Foundations

Types of Foundations

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Pier and Beam Foundation

A typical pier-and-beam foundation includes three main elements: concrete piers, which anchor the house foundation to the ground; posts or piles, which run between the piers and horizontal beams; and wooden beams, which support the weight of the house.

If you live somewhere with harsh winters, where basement foundations are common because home foundations must be placed below the frost line, such as the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic and Northeast, you would not be considering a pier-and-beam foundation.

 

ADVANTAGES OF PIER AND BEAM FOUNDATION

  • Protection From flooding
  • Access To Pipes and Wiring
  • Repairs Cost Less
  • Flexibility for Uneven Sites
  • Excavation Costs Are Less
  • Mobility is Easier When Constructing

DISADVANTAGES OF PIER AND BEAM FOUNDATION

  • Infestations
  • Dampness
  • Heating expenses
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Slab Foundation

Slab foundations are the most commonly used foundations. Normally, a slab of concrete is 4 to 6 inches thick but much thicker on the edges, the edges can be up to 24 inches thick.  Installation of a slab foundation can be poured in just a single day which makes it one of the easiest to complete.

A slab foundation does not include a crawlspace or basement underneath.  This type of foundation can only be installed on a graded surface because the foundation could sink or settle on an ungraded surface.

 

ADVANTAGES OF A CONCRETE SLAB FOUNDATION

  • Cheaper Cost
  • Low Maintenance

DISADVANTAGES OF A CONCRETE SLAB FOUNDATION

  • Potentially Expensive Repairs
  • Minimal Protection in Bad Weather

 

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Crawlspace Foundation

A crawlspace foundation is not placed directly on the ground. The average crawlspace foundation is 2 to 4 feet above the ground.  This type of foundation is great for areas with high moisture content where water can build up.

Standing up is not possible in the crawlspace.  The floor of a crawlspace can either be a concrete slab or crushed rock.  Even though it will take longer to install a crawlspace than a slab foundation, a crawlspace foundation is less expensive.

 

ADVANTAGES OF A CRAWL SPACE FOUNDATION

  • Accessible Utilities
  • Warmer Floors

DISADVANTAGES OF A CRAWL SPACE FOUNDATION

  • Prone To Moisture
  • Little Protection From Storms

 

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Basement Foundation

A basement foundation is one of the most common due to the added functionality it provides to a home.  Usually, the basement is the same size as the footprint of the home. The floor of the basement is in most cases, a slab, and the walls are poured out of concrete to make the basement waterproof.

 

ADVANTAGES OF A BASEMENT FOUNDATION

    • More, Cheap Square Footage
    • Seasonal Living Space
    • Easy-Access for Repairs
    • Storm Protection

DISADVANTAGES OF A BASEMENT FOUNDATION

    • Increased Foundation Cost
    • Potential Flooding
    • Lack of Natural Light

10 Ways to Care For Your Home's Foundation

1) Keep the Ground Moist

2) Monitor and Manage Drainage

3) Repair Known Plumbing Issues

4) Watch Out for Tree Roots

5) Don’t Plant Too Close

6) Yard Goes Downhill from House

7) Thermostat and Vacations

8) Look for Cracks and Bowing

9) Low Flower Beds

10) Professional Consultation

5 Big Warning Signs of Foundation Issues

1. Any Signs of Distress on the Foundation Itself

2. Sagging or Warping of the Floors and Ceiling Inside

3. Improper Water Draining and Soil Erosion

4. Any Sign of Damage in the Exterior Walls

5. Windows and Doors that Are Too Loose or Too Tight

Find Local Contractors That Specialize In Foundations!

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St. Onge Construction

1005 Lymburner Dr, Haliburton, ON K0M 1S0

(705) 341-8478

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G. Rowden Building Construction

7238 Gelert Rd, Dysart et al, ON K0M 1S0

(705) 457-2168

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D.A. Curry Masonry

13474 ON-118, Minden, ON K0M 2K0

(705) 457-3620

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Barry Miscio Contracting

1386 Tulip Road, Minden, ON K0M1J2

(705) 754-4603