Table Of Content
Pier and beam foundations are made with sturdy wooden or concrete piles or piers that support broad beam structures to form the base of the house. This type of foundation is also good for use in sloped areas, although heavy machinery is required to drive the piers deep into the soil for firm structural support. Additionally, the piers and beams may be susceptible to weakening and wood rot, so they require regular inspections and may need frequent repairs. Though crawl spaces are prone to moisture-related issues, waterproofing is important regardless of whether you have a crawl space or slab foundation. For instance, you might need to apply a concrete sealant to your slab foundation or lay down a vapor barrier in your crawl space.
House Foundation Types, Uses, and Pros and Cons
Building houses that are resilient in the face of hurricanes, storms, and earthquakes take a lot of thought. The goal is to build a foundation that’ll minimize the damage from a significant quake while protecting your investment. To create stability for an elevated structure, your foundation needs to be quite a large structure. Instead of doing that, you can use the large boulders of your home’s location as your foundation.
Concrete Slab-On-Grade Foundation
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Roof runoff should be channeled away from the foundation by a system of gutters and downspouts. As a general rule, downspouts should discharge at least five feet from the foundation. A house foundation is forever, so it makes sense to pay attention to the details that ensure it will remain dry and crack-free for as long as it has a house to hold up. There are many factors to consider when deciding on the right foundation for a new home.
Full Basement
However, this is a limited form of damp proofing that won’t plug cracks or keep larger amounts of water out. Waterproofing services typically cost $3–$10 per square foot of basement space. Where your project falls within that price range depends on your desired waterproofing methods and your basement’s layout. If parts of your basement are difficult to access or require extra work, the total cost increases. You’ll often find them in areas prone to hurricane conditions or major flooding. They need to support the home and protect it from moisture, so they require serious planning.
On average, it costs between $20,000 and $100,000 to lift a house and replace a damaged foundation. Since bamboo is fast-growing and invasive, it poses a bigger threat to house foundations than tree roots. Or, if you live somewhere with a high risk of tropical storms, a foundation that can withstand flooding is preferable. Again, a post and pier option may work better than a full basement or slab.
Pouring of Concrete into the Footing
You may also need to consult a structural engineer, obtain multiple permits, and set aside time for the project. Dig trenches or holes at each marked footing location using a shovel or excavator. Footings usually extend below the frost line, but the required depth and width may vary depending on soil conditions. Add depth pegs in each trench to show how deep the concrete must be.
Crawlspace Foundations
Also, if any of the pipes or mechanicals are under the slab, the repairer will have to break up the slab or cut the utility and reroute it. When we think of foundations, concrete may be the first material that comes to mind. But there are actually options compromised primarily of wood, and while this might seem impractical, there are some benefits. Traditional wood foundations were made with materials like cedar, redwood and cypress.
Compaction of the Excavated Soil
Apply four-feet lifts of concrete at a time, giving the concrete time to set up — this eliminates the downward pressure that can blow out the blocks. Place foam along the blocks' bottom to hold them down, keeping the bottom of the wall set on the building lines. The ICF blocks may be sculpted to match the surface contours of the bedrock. MT Copeland offers video-based online classes that give you a foundation in construction fundamentals with real-world applications. Classes include professionally produced videos taught by practicing craftspeople, and supplementary downloads like quizzes, blueprints, and other materials to help you master the skills.
Some types are common, like poured concrete, while others, such as stone and wood, have become less popular as construction techniques have improved. Use this guide to learn more about the 9 types of foundations and the pros and cons of each. You may need to install an interior drainage system for severe basement moisture problems. A contractor will line your basement floor with weeping tiles or pipe drains, creating a system in the slab floor that collects water and moves it to a pit for removal. Typically, a sump pump will then send this water out of the basement and away from your home and foundation. This usually costs $25–$55 per linear foot, and while it will get rid of standing water, it won’t prevent seepage from basement walls.
These footings provide an easy location to anchor drains; without them, exterior waterproofing is more complicated. While crawl space and slab foundations have their respective advantages, the choice largely depends on your area’s climate. A crawl space foundation is beneficial in cold and dry climates by offering better insulation and access to essential home systems. There’s also less risk of foundation damage caused by soil contraction and expansion. However, slab foundations are less expensive per square foot and require minimal excavation and maintenance. To create a slab foundation, four to six inches of concrete, reinforced with steel bars, is poured over a mesh and moisture barrier.
With this in mind, pier and beam foundations are designed to elevate the house above the flood levels to protect the home during severe weather. A foundation is the base of a home that supports the main structure while protecting against moisture, frost heaves, pests, and more. Without a foundation, a home might start sinking into the ground or be damaged by accumulated rainwater, sleet, ice, insects, rodents, or other pests. You may be able to take on some damp-proofing tasks yourself, such as applying waterproof paint or performing minor basement leak repairs. However, fully waterproofing a basement is a big project that requires several different skills.
But if you don’t mind spending a lot of money on prepping your home-build site, it is possible to grade the lot to accommodate a daylight basement. Some walls are below ground, blocking daylight, and others are partly or entirely above-ground. Stone foundations are incredibly traditional, and many folks enjoy the classic look. In the past, this option was rather inexpensive to build as the homeowner typically pulled the stones from their own property. Many of these foundations still exist, proving their durability over time.
They work in the same way an ocean pier does by fixing long pillars—often over 15 yards long to reach solid ground—into the deepest layers of stone and soil. Builders use them with heavier homes because the pillars displace the weight of the house over a large area, preventing the home from sinking. Choosing the right foundation design and material is pivotal beyond mere aesthetics.
We recommend consulting with a structural engineer or an experienced contractor to determine the ideal foundation for your home. A professional can assess your specific site conditions, climate, and building plans to design a stable foundation. Concrete blocks are also used for standard foundation wall construction. They are supported by a concrete footing; both are reinforced with steel rods, and the concrete blocks are filled with grout.
Then, outriggers and cross-members go on to add extra weather resistance. A stem wall foundation is common in areas with low to moderate frost because they are very stable. The multi-step process involves pouring a footer, then laying blocks to form a wall to the finished slab height. Accessing water and drainage pipes can be complicated, however, because those features typically lie underneath a few inches of concrete. Slab-on-grade foundations are one of the least expensive foundation options. Achieving a daylight or walkout basement requires the right slope on your lot.
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