Everything About Concrete Foundations

Types Of Foundations

Basement Foundations

A basement foundation is an architectural framework that secures a structure below the ground level. There are many advantages of having a basement foundation including space for storage so that you can save your things and have more room to live. A basement and other underground spaces play a key role in storing perishable goods such as food, and when the weather heats up there is the added benefit of staying cool and keeping insects away.

Crawlspace Foundations

Crawlspace foundations include a space where pipes and the underside of the house can be accessed via the free space between the ground and the home. This type of foundation is needed to be waterproofed, it is important because while concrete can’t be damaged by water, without a barrier it can absorb and transfer moisture through the slab, which could then affect the flooring above. This is the most common type of foundation that is going to be used for a home where the underside of the home might need to be accessed or where pipes need to be accessed.

Wood Foundations

Wood foundations are another option that is most often used in very dry areas and are most likely going to be used for things like wood cabins and even a shed. These are great if you have a very dry space where rot and termites are not common.

Concrete Slab Foundation

The last that we are going to discuss is a concrete slab foundation. These are most often used for larger buildings that are going to have a great deal of weight inside them like warehouses, businesses, and more. These are concrete slabs that often have the plumbing and other piping embedded into the concrete and the home or building is then built right on top of the concrete slab.

How Foundations are Built

1. Choosing the Right foundation

Before building a foundation it's important to determine the purpose of the structure the foundation is being built for, the choice of the foundation also highly depends on the area of the foundation will be located and the size of the structure.

2. Flatten the area

The next step is to grade or flatten the area. It is always best to get the area where the foundation is going to be placed as even as possible. This will make the process of building the foundation much easier, smoother, and faster.

3. Frame the area

If you are building a concrete foundation, the area is going to be dug down a little bit to create a space for the foundation. It will then be framed up. This is going to create the frame for the foundation so that it can be poured and so that it can be created. The frame will be filled with gravel and smaller stones to help create the base and allow for drainage. If there is going to be piping in the foundation it will be laid.

4. Make your Foundation

After that, there may be rebar added to help give strength and structure to the foundation so that it can be long lasting and so that it can be as strong as possible. The foundation is going to be poured in stages in most cases. For the most part, if you have a very thick foundation that you are going to lay, it is not going to be poured all at once.

How Long Do Concrete Foundations Last?

Foundations that are made of concrete can last up to 100 years. They are very durable, barring having to have them pulled up or an earthquake, there is not going to be much that can change a foundation made of concrete. You are likely going to be able to have this foundation for the duration of the time that you have the building.

How Much Do Concrete Foundations Cost?

The cost for building a concrete foundation may vary depending upon the price of concrete at the time of installation and the size of the project. For the most part, a home-size concrete foundation will cost around $10,500. This price can be significantly greater for really large foundations.

Conclusion

The overall cost of a foundation is going to be different based on the size of the foundation, how long it is going to take to be created, and more. A foundation is going to function as the backbone of the structure for years to come. If you need any assistance regarding concrete foundation then consider taking professional help. Easter Concrete Contracting is a team of experienced concrete foundation builders in San Antonio. We will be able to talk you through the whole process, so there aren’t any surprises when it comes to the final cost. Speak to one of our experts today, we would love to help you!