greater suction with less air use. Tee should work, so long as you don't have much pressure in your foam generator (hose with scrubbies in it- that is genius btw). Next step would be to use a "well tank" or "pressure tank" for the foam solution. They have a bladder in them that would prevent the corrosion issues, and the internal pressure would store the solution in advance even if your pump died to prevent loss of a batch. 2. Overflowing of the styrofoam bag bucket- Use a vortex to separate out the beads from the air- this is what is done in dust collecting systems. if you have room, use one barrel to capture the beads, and another to filter the air. I would shove the hose into your octagon device and screw it to the side so that it shapes the incoming air into a vortex- foam laden air goes around the outside, clean incoming air goes up through the middle, exiting through a new pipe coming out of the center of the octagon. The new pipe goes into the top of another barrel filter, this one with larger openings, so you can see when the styrofoam is overflowing from the first barrel. I would suggest to make it square with a round opening on the bottom to make it easier to build. Second barrel can be overflowed into several times before it needs emptied, or just swap the barrels. If you don't have room for two barrels, shove the hose further into the octagon so it dangles down into the barrel, and build a new larger screen filter house on top of the existing one. The dangling hose should stir up enough beads to allow you to see it is full and stop, and still fit the beads into the bag. 3. Lawnmower barrel & size of incoming pieces- I would recommend putting a flat plate on the bottom of the lawnmower, with a smaller rectangular chute for the incoming styrofoam. The chute needs to be big enough to allow required airflow. The shape of it should prevent clogging and larger pieces from just swirling around instead of getting chopped up. The suction from the mower should pull the pieces into the blades making things simpler and allowing for longer rectangular incoming shapes.

[@AbundanceBuild]

thanks for tips! subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@harryverner6218]

I luv how u think. Create the solution. Dont accept the problem. Very innovative

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thank you Harry! There has been a "if it ain't broke don't fix it" attitude for too long. There are better solutions waiting to be discovered!

[@JoeBManco]

I have looked at many different alternative ways to build, aircrete, dustcrete, using regular cement blocks, working with stones and concrete, but styrocrete looks like a great alternative.

[@AbundanceBuild]

We tried them all and are convinced our methods are the lowest cost and best performance! If you'd like to learn step by step how we do it check out our online class at abundancebuild.com (Use code SPRING40 for 40% off!)

[@rman176]

Roofing companies also dispose of sheets of styrofoam when they replace flat rubber roofs.

[@AbundanceBuild]

thanks for the tip! subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@rafaelellis-rech6950]

One of the best videos on KZbin! I think this is one of the best alternative building techniques I have seen on KZbin

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thank you! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@spiritfarmer7546]

IM IN DOTHAN ALABAMA . LONGING TO HAVE MY OWN HOME SOMEDAY . MONEY IS THE OBSTACLE THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS! IM DARING TO DREAM!

[@AbundanceBuild]

You can do it!

[@geoffhirschi803]

Thank you for the detailed overview. Looking forward to experimenting with this stuff. There are relatively cheap compressor driven stucco guns that might make the skim coat and the stucco coat go on quicker. One question - as I have done a lot of work with mixing my own concrete from base materials, I have learned that the order you add things in is very important to 1) how quickly the mix stirs up and 2) how well mixed the final product is. The order of when the cement and water go in in relation to aggregates is especially critical. My experience of adding water directly after adding the cement is that the cement will form lumps that are difficult to get mixed out. Was this really the best order of adding materials that you found?

[@AbundanceBuild]

You're welcome! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@JesusSaves86AB]

Thanks for your informative videos. I will be starting my first aircrete project in spring. I will be using the polyester beads from some recycled beanbag chairs for my mix but if I need any extra I will use a cheese grater on some solid blocks of styrofoam. I will also be experimenting with a concrete canvas made with a mix of concrete and elastomeric paint.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Glad you are going to try a project. Good luck with it and share your results if it turns out good.

[@smittyvidsstudios3755]

Hey AlbertaPrepper, I noticed your comment about using a cheese grater on styro blocks. I've done this as a test. It worked well, but is very difficult and slow. It also creates quite a bit of static. I made the little video below to show my brothers some destructive testing I was doing. Maybe you will find it interesting. Good luck and I would encourage you to get testing as soon as possible. You can learn a lot just by messing around. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4eYeKuhgZlppac

[@Faithful_Tribe]

I love your content, friend. Thanks for innovating. Have done cob houses. Thinking seriously about aircrete; your insulative aspect is a welcome development.

[@AbundanceBuild]

You're welcome! subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@RedandAprilOff-Grid]

Enjoyed your story. I was starting to wonder if you were going to keep posting videos! Glad you didn't fall when the wall form popped open! Yikes!

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thanks Red & April. I got lax with my screws and clamps. If that had been aircrete I probably would have had to throw it away. I was able to throw it all back into the wall.

[@frankhoffman3566]

I've commented before on the environmental positives of this material. One only has to look at the absolutely massive amounts of styrofoam in our lives (and landfills). Still, I have tried this and have had disappointing results. I did note that there are many, many variables in it that I did not test. 1. How much and types of portland cement 2. How much lime 3 How much styro "fuzz" 4. How small the fuzz pieces are 5. Possible reinforcing screen 6. Possible additives 7. Use of tamping I'm sure there are more variables than this and I applaud this gentleman searching for a good formula and actually building with it.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@frankhoffman3566 Hi Frank! If you want all of our perfected recipes and techniques you can join our online class at abundancebuild.com ! The most important variable is keeping it in compression while it cures, good luck 👍

[@stanleytolle416]

Your video really helps. I have seen several other videos where people are failing trying to use aircrete. I have seen styrofoam used with more success but did not have a good source where to send people forva good example. I will be sending people to this video from now on

[@AbundanceBuild]

Awesome thank you! Yes we found that the aircrete foam collapses but the Styrofoam beads perform great

[@D4no00]

A few words of advice that may help others: 1. When you build an extension cord for 220V, you don't have to use such thick wire diameter as with 110V, as literally you are running at half the amperage for the same power. In Europe we use 3.5mm wire (12 awg) for pretty almost all use-cases, it should hold at least 4kW continuously without problems. 2. The concrete mixer you got is extremely fancy. In europe we have these round drums (if you watched videos with guys from Ukraine you saw them 100%) mixers. They will set you 150$ and do exactly the same function yours does, with the addition that they are so simple that literally nothing can break in them.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thanks for the tips! We do recommend cheaper barrel mixers but have never seen one as cheap as $150 - can you send a link to one that price?

[@erikzorger3311]

a grain auger would probably move it well, you would halfto clean it thoroughly afterwards thpugh.

[@AbundanceBuild]

thanks for the tip! subcribe for new builds coming soon!

[@SmartEasyDIYer]

Thanks for sharing again. Side note those are some stout saw horses! 😁

[@AbundanceBuild]

Haha! youre welcome!

[@MrQbee87]

Hi. Thank you for all the videos you posted. Great source of knowledge. My question is: Why bother with aircrate? Why not just add styro instead of aggregate to your standard concrete mix? My brother is currently building a house out of shipping containers. We needed to fill some space before final coating. Nothing structural. We mixed water, portland cement and shredded styro. We also added some glass fiber leftovers. The final mixture is "wetter" than what you are getting so it's definitely better for molding. We didn't do any more research, because what we produced was good enough for our purposes. Take care. Great content.

[@MrQbee87]

Never mind. I just watched the second part.

[@AbundanceBuild]

You're welcome!

[@MyFortressConstruction]

Cost on this wall: $6 for 35 gallons 7.48 gallons in 1 cu ft. 35 gallons/7.5 = $1.29 per cu. ft. If you do a 6" thick wall then you have 2 sq ft of wall space for each cubit ft of material. Example: 30'x40' structure with 8' walls (Not subtracting for windows or doors) = 140 linear feet of wall x 8' = 1120 sq ft of wall 1120 sq ft of wall/2 (coverage of 1 cu ft) = 560 cu ft 560 cu ft = (4200 gallons or 120 batches at 35 gallons per batch) 560 x $1.29 = $722.40 in material costs to build a 30x40 8' wall. You will have voids from windows/doors that don't need any material. So, Just figure out your square footage of total walls and then divide by two and multiply by $1.30. Now, the equipment, labor, panels, rebar, mesh, adhesive, stucco, etc. has to be added to the cost, but if you were to calculate studs, insulation, sheathing, house flashing and siding, I think you would still come out on top, but it would be more difficult to wire, plumb, etc. For a shed or studio this is a great idea, especially as an alternative building method. More research should be put into this method so I hope others are paying attention. I subscribed and appreciate the detailed info on everything.

[@arlenmargolin4868]

I don't know after looking at all that's involved in making this system work I'm just thinking get down with your two by fours throw up your walls and you're done pretty simple if you need insulation you got to add insulation but it just seems a lot less involved at first it seemed like a good situation but it sure is labor-intensive with all that foam and cement I don't know

[@MyFortressConstruction]

@@arlenmargolin4868 Yes, this would be for someone who wants to build a lot of walls like this. If you're just building a shed then the learning curve, and time to set up the equipment, wouldn't be worth it. Still, if this idea became more mainstream then some of the jerry-rigging could be done away with in favor of more stable means of construction.

[@swatisquantum]

@@arlenmargolin4868 still stick built is not in the same league as using concrete type blocks. You can build a monolithic structure (entire structure framing is one structure stronger than rock).

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thanks for sharing!

[@gringoloco543]

I plan to build a multi-story house. There's a video of someone building a house with aircrete, but with cement columns every 8 feet.

[@AbundanceBuild]

That's a good idea! If you see the workshop in our videos, it is multistory with no framing. We do recommend you add more support like columns, but it goes to show how strong the compressive strength of the styrofoam is and how strong the fiberglass mesh is!

[@papalincoln5774]

I feel like this would be amazing with a 8x8 wood beam construction and rebar staggered down the center Doing a 6" styrocrete pour you could use 4x8 sheets of Typar housewraped plywood, doing large panels. Then. Fill pour spot or pour through the 8 in beam using a 2 in bore hole. Just a thought . As thatd give more structural integrity also and give the building a really sweet look ..

[@madzwolf]

@@meh8099 Who are you? Where is your channel showing your work? What data do you have to support your comments? I don't see any links to your efforts, its typical to have people make disparaging comments, like this without solid data, or at least an attempt at the construction process. Sad that people like Stephan have to be subjected to ones like "M eh" who have no idea of what they are commenting on. Stephen, those of us that appreciate your efforts, hope negative commenters like this wont stifle your curiosity, please keep up the good work.

[@AbundanceBuild]

thanks for sharing!

[@Burchrg24]

I poured our house with standard steel foundation but placed the first row of 8x8x16 in the wet concrete along side a 2x8 jig

[@AbundanceBuild]

Great job!

[@John-vz5un]

2 40 to 3 20 says it all. Vital innovation.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@John-vz5un Thanks 🙏

[@henrytozarini2369]

I just love your channel i just wait one day i could build something with this material. I really want to learn how to make it a viable solution for my construction project.

[@AbundanceBuild]

You can do it!

[@Dancing_Alone_wRentals]

This was fascinating, I didn't want the video to end.

[@AbundanceBuild]

haha thank you! We are working on some very exciting new concepts coming soon! Subscribe to be notified!

[@tgjones2717]

Stephen, great video! and just a quick share.. We just acquired the same mortar mixer. Unfortunately, prices are climbing. Multiquip had 4 price increases over a year. We paid roughly 3600 for the EM90ES, which included the optional tow hitch. Folks, get your mixer sooner than later! Honda engine parts are scarce thanks to the pandemic, and the electric models are moving pretty quick, likely just because there are so few parts for the gas models!

[@AbundanceBuild]

TG this pandemic is surprising how far reaching the effects are showing up in shortages. Hope we can get through this soon.

[@jenpeterson9755]

I love your mechanical inventions, very creative problem solving.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thank you! Filming an announcement video today for our new course that covers all of our new research! Subscribe to be notified 😁

[@gustavomorenllopez7029]

I am very enthusiastic about developing this idea in a tourist area of ​​my country, cabins with direct access to the beach, I also want to teach many low-income families to do their

[@AbundanceBuild]

You can do it! We are filming an e-course to teach all of our optimized techniques - subscribe to be notified!

[@gabys2]

Happy new year! Appreciate you sharing your knowledge.

[@AbundanceBuild]

thank you! subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@gs9771]

Steve; I would buy your technology to build an affordable home. Some manufacturers produce styrocrete like a Perfect Block but their prices as far away from cheap - actually more expensive than full concrete block construction; I asked them why their product is so expensive for the little binding cement they use and supposedly free styrofoam and they have answered premium product costs premium price

[@AbundanceBuild]

We are working on it now! Stay tuned

[@adamstestanimations]

Amazing! Thank you for sharing the results of your hard work and research.

[@AbundanceBuild]

You're welcome! subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@Iandefor]

I'm acutely interested to see how the building/s you put up in this manner hold up. I watched your video about using fiber lath reinforcement on a styro-aircrete garage and found it quite interesting. I've seen a lot of videos and done as much reading as I can on aircrete and the main takeaway I have is that if you're a mason building with aircrete blocks there's clear guidelines on how to do it, but otherwise it's kind of a wild west. I've also never seen anything that would suggest mixing styrofoam in does anything for the strength. If it can be safely incorporated into buildings it would be pretty fantastic but I keep coming back to that strength concern.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Strength tests coming soon!

[@brianmi40]

As a serious 3D printer hobbyist, I can tell you that we get strength in our 3D prints the same way: more layers of SKIN on the OUTER WALLS, rather than the % of "infill" (how approaching 100% solid is the interior). My only concern would be using this in any earthquake zone where I think you would definitely want structural support in the wall to support the load, and the wall just doing its thing.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Great insight! We will do an earthquake test soon! Subscribe to be notified

[@DocJaeBass]

I'm very inspired and excited about your research and results. Please continue with this work.

[@AbundanceBuild]

On it!

[@indyregen]

Very neat. If you get a way to pump it in let me know. I have an 1886 Victorian that had holes bored in the siding with urea formaldehyde foam put in back in the 1979s. While it’s good, it’s very unstable collapses with any disturbance. I’d love to pull the plugs and pump this stuff in.

[@AbundanceBuild]

pumps are slower than packing. subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@indyregen]

@@AbundanceBuild Thanks, I'm already subscribed. Keep up the good work.

[@michaedn]

Hi Stephen, Thank you for all the great content! Do you plan on trying to build with just regular concrete (no foam) and styrofoam mix? The foam maker seems really difficult to build and troubleshoot.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Yes, new recipe video coming soon!

[@jimmybonifacio6734]

Grateful for all the knowledge & information shared !

[@AbundanceBuild]

You're welcome!

[@bentray1908]

A fiber mix supplement may prevent bowing and prevent the shell delam

[@AbundanceBuild]

thanks for sharing! subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@DD2DL]

Hey Stephen, Have you seen SABSCRETE? Build with foam blocks, then trowel on fibrous concrete. No forms needed.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Looks promising - Thanks for the tip! We have some new building methods to share soon! Subscribe to be notified!

[@cozmickitty7730]

I like the concept, but what about building codes? Local government engineers buy off (permit)on building with this stuff?

[@AbundanceBuild]

Coz yes an engineer is needed for this. I am in the county and we have no building inspections so not an issue for me. After I build the garden shed with wood trusses I want to talk to engineers.

[@joel6427]

I think this mix might be a good process for building using the inflatable bag/rebar process to eliminate the possibility of chunks of heavy concrete dislodging in earthquake-prone areas of the world.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@joel6427 Yes it would be compatible with that method. We have our own new building method that accomplishes the same resistance at a lower cost - check it out at abundancebuild.com!

[@floppyearhomestead]

Curious as to why you would add the foam. I'd think the Styrofoam essentially does the same thing and you'd have a stronger mix.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Good point! New foam free recipe video coming soon! Subscribe to be notified!

[@Jerry-ko9pi]

Might be able to use a reciprocating saw to vibrate the concrete in the forms. Could you drill a hole in the bottom of that trough and have a valve with a hose and just pour in the mix? Maybe a 3 or 4 inch hose that went to 2 inch pipe.. That would depend on how wide wall was. I wonder if you could just use fiber mesh? No plywood form.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Good ideas!

[@danf4447]

wow you solved so many challenges and did this on your own!!?

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thanks!

[@drsnooz8112]

It's an intriguing idea, but seems to have some real world issues. It's alarming that you had to brace that one wall. I'd like to see some laboratory and mockup testing on the real world performance of the entire wall assembly under various loads and climatic conditions. I wouldn't want to invest all that only to find out that the hard shell delaminates after a few freeze/thaw cycles, or that it becomes a breeding ground for mold at a certain humidity level. Still, it looks like you're on to something good. I wonder what would happen if you added fiberglass fibers into the mix or added steel mesh in each panel? That does wonders for concrete generally. Great work! Thank you!

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thank you! We have considered those options. The cement encasing the styrfoam prevents mold. The fiberglass "shell" is cemented to the mix so it doesn't delaminate. I am on the third winter with some of my buildings and it is holding up great! Lab testing costs hundreds of thousands so we can't fund it right now. Subscribe for new builds and tests coming soon!

[@jamesray9009]

just a thought you could always acid the tank to clean it out well and then use a gastank sealer I think all are ok for water use..

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thanks for the tip! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@802Leith]

I would try por 15 fuel tank sealer in your air tank. Or an epoxy coating for gas tanks. If the interior of the tank is coated no more black iron rust. Just a thought.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Andrew. good idea. Thank you

[@stevepethel6843]

You are a thinker and a. Get it done man. Thanks for interesting video gift. God's continued blessings

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thank you!

[@tghinson]

You can spray this on with a hopper .you can trowel it or not. Like orange peel. I've sprayed paint on blocks and bankrolled. Super fast. You

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thanks for the tip! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@thecelt4807]

very sharing and informative ...rare in people today cheers mate

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thank you!

[@RichSobocinski]

Did you consider pouring wall sections flat on the ground then lifting them into place with mortar to join the sections? Seems like it would eliminate the need to pump or pour in a vertical orientation and the packing would be easier on the ground.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thanks for the tip! Yes, we have considered tilt up construction but it is very important to pack the mix tightly and we have found the mold method to perform best at the lowest cost. Subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@pedroeloy7388]

Man, I have bin seeing you for a long time, perfect Foam styro creete Perfect Start doing it IN THE AZORES

[@AbundanceBuild]

Would love to! Thanks!

[@JoshuaBaron]

God bless you man, you're doing great work!

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thanks! New builds incoming!

[@yanikivanov]

Im in same pants...aircrete is failure...i did 12 batches and its just too weak..also dirt is great but rats will go right through...thnx for posting

[@AbundanceBuild]

We removed the foam generator from our new mix! Use just styrocrete now and always finish with a solid stucco coat to prevent rodents from getting through. Subscribe to be notified of our new recipe videos coming soon!

[@stanleytolle416]

Adding fiberglass reinforcing to the mix would seem to be a good way increase the stiffness of the styrocrete. I would not use fibored glass but use the fiberglass made into little sticks. This internal reinforcing allong with the reinforcing outer coating should make a styrocrete wall quite a bit stiffer and compressionally stronger.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thanks for the tip! We've been working on a cheap graphene additive that can accomplish the same fear - subscribe for updates soon!

[@stanleytolle416]

@@AbundanceBuild really like your stuff. I am trying to get my community to allow more building options. Like would it be possible to make this stuff movable on to a site like a tiny home? It looks to me that pieces could be assembled into a kit that could be assembled at a site without having to do any on-site building. Like the thing could show up at a site, as a big box or two, only needing a footing foundation, and assembled into a home in a day or two. Killing to birds, cost of materials and labor.

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@stanleytolle416 We are definitely looking into it! The regulators will always have the last word but we are looking at some time saving solutions

[@mikefiatx19]

I was sold until the end when you had to brace the wall. I think the walls should be thicker, could you let me know how much material you used per square foot of wall?

[@AbundanceBuild]

Our new method doesn't require bracing! All our recipes and formulas are covered in our online class: abundance.build/classes/

[@MyFortressConstruction]

@Stephen Williams I may have had an epiphany on changing out your pressurized tank for something easier. Get a Graco or even a harbor freight airless sprayer and you can probably create a nozzle for the end, or just stick it into a bucket and it will foam. You could also do an hvlp gun with a modified feeder possibly. Anyways, thought I should throw that out there.

[@AbundanceBuild]

thanks for the tip! subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@chrissscottt]

Nice job. Like the fearless innovation.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thank you! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@hopechannelcat5462]

thanks for all the good info. you answered several of my questions.. by the way happy new year.

[@AbundanceBuild]

You're welcome! subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@jrhardy6147]

Have you tried tilt up walls and then set in place?

[@AbundanceBuild]

Jr that would work if you have a crane to lift them. Then you need a good way to fasten them to each other. It would be easier to form the walls since one side is the concrete floor. Pouring a thin layer of concrete for a smooth surface, then pouring the aircrete, then pouring a finish top coat before raising the wall. Pouring in place ties the whole wall together well but then you have to stucco the wall vertically. Of course this won't work for an arched A frame design.

[@lancealot4065]

Great info thanks for taking the time and effort to share. Your sharing can change the world for the better by making housing affordable to everyone. I live in Florida and would like to build a similar structure. How did you get your permit? What challenges did you have going through the permitting process?

[@AbundanceBuild]

Lance I am in the county and don't need a permit to build with an alternative building process. I would ask the inspectors if they will approve building with the trusses without an engineer. If they don't approve that then you will have to hire an engineer to approve it. Not fun.

[@lancealot4065]

@@AbundanceBuild If you are building a house to live in you don't need a permit where you currently live?

[@zukgod]

@@lancealot4065 That is correct, there are still some free places in the United States. I live in Idaho, and we don't have to have permits for our buildings. We do need state electrical and plumbing permits, and can get building permits should you want it inspected. But if you want to build your own home and take on the risks, you're able to do that, and to me that's what freedom is about, risk vs reward. This has nothing to do with politics either, this is just about personal freedoms. We don't need big daddy government in every aspect of our lives. Think about homes that are 100 years old, and how well they're built, much stronger than current homes, and they had zero building inspectors. Just something to consider, and obviously I'm pro personal freedom, but that also means I am willing to accept the risk that comes along with that, and don't expect anyone to bail me out should I make a mistake. Some folks don't like that risk, and that's ok, we're not all the same and that's one of the things that makes freedom wonderful. Take care, and have a wonderful night.

[@lancealot4065]

@@zukgod Could not agree with you more. We should all be free to take risk. Unfortunately I believe the banks and the insurance companies are behind the the regulation. I will suffer the consequences of my decisions, just let me be free to make those decisions.

[@whitebeardadventures9208]

thanks for your video. I've seen a lot of the other utuber channels you mentioned,,,Aircrete Harry and Honey do carpenter using aircrete. I did a small experiment but need to make a better styrofoam shreder. Another channel who is using styrofoam in concrete for added insulation is J Mantzel down in Panama who has done a tremendous amount of construction work. Good luck in your building endeavors,,,Dave.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thanks Dave! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@kevinanderson8014]

Always great to watch, I would like to see how you made your air only generator. Less moving parts the better! Does it provide quality foam? Is the only draw back rusting? I noticed Drexel is super corrosive.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Kevin, I would recommend on more variable valve to shut everything off. Having 2 manual valves one on the solution and one for the air I have to adjust the mix every time. It has been very reliable and the rusting of the tank and the hassle of cleaning it are the only two negatives.

[@RussellNelson]

11:50 plus, fiberglass will leave gaps that let air circulate, unless you're *really* *really* careful, and how many contractors are going to do that?

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thanks for the tip! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@AG11925]

I am loving what I'm seeing. Thanks for sharing. do you see giving workshops in your future. If so, I would certainly be on board.

[@AbundanceBuild]

AG I might consider that. I want to refine the build process some more before I consider that though.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Workshop July 25 - 28th!

[@TheScotthutch]

Sure seems like tilt wall construction would be cheaper and easier - no forms to build or brace up. Use your slab with a covering for one side of the mold, then you only need to build the sides and leave the top open. Also easier to pack in the styrocrete. Incorporate all the electrical & plumbing in it and hopefully make one long wall at a time so the plumbing & electrical connections are at one end. Or put them at the bottom or top & cover them up with quarter round or pipe. You'd have to incoporate some sort of removable lifting eye at top, and possibly make the wall sturdier for lifting into place. Put some sealant on the bottom.

[@zukgod]

I would worry the wall would break in half when lifting. Concrete has great compression strength, but not much strength when it comes to side load or buckling, like when lifting it up. I'd love to be wrong here, because your idea would make life much easier.

[@exiledengineer1697]

@@zukgod Might need to put the fiberglass screen down in the mold before pouring. That might give it the needed tensile strength on the bottom to stand it up

[@TheScotthutch]

@@zukgod My latest daydreams definitely include some rebar. This might nullify some of the monetary savings over building upright forms, but most of the time saving remains. Or the idea below from exiled engineer about fiberglass mesh might help. Or metal stucco lathe or expanded metal or maybe even wood? But from what I've seen in Stephen's videos, the wall would be so light, and cheap that it's worth trying without any reinforcement. Just making a square with an x with rebar and welding nuts at the two ends of the box for lifting eyes would definitely work. I called the permitting dept in San Jacinto County TX about aircrete and they said it would be fine, the county wouldn’t care about my building materials. (outside of city limits) But who knows, a small city might have lax materials rules also.

[@uprightfossil6673]

I am thinking about the same thing for a form. Treated wood for the wall base but using some metal roofing for the sides and pouring two 2x8 panels that will interlock. A small cut out should allow for access to my “j” bolt.

[@uprightfossil6673]

How do you plan to secure that wall sir? You have to find a way to keep that wall from sliding around on the slab. I wonder if a few 4”pieces of rebar would be enough? Just cut a hole and patch it after setting the wall.

[@stephenbrickwood1602]

Tilt slab might be a good idea. Pour panels on the ground slab and stand up (on a bed of slurry) after a few days of strength gain. Have you tried it ? Would the panel break in bending as you lifted the end up. Would some light rebar mesh in the panel overcome the bending stress ? Easy to form and pour.

[@AbundanceBuild]

The only hang up is that you need to compress styroctrete to get a good bond. We compact it vertically with packers and gravity. If you made a very large press it could work but outside of the scope for us. Subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@stephenbrickwood1602]

@Abundance Building Concepts Thank you for your response. I understand what you said. What is the minimum height to achieve the compaction or settlement.? Does the top of the wall have different properties to the lower parts of the wall. Do you change the mix as you fill up the formwork?

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@stephenbrickwood1602 It comes out pretty consistent at any height as long as you use a packer to pack it in thoroughly

[@rebajameson132]

Can you post your how to make your aircrete foam. I'm not sure on the proper ratio. And what is the ratio for your Styro-Aircrete please. I have watch so many videos and your videos are very detailed and inspirational.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thank you! We are filming a step by step detailed e-course coming soon! Subscribe to be notified!

[@theaussienurseflipper.8113]

Gr8 video mate. Very interesting. Don't know be aloud in Australia cheers

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thank you! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@johnsonwayne9279]

suggestion - add some lime to your stucco mix. old roman thing but makes the cement coat continue to harden over time.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thanks for the tip! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@gregkump3639]

Also makes it stickier as you apply stucco. Easier to apply.

[@TheOldGuyPhil]

Awesome content. You are very thorough and your content is well presented. THANK YOU for sharing failures (Wall form blow out etc.) That is how we learn.

[@AbundanceBuild]

We are all learning together!

[@ruthdoyle9085]

You should fill your stud wall with styrocrete for sound proofing...also I would like to know how bulletproof it is...

[@solarroofing8072]

Bullet goes right through it!

[@AbundanceBuild]

coming soon

[@sirukin7849]

I've been looking at something similar to insulate shipping containers for use in the Canadian Arctic. Specifically with R-40 walls, which requires walls that are thicker than 3.5" or even 6". Instead, I was thinking of using aircrete blocks and using them as giant bricks and arranging them outside the shipping container like an aircrete shell. Styrofoam could be a a great filler for the blocks to hold their shape. I do have a Little Dragon from Domegaia, but I'm also wondering if rather than using air if you had used carbon dioxide as the filler instead within a sealed giant block mould.

[@AbundanceBuild]

go for it! subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@joycemccampbell4246]

Thank you for your work on alternative building materials. Is there any research into off gassing of the foam or what happens in the case of fire? I'd think it would give off toxic fumes/ smoke and become dangerously brittle. Any research /results would be appreciated.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Watch our fire test video here! kzbin.info/aero/PLhZQhMQAfmtiC2uVezl3rVhEDxQn8b12X

[@chrisking8353]

Great video man! I'm curious, can you spray styrocrete onto a rebar/mesh shell? I'm wanting to build a dome home. Thanks!

[@AbundanceBuild]

Styrocrete cannot be sprayed. But we did make an online class to cover our best research and step by step guide to building with it at the lowest cost! Check it out at abundancebuild.com

[@jameslee-dp6cb]

What is your take on dustcrete? A mixture of concrete and sawdust poured and packed into a form.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Good that the sawdust is being recycled but I wonder about sawdust absorbing water and molding. Styrofoam is also free, more important to recycle and doesn't hold water or mold in cement

[@sirjaymaes]

I'm very inspired by your video and research of the engineering. But what about the shredded Styrofoam /styrene exposure and off-gassing hazards from within the wall? Can it still off-gass through the interior?

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thank you! Styrofoam is not a significant off-gasser being 98% air; it is considered safe enough for food and drink packaging. When locked behind the stucco finish there is virtually zero off- gassing

[@gerardoramirez6976]

This is great. Were you able to get this past your building officials? Did they require an engineers stamp?

[@AbundanceBuild]

The shed did not require approval but we are working on how to get approvals for upcoming builds.

[@brandonloukota4760]

Edit: never mind, I found the answer in part 2 :) thanks so much for spreading this great information How much difference is there in using the foam/airCrete and Styrofoam. Compared to just using the Styrofoam and regular concrete? Seems like if you’re packing it down that much a lot of the air you’re introducing with the foam gets squeezed out

[@mjmak9290]

I'm wondering the same thing, where did you find the answer?

[@AbundanceBuild]

Subscribe for new foam free recipe coming soon!

[@donjet5371]

Stephen, you have some of the best info I've ever seen on this alternative building material. Something I'm very curious about; ---- does this "styro aircrete" crack over time like regular concrete or cement? --- It seems like the styrofoam beads would allow for expansion and contraction enough to stop cracking, but since I have no experience with it, I'll defer to your expertise.

[@AbundanceBuild]

The mesh holds it together well. New tests coming soon! Subscribe to see the results!

[@juligrlee556]

It's possible to purchase packing foam but it is not small particles. I don't have a styrofoam grinder

[@AbundanceBuild]

Don't buy it! You can get it for free at furniture and appliance stores. Also we teach you how to build a shredder here: kzbin.info/aero/PLhZQhMQAfmthBfwHROeJTVYE3HlVym0Ww . We are working on a cheap plug and play shredder coming soon! Subscribe to be notified!

[@TEXAS_FREE_STATE]

TO PUMP the mix try a trash pump I know WW Granger SELLS THEM also HARBOR FRIEGHT & NORTHERN tools..and rig up 2" VACUUM HOSES search thift stores or market place for old vintage drag around home vacuum cleaner used in 1960-180' for longest hoses cheap

[@AbundanceBuild]

@@TEXAS_FREE_STATE Good idea! We will look into it

[@AbundanceBuild]

We tried this and it would not pump because the pressure wasn't right.

[@Choriso_]

Will you ever make a video explaining what you use for your foam?

[@AbundanceBuild]

Yes we have a new recipe that does not require a foam generator! Subscribe to be notified when we share it!

[@bouvieaaaron3008]

Odd question... Can stacking lego type blocks be made out of this product?

[@AbundanceBuild]

Yes. Subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@puntabachata]

Stephen, at 17:34 you have a foam price of $0.55 per batch (3 gallons of foam). But, your mix recipe calls for 25 gallons of foam earlier in the video (at 7:05). If the foam concentrate costs $30 per gallon (17:35)and produces 150 gallons of foam, that give a material cost of $0.20 per gallon of foam. This would raise the foam cost to $5.00 per batch (for 25 gallons of foam, rather than 3 gallons of foam). Please clarify. Thank you

[@TimG...]

I'm guessing the difference is in the cost of the foaming agent. It's important to note that what you buy at the store is a super concentrated form of the foaming agent, and when you add water (4.25oz of concentrate per 5 gallons of water), 1 gallon of foaming agent makes a little over 31 batches (133.2275 ounces in a gallon, divided by 4.25oz) of the foam that is in the recipe. So that would be $30/31 ~= $0.97 per 5-gal batch of foam. In total I estimate that a full batch of styrocrete (3.5 gallons cement, 2 gallons water, 25 gallons of foam, 45 gallons of shredded EPS) costs roughly $11 currently. EDIT: I see what you mean now. If 5 gallons of foam is roughly $0.97, then a batch of styro aircrete that requires 25 gallons of foam would be roughly $5 in foam...though a full batch of styro aircrete would still come out to $11.

[@AbundanceBuild]

We have a new recipe with no foam! Stay tuned

[@puntabachata]

@@AbundanceBuild that will be great! I'm currently planning a house in Mexico with the (here) standard reinforced concrete beams and columns for support structure and styro(air)crete with furring strips to fill the spaces.

[@invfalcones53]

What is the ratio in volium you mex concrete and styrofoam. eg: 60 % concrete and 40% styrofoam? and the concrete has a ratio of 1:2 or 1:3 (cement:sand) thank you this is a great idea, I´m from El Salvador

[@AbundanceBuild]

We are currently filming an e-course that covers everything including our new perfected mix! Subscribe to be notified!

[@groachslayer]

What about using a paint pressure tank? Designed to be wet. Easy to open and clean compared to an airtank.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thanks for the tip!

[@longtallsambo]

Since this stuff is so light, couldn't you form it on the ground with one side of osb and the 2x6's, then stand it up and attach the other side of osb?

[@AbundanceBuild]

It is possible to do tilt up. But for styrocrete to bond it needs compression, so you'd need to build a very large press for it to work. That is why we haven't tried it yet! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@andrewlippincott]

Would adding fiberglass fiber in the mix help just like it does in concrete? I ask that for the fact that when I haul ready mix a lot of commercial builders preferred that over using rebar

[@AbundanceBuild]

Thanks for the tip! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@doctormango9209]

tuba 6 or tuba 4's...love that southern drawl baaaaaaby

[@AbundanceBuild]

LOL thanks! Subscribe for new builds coming soon!

[@AlexSilva-do6uh]

Stephen where did you get the complete assembly to convert your manual brick mold to hydraulic ? Did you got the complete list ? I import from China same manual machine.

[@AbundanceBuild]

Subscribe for new builds coming soon!