Possible Problems With Various Home Foundation Types

Whether you’ve purchased a home or are planning to build one from scratch, the foundation is one of the most important factors to consider.

Every house (and building) has a foundation, but what is its purpose? In addition to keeping your home elevated, foundations prevent moisture intrusion, keep your home warm, and stabilize it as the ground shifts over time.

The construction of a foundation requires skill, patience, and consideration for soil conditions, water drainage, the type of ground being excavated, and the construction materials used. In some instances, foundation issues are the result of a hurried construction process and the use of substandard materials. Inadequately laid stone and brick walls can become loose over time, revealing cracks and other strains; concrete floors and patios can also develop cracks, resulting in a variety of problems.

Various Forms of Foundations
The Basis of the Basement
Despite the fact that few homes have basements, you will find a few in this area. Typically, homes with basements are located in the northeast, the mid-Atlantic, and even the Midwest. This is largely attributable to the frost line, the depth at which groundwater freezes, which is typically quite deep underground. The lack of basements is also due to the possibility of flooding, and the limestone bedrock is deemed too difficult to excavate.

Typically, basements are excavated into an 8-foot-deep hole and finished with a concrete slab. The majority of basement walls are constructed with cinderblocks, followed by poured beams, walls, and a slab within the walled area, which helps to keep the basement waterproof.

Most basements provide easy, internal access to plumbing and electrical circuits, as opposed to being located beneath the house, but they also provide additional square footage for a laundry room or an additional family room.

The Foundation for Slab
Pouring a flat layer of concrete onto the ground to create a slab foundation is a relatively straightforward process. The perimeter of the foundation is surrounded by a concrete beam that is approximately two feet deep; the remaining sections of the foundation are up to six inches thick. The concrete foundation is then embedded with wire mesh and reinforcing bars (also known as rebar).

In warmer climates, slab foundations are more prevalent than in colder climates, where sub-zero temperatures can actually cause the slab to shift. Major pipes, including sewage pipes, are often installed before the concrete foundation is poured, which can be problematic. This can be problematic if you suspect foundation issues and need to excavate the foundation in order to make repairs. Also, depending on how frequently your property floods, you may experience foundation damage, such as sloping floors, sticking doors and windows, and expanding cracks in your walls.

The Crawl Room
While the majority of houses have Slab or Pier and Beam foundations, you will find that some of them also have a crawl space that, despite being small, is still easily accessible. Crawl spaces provide access to any plumbing, electrical, or mechanical issues that may arise. However, crawl spaces can attract animals, so if you don’t go down there often, you may find a family of creatures and possibly termites living under your home.

Other issues associated with crawl spaces include sagging or sinking floors. If your floor does not appear to be perfectly level, or if it jiggles when you walk on it, you may have serious foundation issues. Depending on the severity, you may need to replace any rotting wood, particularly if there is excessive moisture, in order to stabilize floor issues.

The Pier & Beam Endowment
The use of Pier and Beam foundations is widespread. This type of foundation consists of wood posts or concrete piers set deeply into the ground to support the house’s weight. This type of foundation is elevated approximately 18 inches above ground level, allowing for easy access to electricity and plumbing through a crawl space.

This particular foundation is relatively simple to build and less expensive than the alternatives; it appears to be more suitable for smaller homes than larger ones. Even though it is a popular style that is not deeply rooted in the ground, you must watch out for sagging or creaky floors.

If a pier and beam foundation is not water resistant, it can be problematic. Wood damage, mold and mildew, the presence of rodents and insects, temperature issues, sagging, and water pools are all potential issues. Regular maintenance of this type of foundation is necessary to prevent moisture and joist issues.

Prevention is preferable to treatment. RLM Retrofit Foundation’s Foundation Inspection Barstow and repair services are the best options. Call us immediately at (800) 824-6699.

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