Types of Basement Foundations | 5 Types of Basement with Pros & Cons

When it comes to buying a house or building a new one, each homeowner must understand different things about the main structures and systems of the house. And although few people bother to think about the basics of the house, the simple truth is that it is one of the most important aspects of the structure. Understanding the various types of basement foundations can help you make an informed decision.

Types of Basement Foundations

While there are dozens of different strategies and approaches to building a basement foundation, foundations will be listed in order of importance so that you can get a good idea of what each one looks like.

Concrete slabs

The most common foundations used today are slab foundations. As the name implies, a concrete slab is normally 4-6 inches thick on average but much thicker at the edges. The edge might be as thick as 24 inches. The baseplate installation is one of the easiest to do and can be poured in just one day.

A crawl area or basement is not included in the slab’s base. Due to the properties of this type of foundation, it can only be installed on an uneven surface, as the foundation may sink or settle on an uneven surface. 

Advantages

• It is one of the most available types of foundations
• The concrete foundation will not deteriorate if there is a leak.
• It can prevent termites from building nests beneath your house.
• This type of foundation does not require many steps because the boards are near the ground.

Disadvantages:

• Slab foundations are prone to cracking, and repairs can be costly.
• Concrete slabs provide minimal protection from storms, earthquakes, and other sorts of bad weather.
• It will be extremely difficult to repair leaks, etc. Because the pipes and tubes are set inside the concrete slab.

Basement foundation

The basement base is one of the most common due to the added functionality to the home. Basement is the same size as the normal floor plan of the house, but it is possible to have a slab under certain spaces, such as a garage or workshop.

The basement is, in most cases, a slab, and the walls are poured in concrete to make the basement waterproof. As with foundation slabs, the factors involved in choosing this type of foundation are moisture level and unstable soil. Pouring the basement foundation takes 2 to 3 days, and then you have to give another week to harden the concrete.

Advantages

• It has the potential to raise the house’s value.
• Can provide additional storage or space
• Cellars are easily accessible if repairs are needed
• The cellars are energy efficient
• This type of foundation can be laid on an inclined plane

Disadvantages:

• This is not suitable for all types of floors.
• Freight construction
• There is a risk of flooding without a sludge pump
• Radon problems are possible
• Sensitive to humidity, water damage, mold, etc.

Crawl Space Foundation

As the name suggests, it is impossible to stand up in the crawl space. The floor of the tracked space can be either a concrete slab or a crushed stone. Although the installation takes longer than the base plate, the base for the front crawl is cheaper than the base for the basement.

The crawl space base differs from the base plate because it is not located directly on the floor. The average crawl space base is 2 to 4 feet above the floor. This type of primer is ideal for areas with high moisture content where water can collect. The foundation above the ground is supported by walls protruding from the ground of the footing, the repair of water supply, and other utilities.

Advantages:

• Wiring and installation are easy if repair is required
• Provides storage space
• It is an affordable type of foundation
• It can be constructed from mold-resistant materials

Disadvantages:

• Moisture can be a problem
• If the foundation breaks, the house could sag.
• Because the air circulates under the house, this foundation is less energy efficient.

Pier foundation

The foundation for the pier is built using small round or square concrete slabs, which are placed at strategic points along the outer perimeter of the house. These studs are inserted and fixed using modified wooden posts or steel bars. These posts or rods are then tied to the house for support.

Advantages:

• It is an economical and easy to repair base
• Protects against flooding
• Workers can walk under the house when repairs are needed
• Improves air circulation under the house

Disadvantages:

• Pest infestation presents a risk if soils are not properly insulated.
• Requires good insulation to be energy efficient
• Without protection under the ground, homeowners can have drainage problems

Wooden base

Although concrete is the most common material used to build a foundation, it is not the only option. It is also possible to build a wooden base.

Timber is light and easy to transport, which means this foundation works well for buildings in remote locations. Because wood is cheaper than concrete, this type of foundation is extremely available. It is also a sustainable option. Unlike concrete, wooden foundations do not have problems with outgassing. In addition, the wood is easily recycled if the house is demolished.

Advantages:

• Material and labor costs are low
• It is durable
• Wood can be treated to resist rotting
• It is a good choice for households in remote areas

Disadvantages:

• If wood is not properly treated, it can rot over time, leading to foundation failure.
• Termites can destroy a wooden base
• Wood can be severely damaged by weathering

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the types of foundations?

The types of foundations vary, but an extension to your home or house is likely to have or have one of these three foundations: a basement with full light or daylight, a crawl space, or a slab. 

What is the strongest foundation for a house?

Because foundations are normally composed of solid materials, they keep the house in place even in the case of an earthquake or a cyclone. Therefore, they are usually made of concrete, the strongest building material.

How deep should the basement be?

For a complete basement, the depth of the foundation will be less than the depth of the frost. Basements have foundations and walls typically 8 feet long, built on a 4-inch concrete slab. The panel will serve as the floor of an underground room where you can store your home’s mechanical and HVAC system or use it as a warehouse.

How deep should the house’s foundation be?

It is a point in the country where the ground never freezes and it will be different. It will never freeze in the hottest parts of the country. The freezer line maybe 3 or 4 feet or deeper in cooler areas.

What is the base in the basement?

A basement foundation is an architectural framework that secures a house or other one-story construction below grade. In addition to additional storage space, the cellars also provide additional flood protection and insulation and climate control.

How much does the basement base cost?

An average foundation for a 1,200 square foot home costs $6,900 to $16,200 for a concrete slab or $40,000 for a full basement.

What’s the cheapest way to build a basement?

The cheapest option for basement construction is concrete blocks or masonry. The walls are made of slag blocks and can be built in a fraction of its time to create a poured concrete wall. Steel reinforcement is generally used to strengthen the strength of these walls. 

Conclusion

The foundation of the house serves many different purposes. It keeps the house from sinking into the ground below and helps prevent moisture from entering the structure. The best foundation for a house is determined by several elements, including the size of the structure, soil type, climate, architectural design, budget, slope, and so on.

Title: Types of Basement Foundations | 5 Types of Basement with Pros & Cons

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