Foundations are the key to ensuring a building remains structurally sound and strong for its entire lifetime. There are several different types of foundations and the one you choose depends on the construction system used, the site conditions and the overall design of the building.
Shallow foundations, often referred to as spread footings, are more common than deep foundations. They’re typically less expensive and can be poured or bored into the ground with little or no excavation work required.
Generally, these foundations are built to meet the basic requirements of being aligned correctly, supporting a structure’s loads, and being safe from bearing capacity failure or extreme settlement. They may also be designed to support radon, termite, or moisture control and thermal insulation needs.
The most common home foundation is a concrete slab. Another popular type is a crawl space foundation, which uses pillars to support the soil.
A basement is a sub-floor that’s partially or fully below ground and typically made with poured concrete walls. It can be a great way to add square footage to your home at a lower cost and also serve as a place to store items like furniture and electronics that’ll otherwise rot or get damaged if they’re left exposed to the elements.
Pier and beam is a foundation type that’s usually used in coastal areas where it’s common for the soil to shift or flood. These foundations feature long pillars that displace the weight of a home over a large area, making it more resistant to shifting and flooding.
These foundations are commonly found in homes with thicker exterior walls. They’re particularly useful in coastal areas where the soil is constantly shifting or eroding.
Unlike the block and base foundation, pier and beam doesn’t have skirting around the perimeter of the house. Instead, this foundation consists of more solid material around the edges of the home and every so often there will be ventilation holes to let air circulate underneath the home.
A raft foundation is another shallow foundation that’s most commonly used in basements to ensure that the weight of the building is evenly distributed over the entire area. It can also be used in cases where the soil has a low bearing capacity and the building’s loads need to be spread consistently over a large area.
Wall foundations are also a type of foundation that’s commonly used in basements. They consist of a continuous slab strip that’s either stone, brick or reinforced concrete.
These are a very important type of foundation and are provided in situations where the soil has a poor bearing capacity or is difficult to dig through. They’re also useful in instances where it’s possible for irrigation canals to be constructed near a property, or when the soil is very compressible and not as stable as other types of foundations.
These types of foundations are a bit more expensive than other types, but they are a smart investment that’s worth making when you consider the longevity and safety of your building. As with all major construction projects, it’s crucial to work with qualified contractors and engineers to determine the best foundation for your project.
