Pier foundations resemble wood decks or a common table. The actual foundation is a series of vertical columns, or piles, that transfer the building load to the soil. Beams are built on top of the vertical columns that hold up the walls of the house or structure. These specialized foundations work great around trees or in other locations where it is difficult to dig a traditional foundation.
Poured wall foundations and wood can coexist together for a beautiful finished basement. Poured wall foundations provide permanence that wood foundations sometimes do not. The wood can be used for the floor trusses with wood I joists that span large distances without structural beams in your basement.
Damproofing and waterproofing should not be confused. Damproofing, a liquid asphalt, does not provide foundation waterproofing. Hot asphalt and rubber coating and an insulating panel will fully protect your foundation.
Settlement cracks can occur in a concrete foundation wall or concrete slab shortly after being poured. But most concrete cracks are caused by shrinkage. Soil quality, footer design and steel reinforcements can all help prevent cracks.
If you are building a home that has brick or stone that needs the support of the foundation, a flat foundation may not be a wise choice. A ledge can be poured so your masonry sits above it to prevent water from leaking in.
Masonry walls made from stone, concrete block, brick or a combination of the materials can look fine, but wind-driven rain can really cause waterproofing problems. Massive amounts of water can enter through invisible passageways.
A patio slab that doesn't have a foundation shouldn't have a structure built on top of it. Foundations protect structures from frost heaving that could crack the slab.
If you want a truly waterproof foundation, use the right products and a good drainage system. Damp proofing products are generally asphalt or tar based compounds sprayed on the foundation. Waterproofing compounds are different from damproofing.
Concrete block was used to build thousands of basement foundation walls in Cincinnati and other parts of the nation in the 1950's building boom. Many of the builders and block layers failed to realize that block mortar typically only has 1/3 the strength in tension as concrete. Those block walls have a long horizontal crack in the bed joint about four feet from the floor. But you can build block walls that withstand the test of time.
Houses with foundations placed too close to the ground or grade level can cause drainage problems. Houses placed too high up can ruin plans for a walkout basement. Prior to building, check with your builder or architect to make sure the plans are mathematically correct.
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