Since foundations play a critical role in supporting the structure and ensuring its long-term durability, it's imperative to put careful thought into selecting the perfect foundation for your dream home. Learn more about these seven foundation types to help you choose the perfect one for the house of your dreams.
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1. Slab-on-Grade
Slab-on-grade foundations are perfect for areas that do not experience freeze-and-thaw cycles since they rest at ground level. The construction process entails pouring concrete over a prepared flat surface and then reinforcing it with a grid of metal rebar. If you have a slab-on-grade foundation, you will most likely find plumbing enclosed in the slab. This type of foundation does not permit a crawl space or a basement. Despite being cost-effective, repairs might be challenging if required.
2. Insulated Concrete Foundation (ICF)
ICFs are advantageous in regions prone to severe weather events such as hurricanes and earthquakes since they are long-lasting infrastructure. The primary component of ICF is considered to be high-density foam. Within the framework of this foundation, a continuous wall is created by placing insulated concrete forms on the foundation base. Moreover, a rebar is incorporated before the concrete is poured in the subsequent step. During the drying process of the concrete, the ICFs are left in place to perform the insulation function, thereby controlling the temperature and minimizing the loss of energy.
3. Concrete Panels
The installation of concrete panels is far quicker than that of typical concrete blocks or poured-in-place concrete since they are designed and manufactured off-site by contractors. Concrete panels are recommended for multifamily apartments since they are more cost-effective than other materials for residential homes with repeating designs. Concrete panels, however, differ from what we would advocate for custom homes if money is a problem.
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4. Wood Foundation
When constructing a wood foundation, wooden below-grade foundation walls that have been press-treated with chromate copper arsenate (CCA) are supported by a concrete slab set upon a substrate of crushed gravel or rock. The CCA resists fungi, mold, decay, termites, and insects.
Wood foundations are easier to construct and provide warmer houses with lower energy expenses than CMUs and concrete-poured wall underpinnings. However, they are more expensive than CMUs and poured concrete walls, and their installation poses a hazard to laborers. In addition, a wood foundation needs to be constructed properly to avoid being damaged by decay and insects.
5. Crawl Space Foundation
Crawl spaces three to four feet deep are usually not heated but vented to allow airflow and prevent moisture accumulation. Additionally, crawl space foundations offer some storage space, sufficient space for the water heater and furnace, and support for the entire building.
6. Stone
Although stone foundations are still widely used today, their popularity has significantly decreased in recent years. Before the prevalent adoption of concrete, individuals would construct walls by collecting field stones from the ground surrounding their property and stacking them. They were likely mortared in situ or dry-stacked when no mortar was present.
7. Full Basement
Foundations for full basements comprise footings dug very profoundly, walls with enough space for standing, and a concrete bed. Specific choices are buried below grade and have modest ground-level windows, while other options have at least one wall above grade and are referred to as daylight foundations. These spaces can be finished to provide a playroom or family room or left unfinished for storage.
Related Article: Creating a Solid Foundation: Steps to Properly Pour Concrete Footing
