Understanding Different Types Of Home Foundations

Discover the pros and cons of different types of home foundations: which one is right for you?

Home foundations differ based on geographical location, soil, moisture conditions, climate, house design, and project budget. However, every house has one of the three foundations, a full basement, concrete slab on grade, or crawlspace. Keep reading to discover different types of home foundations and their pros and cons.

Factors To Consider When Choosing A Foundation

When selecting a foundation for your home, it is essential to consider various factors impacting its durability and stability. Carefully evaluate the following elements when choosing the foundation type and material:

Usage

• The choice of foundation type ultimately depends on how you intend to utilize the below-grade space. If you plan on utilizing it as living or storage space, the foundation’s design must include creating a warm, dry, healthy basement or crawl space.

Local Climate

• The local climate is a crucial factor to consider when selecting a foundation. It can significantly influence the type of foundation suitable for your home. For instance, in warmer climates prone to termite infestations, wood foundations should be avoided due to their susceptibility to damage.

On the other hand, slab foundations should also be avoided in colder regions with freeze-and-thaw cycles, as they are more likely to crack under pressure. By taking into account your area’s unique weather patterns and climatic conditions, you can make an informed decision on the foundation type that will best suit your home.

Soil Type

• The soil on which a foundation is built is critical for the stability and longevity of the house. Settled and undisturbed soil is necessary to prevent shifts that can cause damage to the foundation and, ultimately, the entire structure. Therefore, it is crucial to conduct a soil test to determine the soil type present on the site, its moisture content, and its compaction quality.

Moisture

• Maintaining a dry foundation is essential for ensuring its durability and longevity. A percolation or perc test can determine if the soil will effectively absorb water to prevent it from accumulating around the foundation.

However, protecting the foundation from moisture is still crucial, even with proper soil conditions. This can be achieved by using drainage materials such as gutters, downspouts, and sub-slab drainage pads.

Topography

• The foundation must be designed to suit the specific conditions of your lot. For example, a sloping lot may require a daylight foundation, which utilizes the slope to provide natural light and ventilation to the lower level.

Different Types Of Foundations

The common types of house foundations are mentioned below:

Slab-On-Grade Foundation

• A slab-on-grade foundation is a type of foundation that is constructed as a single, solid concrete slab that rests directly on the ground. This monolithic concrete pad provides the necessary support for the structure above it. Slab-on-grade foundations are typically used in areas that do not experience ground freezing and thawing, as these conditions can cause the concrete to crack and the foundation to shift.

Unlike other foundation types, slab-on-grade foundations are less expensive and offer better protection against termite infestations, which are common in warmer climates. However, a significant disadvantage of slab foundations is that water supply and drainage pipes are encased in the concrete, making them difficult to access in case of any issues.

Pros

• It is resistant to insects
• It provides a solid, stable base for the construction of your home

Cons

• It does not offer any storage or living space beneath the structure.
• Drainage pipes are encased in the concrete slab, which may require cutting if issues occur with the pipes.

Preserve the integrity of your home by effectively fixing the foundation issues. For all sorts of foundational problems, give us a call at 877-727-2259. Our experts from Crack-X will assess the damage and provide necessary foundation repairs. Crack-X is a structural repair company located in Maine and New Hampshire.