The option of a house base is dependent upon the soil type of the building website. Homes that are built on poor soil conditions may require a deep basis, whereas many sites only require a shallow base. Climate is another factor to take into consideration when picking a base. Some kinds of foundations don’t function well in flood or cold temperatures. Check with a structural engineer if you’re constructing a house to talk about which type of base is best for you.
Poured Concrete Foundations
A poured concrete base has become the most common type of home base, based on BobVila.com. A concrete slab base is formed by pouring a few inches of concrete with thicker borders to give support. According to ConcreteNetwork.com,”The slab usually rests on a bed of sand to increase drainage.” The slab has been poured all at a time and is perfect for use in areas where the ground does not freeze in the winter.
Frost-Protected Foundations
As the name suggests, a frost-protected base protects concrete from damage due to extreme temperatures. A T-shaped base is the traditional choice for cold areas. This base method provides extra support for a concrete slab base with concrete footings that extend below the frost line. A frost-protected shallow foundation (FPSF) provides security without digging under the frost line. FPSF uses insulated concrete to protect a slab base from frost damage. According to Toolbase Services, frost-protected shallow bases are utilized in over 5,000 buildings at the USA, as well as more than a million homes in Sweden, Finland and Norway.
Permanent Wood Foundations
Engineered wood bases have been used since the 1960s, and based on Toolbase,”manufacturers are now recommending treated plywood and timber as a different material for crawl space, space and stem wall bases.” The bases are made from preservative-treated timber that’s extremely lightweight, decay-resistant and simple to install. A permanent wood base does not demand concrete pouring or projecting, which makes the procedure far more convenient. Moreover, the bases are simple to insulate and moisture-resistant. More than 300,000 houses in america utilize permanent wood foundations.
Raised Foundations
Raised foundations are essential in coastal areas that receive large quantities of rain and are prone to flooding. Raised foundations require careful planning, because they must be able to support the house and provide protection against moisture. There are two sorts of raised foundations: pier-and-beam and stem wall. A pier-and-beam base uses brick or concrete blocks which are reinforced with footings. The blocks are placed around 8 to 12 inches apart and also increase the house above the flood line. A stem wall base is similar, except that the footings are constant as opposed to spaced.