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Author: Steve Saylor

WHICH FOUNDATION IS BEST?


There are six different foundation types commonly used throughout the US.



1. FOOTING AND STEMWALL

This is the most common foundation. It consists of a below frost grade concrete footing with a vertical poured or block stemwall on top of the footing, shaped like an inverted T.

Pros:
  • very popular with architects, engineers, appraisers, and building departments
  • versatile: used for homes with crawl spaces and basements, in garages, shops, and commercial buildings. It is occasionally used in barns.
  • useful in uneven and unstable ground --can be used in deep frost zones
  • can be used with a wooden floor or a concrete floor
Cons:
  • More expensive. Requires 2 form ups, 2 inspections and 2 pours or block laying
  • takes longer
  • requires more excavation and backfill
  • takes more concrete
  • sometimes requires a concrete pump truck
  • requires more form material

2. MONOLITHIC FOUNDATION

This is a floor slab with sides turned down to frost depth.

Pros:
  • acceptable to architects, engineers, appraisers, and building departments
  • less expensive than stemwall foundation
  • easier and faster to install
  • easier to build on
  • better for multiple uses
  • lends itself to remodeling
  • less excavation and backfill
  • popular for in floor heating systems
Cons:
  • takes planning to locate and install plumbing and electrical
  • more difficult to insulate
  • floor is harder than wood
  • might require a concrete pump truck
  • difficult to install on a rainy day

3. EMBEDDED POST (POLE BARN) FOUNDATION

Pressure treated post is buried approximately 4' in ground, set on concrete footing pad.

Pros:
  • fast and inexpensive to install (unless your land is a rock pile or soup hole)
  • requires rental of inexpensive augur and skid steer loader
  • final leveling can be done after posts are installed
  • concrete floor is optional and can be installed after building is built
  • sidewalls, doors, and windows are easy to install
  • larger clear spans are common
  • 12' post grid layouts make stall installation easier
  • works well in combination with other foundations
  • remodel friendly
Cons:
  • harder to engineer for high wind and high snow load applications
  • only moderately popular with bankers and appraisers.
  • slightly more difficult to insulate and finish into living or office space
  • may not last as long as a stemwall or monolithic foundation

4. EMBEDDED CONCRETE PILING

Usually a round concrete piling, embedded 4' resting on a larger diameter concrete pad at the hole bottom.

Pros:
  • more popular than embedded pressure treated wood with some owners and builders
  • eliminates wood with ground contact
Cons:
  • considerably more expensive to install
  • takes longer to install
  • requires Sonotube or equivalent to shape the piling before pouring
  • more difficult to attach to building
  • not commonly used other than cabins and small homes

5. PRESSURE TREATED WOOD FOUNDATION

Pros:
  • inexpensive
  • fast to install
  • easy to insulate
  • eliminates concrete
  • great for inaccessible places
  • less eco friendly

Cons:

  • may deteriorate over time in certain climates
  • not as popular as concrete with bankers, appraisers, and building departments

6. LARGE CONCRETE FOOTING BLOCK FOUNDATION

Pros:
  • fast
  • simple and inexpensive to install
  • allows free air flow
  • allows easy access
  • little or no excavation
Cons:
  • not popular with architects, engineers, appraisers, bankers, or building departments

7. ANY COMBINATION OF THE ABOVE

Pros:
  • combination foundations make good sense for multiple use buildings, especially when combining living, office, workshop, garage, or animal space
Cons:
  • moderately expensive
  • may require additional inspections

This list was compiled by Uncle Howard's Barns a leading supplier of Horse Barns, Barn Kits, Barn Homes, and Barn Doors.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/construction-articles/which-foundaton-is-best-1429523.html

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