Homeowners should be aware that there are several advantages and disadvantages to each type of possible foundation for homes. Consider which of the following foundation types best suits your needs:
A concrete slab is the concrete footprint that your home sits upon. The advantage of a concrete slab is that it’s relatively inexpensive and easy to install. It does have its disadvantages, though. This form of foundation is more prone to shifting, cracks, or leaks, and the electric and plumbing are often encased within the slab, making repairs difficult. Concrete slabs are not recommended in colder climates because frost can cause the slab to heave, resulting in severe damage.
Basements are a hold under your home and are typically constructed of poured concrete. Beam supports are placed, walls are installed, and a concrete slab is poured for the floor of the basement. When manufactured correctly, basements can add value to homes. Some homeowners choose to completely finish the basement, which adds extra room and square footage to the overall floor plan.
Basements do have a few disadvantages, though. They are expensive to install and furnish and are not recommended for geographical areas prone to flooding or in areas with very wet climates. As with anything made from concrete, basements are susceptible to cracks, leaks, mold, mildew, and bowing walls.
A crawl space is a small space that raises your house off the ground with a concrete or cinder block frame. Crawl spaces provide some extra storage as well as easy access to the electrical, plumbing, and ductwork. However, crawl spaces are accessible to bugs, rodents, and other pests you don’t want living under your home. They are also susceptible to cracks, leaks, mold, mildew, and the stack effect – which involves air from your crawl space entering your home during changes in temperature.
Whatever foundation you decide should support your home, but repairs may be necessary in the future. Flooding, cracks, and bowing walls are a few of the potential problems that can arise. However, there are repair solutions available for any foundation.
Homes with concrete slabs supporting the foundations employ helical slab piers, which stabilize and lift the slab back into place. A carbon fiber floor stitching system will repair cracks in the slab and create a secure waterproof seal.
If you decide to have a full basement and it is in need of repair, there are options. Epoxy and urethane injections fix cracks and stop any leaking that your basement may sustain. You can also reinforce basement walls with carbon fiber when the foundation is initially installed.
Crawl space repair can consist of waterproofing and crack repair. For waterproofing, Intech Anchoring Systems can install the Hydraway Drainage System, which is minimally invasive. This system will keep water from pooling around the foundation, and it also eliminates the growth of dangerous mold and mildew. Cracks in the crawl space can be repaired using injection systems or carbon fiber reinforcement.
Intech Anchoring Systems employs certified professionals who can evaluate your situation and provide a quote to help with home repairs without going over your budget, regardless of the type of foundation you have. If you want an evaluation, quote, or simply have questions, call Intech Anchoring Systems at 800-223-7015.
Tim is the President of Intech Anchoring and has 25 years of experience in the Civil Engineering and Geostructural Industry. Tim has developed extensive industry knowledge by working to support the needs of specialty contractors at each and every business level. Tim’s diverse industry background has given him exposure to a wide variety civil construction projects, ranging from the simplest residential applications to the most complex commercial and industrial projects. Coupled with a highly skilled and educated team, Tim focuses on providing the highest quality products and solutions to Intech Anchoring’s customers in order to consistently exceed expectations.