How to Choose the Right type of footing foundation for Your house
If you're planning to
build a building . one of the first things you'll need to think about is the
footing foundation . There are different types of footing foundation , and each has its own advantages
and disadvantages. So how do you choose the right footing foundation for your building.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a footing foundation for your building, including the size of your building, the climate,. the soil,. and your budget. The type of footing foundation you choose will also affect how easy it is to install and maintain.
Here's a look at the
different types of footings foundation and what you need to know to choose the right one
for your building.
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How to Choose the Right type of footing foundation for Your house |
The Different Types of footing foundation.
Poured Concrete
Poured concrete is a type of footing foundation .created by pouring concrete into a mold. This type of footings is used for buildings that are attached to a house or another structure. The advantage of the poured concrete is that it customized to any shape or size . The disadvantages of the poured concrete are that it can be expensive & time consuming to install.
Masonry Block
Masonry block is another type of footing foundation that can be used for buildings. Masonry block is made from concrete, bricks, or stone. The advantage of masonry block is that it is durable and long-lasting. The disadvantages of masonry block are that it can be difficult to install and it can be heavy.
Precast Concrete Pier
Precast concrete pier is a type of footing foundation that consists of pre-made blocks of concrete. These blocks are then placed on top of the ground and connected together with rebar or wire mesh. The advantage of precast concrete pier is that it is quick and easy to install. The disadvantage of precast concrete pier is that it may not be as strong as other types of footing foundation if not installed correctly.
Wood Post
Wood post footings are made from pressure-treated lumber and are commonly used for buildings that are not attached to a house or other structure. The advantage of wood post footings is that they are relatively easy to install and are less expensive than other types of footing. The disadvantages of wood post footings are that they may rot over time and may not be as strong as other types of footing foundation if not installed correctly.
How to Choose the Right type of footing foundation for Your building.
The Size of Your building
The size of your building will play a big role in determining what type of footing you need. A small building may only require a few concrete piers, while a large building will need a larger footing foundation.
The Climate
The climate in your area will also affect the type of footing you need. If you live in an area with harsh winters, you'll need a footing that can withstand the freezing and thawing cycles. Masonry block footings are a good option for areas with harsh winters since they're less likely to crack than poured concrete footings.
The Soil
The soil in your area will also affect the type of footing foundation you need. If you have sandy soil, you'll need to use piers or posts that are set deep into the ground so they don't shift over time. If you have clay soil, you'll need to use a footing that has good drainage so it doesn't become saturated and unstable during rainy periods.
Your Budget
Your budget is another important factor to consider when choosing the right footing for your building. Poured concrete footings are typically the most expensive option, while wood post footings are typically the least expensive option. Choose the options that fit your budget and meet your needs.
How to Install the footing foundation.
Poured Concrete
first step is to excavate area where the footing foundation will be poured. depth of excavation will depends on frost line in our area. Once the hole has excavated, you will need installing formwork. it can be done by using metal or wood forms.
After the forms are in place, you will need to mix and pour the concrete. The concrete should be mixed in a ratio of one part cement to two parts sand and three parts gravel. Once it has been mixed, it should be poured into the forms and leveled off.
The final step is to allow the concrete to cure for at least 24 hours before proceeding with the construction of your building.
Masonry Block
first excavate your area where the footings foundation will be placed. The depth of excavation will depend on both the frost line in your area and the height of your building.
Once the hole has excavated, you will need installing formwork. forms for footing can be done with metal or wood forms. After forms are in place, you need to lay a bed of mortar on which to set the blocks.
blocks should be laid in a staggered pattern & bonded together with mortar joints. Once all of the blocks have put in place, you need to fill any voids with grout & allow it to cure for at least 24 hours before proceeding with construction of your building.
Precast Concrete Pier
- Precast concrete piers are pre-made footings that can be purchased from most home improvement stores or online retailers specializing in decking materials. These piers come in a variety of sizes, so it is important that you select those that correspond to the size and weight bearing capacity required for your building project..
- To install precast concrete piers, first excavate holes at each pier location deep enough so that when filled with dirt they will sit slightly above grade once finished... Fill each pier hole around its outside circumference with 6” of gravel then tamp this down firmly... Next Center a precast pier over each filled pier hole then backfill around each pier using dirt until it is level with grade...
- Be sure when filling dirt around each pier not to fill any voids that might have formed while backfilling as these could settle later causing your building surface to become uneven.. Water each newly backfilled pier hole then wait 3 days for everything to settle before proceeding with construction of your new building surface.. ..
Wood Post
- Wooden posts can also be used as footings for buildings although they are not as commonly used as some of other options we have discussed.. One advantage wooden posts have over some other types of footings is that they can often times be installed by homeowners without having to hire professional help saving on overall installation costs.
- Another advantage wooden posts offer is that because they are made from natural materials they tend blend in better visually with their surroundings than some manmade products like concrete or block which can look out-of-place in more naturalistic settings.
- Some disadvantages associated with using wooden posts include shorter lifespans when compared against products like concrete which can last virtually forever if properly cared for.. Also depending on how tall your planned building surface is going sit offthe ground taller support structures may be needed meaning additional lumber costs could also factor into deciding whether wooden posts are right choice financially for your particular project..
- If deciding use wood posts here few tips get started… Most importantly make sure purchase pressure-treated lumber rated hold up well against rot fungal decay caused prolonged contact moisture… Also pay attention length width dimensions post since these affect load-bearing capacity strength structure itself… Finally order few extra pieces lumber case make mistakes during installation process…
How to Maintain the footing foundation?
Poured Concrete
Poured concrete is the most durable materials for footings, but it still needs to be maintained.
Concrete can crack over time from being too dry or settling or wet. Inspect your footing foundation every year and fill in any cracks with concrete caulk. You may need to add more gravel around footing to help with drainage.
Masonry Block
Masonry block is also a durable material for footings, but it can be susceptible to damage from freeze/thaw cycles. Inspect your footing every year and look for cracks or chips in the mortar. Repair any damage with masonry cement. You may need to add gravel around the footing to help with drainage.
Precast Concrete Pier
Precast concrete piers are very very durable , but it can be damaged by excessive weight or moisture . Inspect your footing every year and look for cracks or chips in the concrete. Repair any damage with concrete caulk or masonry cement. You may need to add gravel around the footing to help with drainage.
Wood Post
Wood post are’nt as durable as another materials, so they will require more maintenance all time . Inspect your footings every year & look for insect damage or signs of rot . Repair any damage with epoxy resin glue or wood filler . You may need to add gravel around the footing to help with drainage.
Conclusion
There are a few
things to consider when choosing the right footing for your building. The size of
your building,.the soil& the climate, plus your budget will play a role in
deciding which footing is right for you. Once you've chosen the right footing,
it's important to follow the proper installation and maintenance instructions
to keep your building looking great for years to come.
We brought you an article on How to Choose the Right type of .footing foundation for Your house