Pros and Cons of a Poured Concrete Foundation

There are many benefits to pouring a concrete foundation on your property, but there are also some drawbacks. These may include the cost of the foundation, its resistance to moisture and soil, and durability.

Read on for more details to help you decide the best type of foundation for your home.

Durability

Thanks to its strength and durability, poured concrete foundation is one of the most common types of foundations. Unlike cinder blocks, a poured concrete wall is denser, fire-resistant, and resistant to lateral pressure. These walls are also easier to construct and can last longer than most materials.

In addition, a poured concrete foundation provides a great deal of security for homeowners. This type of foundation resists termites, decay, and rot. They are also easy to waterproof. This means that there is less maintenance required on the part of the homeowner.

Another reason why a poured concrete foundation is the best choice for a foundation is the fact that it is far more durable than a block wall. If you want to have a foundation that will last for many decades, a poured concrete foundation is the way to go.

A poured concrete wall can be any shape or size. You can also select a patterned surface to give your home a finished look. 

Resistance to soil and hydrostatic pressure

There are many ways to resist soil and hydrostatic pressure in poured concrete foundations. Proper water management is a key way to keep your basement dry. In addition, you should consult with a civil engineer before you start waterproofing your structure.

You should also know how to identify the source of excess moisture. This includes plumbing, city mains, and sprinklers.

You might not realize it, but there are several problems that can cause water to seep into your basement. This can lead to damage to your foundation that will require professional basement repair.

During rain, snowmelt, and surface runoff, groundwater can seep into the soil. As a result, your slab will suffer from hydrostatic pressure. It is important to know the risks associated with water pressure before you attempt to construct a new home or renovation.

You can prevent this problem from occurring by installing under slab drains. This will help remove the excess water and control the flow away from your construction site.

You should also consider uplift pressure. This occurs when the weight of the structure exerts an upward force on the soil beneath. This force is usually weaker than the weight of the actual structure itself.

Cost

Poured concrete foundation costs vary from region to region and from wall type to wall type. The cost of a poured concrete foundation depends on several factors, including the size and height of the walls.

The labor to pour a poured concrete foundation is generally higher than the materials. The total cost is the sum of the price for all the materials used and the costs for the labor.

In addition to the cost of the concrete, you will also need to add in the materials needed to waterproof the wall. This includes vapor barriers, drainage tiles, and sealers. You can also add insulation to the floor joists and batts to the raft.

You may also have to take into account maintenance for the structure as damaged concrete foundation walls cannot be ignored.

Depending on the size of your house and the area where you live, you may need to have a professional engineer inspect your home site. This can add another $500 to $2,000 to the cost of a poured concrete foundation.

If you are building a basement, you might need to add in drain tiles and a sump pump. If you have an uneven plot of land, you might want to consider a pier and beam foundation. This will provide extra support for the weight of your house.

Consider a slab foundation

If you are building a home, there are many benefits to using a concrete slab foundation. These include a lower cost of construction, the ability to build quickly and a simple construction method. However, there are some downsides as well.

One disadvantage is that these foundations do not allow for additional living space or storage. In addition, they can be difficult to repair. If you have a leak, it can be challenging to find the source of the problem. 

Another issue with a slab is that it is prone to cracking. This can make repairs difficult, and it can also degrade the structural integrity of your home. If you do discover a leak, the process of fixing it can be very expensive.

A slab foundation is not ideal for cold climates. During freezing weather, the ground can expand, and this can cause the slab to crack. In areas where the ground freezes, a t-shaped support structure can be constructed to help protect the slab.

If you don't want to deal with these cons and also don't want a full basement, then a crawl space might be the best choice for you.

Cleveland Foundation Repair
817 Superior Ave E Ste 100
Cleveland, OH 44114
216-545-5362