The Benefits of Concrete Foundations in Pittsburgh, PA
A poured concrete foundation is a more durable option than block foundations. They don’t rot or decay, and the life expectancy of a poured concrete foundation is much longer than that of a block foundation. Another benefit of a poured concrete foundation is that it doesn’t need regular maintenance and doesn’t need specific contractor maintenance. In addition, ran concrete foundations do not have any warranties, and they are easy to maintain and repair.
Poured concrete
The strength of poured-concrete foundations is unmatched, surpassing that of block construction. In addition to this, concrete walls are exceptionally stable, providing added sustenance to your home. Because of their durability, poured-concrete walls don’t move or degrade. This makes it one of the best building materials to use.
While it might seem easy to pour concrete yourself, many people find it’s not easy to control the pour. When running a slab, homeowners must make sure cuts at specific points to avoid expansion cracks and damage to the slab. These cuts may need to occur every five to ten feet. Homeowners often misunderstand these small details, which is why it’s best to hire a contractor.
For a proper pour, you must first ensure the soil is level. For example, a concrete footing needs exceptional support if you have clay soil. Looser earth is better for this purpose because it contains less clay. Sand, however, doesn’t have the necessary permission for a concrete footing. When placing the foundation, ensure enough rebar to prevent the concrete from breaking or cracking.
Concrete block
There are two main types of foundations: concrete blocks and poured concrete. While each type of foundation has its benefits, there is a big difference between them. The primary use of concrete blocks is their ease of installation and lower cost because they don’t require formwork. A concrete block foundation also has the advantage of being much more vital. It also requires less labor and will last much longer than a block foundation.
A concrete block foundation can last 50 years but may look weak, deformed, or even damaged. If so, it may be due to improper insulation. Even if you’ve had a building for decades, you might not realize it was a concrete block foundation. In this case, it may be worth asking a professional for an inspection to find the problem. Here’s what you need to know about concrete block foundations and why they’re not as popular as they used to be.
Post-and-pier
Post-and-pier foundations are different from slab foundations. A slab foundation is made from concrete poured directly onto a soil substrate. On the other hand, post-and-pier foundations have a raised floor that creates a crawl space beneath the home, allowing homeowners access to the underside of the house. In most cases, pier and post foundations cost less to build than slab foundations, but it is still important to carefully inspect and follow all directions.
When building a post-and-pier foundation, the number of masonry pillars required is dependent on the size and compressive strength of the pier and the strength of the soil. Generally, 8-x-8 concrete blocks are used for short posts and 12-x-12 concrete blocks for tall ones. If the site slows, you should use more enormous piers and tubes. These piers will be higher and stand more upright than shorter ones. Ideally, the unsupported height of a dock or post should be at least 12 times its width.
