The foundation for any structure, including the home you want to build, must serve several different purposes to be effective. In addition to serving as the base for your home, it must also keep out cold, moisture, and pests. It should also help maintain the position of the home as the earth beneath it shifts over time. Since the foundation should essentially last forever, carefully consider the materials used in building the foundation.
Pre-Cast Foundations
You can safely shorten the time it takes to install and cure a foundation by ordering a pre-cast foundation for your new construction. The supplier will deliver them to your site, and your contractor will use a crane to lower them into position. They are secured together with a polyurethane adhesive to reduce the risks of shifting and create an impenetrable barrier for your home. Each panel is made from 5,000-psi concrete and is insulated with foam board to guard against moisture, humidity, and other environmental factors.
Slab Heat Panels
This type of basement slab foundation is made to stay warm through internal heating. It involves using PEX tubing, the same tubing used in radiant heat flooring. The tubing is run over single-inch foam insulation boards, surrounded by six inches of concrete. The tubing is connected to the basement boiler, which helps keep the slabs heated consistently throughout the year.
Piers and Footings
Instead of building a full basement, you can save money on your home construction by using footings and piers. This involves pouring concrete footings that are level with one another. Once the concrete has cured for a predetermined period of time, you can begin pouring the concrete piers on top of the footings. The piers will also have to cure before you can begin your home’s construction.
No matter what type of foundation you use for your home, it’s important to use good practices in building it. If you don’t follow proper construction procedures or rush the process, you could end up with a foundation that will crack, crumble, or fail in a short period of time. This is why it’s always important to consult a contractor who has experience building various foundations.
