What does it mean to have a slab in the basement?
Basement foundations perform the same functions as regular foundations, including distributing the weight of a building evenly, securing it to the ground, and preventing moisture from entering the structure. Because they are mostly buried beneath the first level, normal foundation walls do not provide any space that could be used for living below that level. However, the foundation walls of a basement need to be lowered below ground level in order to make room for an underground floor. This is necessary in order to create the necessary space.
When compared to the process of establishing a regular foundation, the process of constructing a basement foundation takes significantly more time. For earthmoving and relocation projects, it is common practice to require specialized machineries such as excavators, rollers, cranes, and forklifts. Large rocks that are in the way of progress are sometimes destroyed with the help of drills and specialized hammers. There is no difference in the method used to construct a basement wall compared to the method used to construct a standard foundation wall. Poured concrete, concrete blocks, and prefabricated concrete slabs are the most typical applications of the material, however, there are many other uses for concrete.
The majority of basement foundations can be broken down into one of three basic groups.
Built with a basement that is finished and can be used in its entirety
The entire structure is supported by full basement foundations, and the basement floor is totally buried below the surrounding water. Both unfinished and finished basements are referred to as “full basements,” but only the latter is outfitted with insulation, drywall, and flooring so that they can be used as living space or for storing belongings. In unfinished basements, it is typical to find inadequate insulation as well as flooring and walls that are unfinished.
Basements that have an abundant amount of natural light
When a structure is designed on a slope, water will gather on one side of the basement, while the other side will be above ground. This occurs because one side of the basement is higher than the other. A daylight basement, also known as a walkout basement, is a type of basement that lets in natural light and is sometimes preferred by homeowners who want a patio or a lower-level entrance to their home. Daylight basements, as the name implies, are filled with natural light and have fewer issues with dampness and mildew than traditional basements.
Footings for the crawl space
Even though they are not the same thing as a basement, crawl spaces are an important factor to take into consideration when selecting a foundation for a building. When the foundation of a crawl space is raised several feet above the footings, a small, protected gap (often three or four feet) is created between the ground and the base of the building. This gap is called a “crawl space.” Because the foundation walls of a crawl space are only partially exposed and are shorter than those of a basement, this type of space provides an excellent middle ground between the two. They are deeper than standard footings, but not as deep as basements. They are also wider than standard footings.
Conventional foundations don’t allow for finished basements, but crawl spaces do, and they make it easier to get to pipes and plumbing. Crawl spaces are the alternative to standard foundations. They make it possible for more air to move beneath the structure, which in turn helps to keep things cooler in regions with higher average temperatures. Since crawl spaces do not require as much excavation as other types of basement foundations, they are the most cost-effective form of basement foundation. Crawl spaces are becoming increasingly popular.
Keeping in mind that the structure of your home or business represents a significant financial investment on your side, it is advisable to take precautions to ensure its safety and to have it repaired, if necessary. If you have worries regarding the maintenance of your foundation or observe symptoms of troubles occurring frequently, RLM Retrofit Foundation can assist you. Call us for Foundation Inspection Burbank and repair services.
