Foundations

About Foundations

Structural and framing elements, such as structural beams and columns, all rely on each other to form a system that holds reliably together. Inside the ground, a set of components, typically made of concrete or steel, takes the forces and transfers them to the environment. 

A house foundation is the crucial load-bearing section of the structure, partially or entirely built below ground. Its primary roles are to support the construction, provide a water barrier to water and soil vapour, and keep groundwater out.

Types of Foundations 

The three primary foundation types are slab foundations, basement foundations, and crawl space foundations. 

Slab Foundations

This is the most common type of foundation, also the simplest and most affordable. As the name says, it's a solid concrete slab that rests on the ground, consisting of concrete footers, followed by a minimum of two layers of concrete block laid on top. Once the piping is finished, a rock filler is added on top, along with an additional layer of concrete.

Slab foundations are a cost-effective solution that also requires the least amount of maintenance, making a great choice when the budget is limited. On the downside, they offer minimal protection in case of heavy storms and other harsh weather issues, while the position of plumbing systems can make repairs costly.

Slab-on-grade foundations are ideal for use in mild climates, as ground freezing can cause cracks in the concrete and shift the foundation. They can also offer better protection from termites, common in warmer climates.

Crawl Space Foundations

Foundations with short walls laid on footings raise the structure slightly off the ground. They are usually made with poured concrete or mortared concrete blocks, in the same way as the full basements. At the same time, shallower excavation means less material and labour are needed to build, making them a more affordable option.

Along with resolving the accessibility disadvantage of slab foundations, such a method also makes an excellent solution for building on a sloped lot. The walls can be very short, resulting in space that requires crawling - hence the name - or go up to over one meter tall. Apart from that, the installation process is no different from slab foundations.

Crawl spaces are typically unheated and ventilated with small vents that penetrate the foundation walls. However, the growth of mould and fungi is still possible, even with cutting-edge vapour barriers. Batting insulation can help to keep it drier and also make the floor slabs generally warmer. 

Basement Foundations

Modern basement foundations typically consist of poured concrete or mortared concrete blocks, while the traditional methods also included stone walls or cinder blocks.

With a height of around two meters and more, a full basement is the deepest foundation type of the three. It's a structural foundation placed in footings that usually extend below the frost line, maintaining the foundation's integrity over time. For that reason, basement foundations are strongly recommended for building in harsh, cold climates. 

The most significant advantage of a basement foundation type is the additional space. It produces a functional area at a lower cost per square meter compared to the other parts of the house. Such a basement can double as an energy-efficient living zone that holds well during changing seasons and offers easy access for repairs. 

While the basement foundation requires a higher initial investment than other foundation types, it pays off in benefits that make it cost-effective in the long run. 

A deep foundation is commonly used for high rise structures, such as skyscrapers. Other applications include building on weak soil at shallow depth, and site constraints. A foundation pile is the standard type of a deep foundation driven to the ground, while piers, drilled shafts, and caissons require excavation and drilling. Deep foundations can be produced from steel, reinforced concrete, prestressed concrete, or timber.

Foundation Maintenance

Proper maintenance affects the longevity of the foundation and, subsequently, the entire house structure. Foundation repairs can be costly, but prevention and care can keep many issues at bay. 

Waterproofing is a crucial factor in retaining foundation integrity. Since cement and concrete are porous materials, water can penetrate the foundation, making it contract and expand, which leads to gradual deterioration. If the house foundation was not waterproofed early enough, cracks might appear in the walls, opening a space for mould, mildew, and fungus growth. Moreover, neglected water damage can render the foundation unrepairable, levelling the structure down in the worst-case scenario.

Sealing leaks will prevent moisture from intruding but requires professional treatment - otherwise, there's a risk of sealing that moisture inside the very foundation. 

A moisture control element installed in the HVAC system helps to maintain the humidity at an appropriate level. A free-standing dehumidifier is also an option, but it requires regular changing of drip pans, especially while moisture levels are high.

Things to Consider Before Buying Foundations

Concrete and cement are exceptionally durable materials, when allowed to dry correctly. The building foundation quality thus depends on the amount of time given to dry after pouring; otherwise, it will not be able to support the projected weight and will gradually start to settle, crack, or sag. It's best to hire a professional contractor who will make estimations according to the particular mix used, foundation type, and dimensions.

In addition, a knowledgeable contractor will never work on a rainy day. Ideal conditionals for placing a foundation include moderately warm weather and low humidity, with no threat of rain. Winter months can extend drying time considerably, while the excess moisture in the air can provoke a number of side issues. 

A bad or weird smell in the basement foundation space typically indicates the presence of mould, mildew, or fungus that call for immediate reaction.  

If you need assistance to find the right foundations for your home or office, ArchiPro provides a connection to the various professionals, ready to assist with all requirements and questions. Simply click "Contact supplier" on the product's page, or visit the supplier's website directly from the product's page.