Concrete foundations come in many varieties, each offering their own advantages and disadvantages. Builders select the appropriate foundation based on several key considerations including soil conditions and climate.
As an example, slab foundations are best suited for dry climates while frost-protected shallow foundations prevent moisture penetration in colder regions. To gain more knowledge on these four foundation types, keep reading.
Slab-on-Grade
This type of concrete foundation Underpinning Melbourne involves pouring a slab directly on top of the soil. It’s often preferred in residential construction due to its ease of construction; footings don’t have to be installed for support either.
When constructed correctly, slab-on-grade foundations can be highly durable and effective. But when not insulated properly or the concrete mix is incorrect, cracking often occurs. To minimize cracking further, it’s wise to install an 8-inch plastic barrier between your foundation wall and ground which ends at least 8 inches below grade grade.
Slab-on-grade foundations are ideal for homes in hot climates where limiting heat loss through the ground is of key importance, and new construction as they facilitate quicker installation of in-floor radiant heating systems.
Pier and Beam
Pier and beam foundations provide an alternative to slab foundations. Used to support sheds, cabins, barns, homes and larger buildings such as barns or houses a pier and beam foundation provides lasting stability but may eventually require repair or maintenance over time.
Holes are dug or drilled to create a grid of concrete piers that provide support for floor joists and the flooring of the building, distributing weight evenly across its structure. A small crawl space beneath the foundation gives homeowners easy access to plumbing and HVAC connections.
This type of foundation is less susceptible to moisture issues as it’s raised off of the ground, but crawl space under your house could become vulnerable to mold and rodent infestation. Furthermore, due to being open to the elements it may not be as energy efficient compared to slab foundations; should any issues arise it may require more extensive work to repair than usual.
Stone
Early in the 1900s, concrete began replacing stone foundations as it offered faster and simpler foundation construction methods; contractors could even finish larger foundations within one day with enough masons and hod carriers on staff.
Water penetration is the primary problem with stone foundations. Even with regular maintenance, they may leak due to porous stones allowing water to easily pass through them, as well as crumbling mortar that allows it to seep in.
If you want to prevent water entering a stone foundation, grade the dirt around its walls so it slopes away from them. Also add ground extenders to your gutter downspouts in order to carry off additional liquid from reaching foundation walls. For existing stone foundations in need of repair, consider shotcrete; an application of concrete that gives space without losing character and charm of stone walls.
Poured Concrete
Concrete foundations typically comprise wet concrete poured on site. A six-mil polyethylene sheet acts as a vapor barrier before four to six inches of crushed gravel are spread over it, then the dirt compacted, footings laid and finally, concrete is poured.
Poured concrete foundation walls are more robust than their concrete block counterparts, offering greater protection from unnatural land shifts and increased lateral strength which holds against shifting soil pressure over time.
However, any newly poured concrete foundation must be properly waterproofed or it could leak moisture through its walls and cause mold or water damage that must be addressed by your contractor. In very cold temperatures, concrete takes longer to harden, increasing your risk of spalling.