A house foundation is what keeps a structure standing. Learn more about house foundations, different types, and how Five Star can help you with your home
Whether driving through a suburban development or city block, all these buildings have something in common: their foundation. Without a house foundation, a home can't stand on its own. But a foundation is more than just the base of a building.
Let's explore.
Built below ground, a home's foundation is a structure's base floor.
A foundation in any building must be secure enough to support a structure above and protect the structure from outside elements and widespread damage.
No. Any way you cut it, a foundation is essential in today's homes for protecting it and ensuring it's still standing.
Not all foundations for homes are the same. Each type of home needs its own type of foundation.
Depending on the style of the home, the location, and the size, the foundations can greatly vary. A small house in southern Florida will use a different foundation than a high-rise apartment in New York City.
Plus, each house foundation type has its own pros and cons every homeowner should know.
Here are the most prevalent house foundation types.
Basement foundations match the entire house above and reside below ground. Basement foundations are versatile. They allow homeowners to use a basement as an extra storage area or even a potential set of rooms if they choose to renovate.
With walls usually measuring at least seven feet high, basements are excellent, solid foundations. Plus, there's the additional option of converting a basement into a living space.
However, homeowners with basement foundations often run into water and flooding issues, opening up the possibility for mold growth.
A crawlspace foundation of a house is essentially the opposite of a deep basement. Crawl space foundations are slightly elevated over the ground. Instead of looming walls of a basement, this foundation provides just a few feet of space.
With a crawl space, homeowners can better protect against flooding, depending on the area of the country you're living in.
If you're building a home, a crawl space foundation can save you money, too. Since you won't need to excavate like a conventional basement foundation, this foundation is ideal.
Homeowners need to be aware of adequately ventilating crawl spaces to prevent possible mold and increase air quality.
The most common type of house foundation, concrete slab foundations, is straightforward. Using poured concrete, the entire foundation is highly stable.
In short, concrete slab foundations are cheaper and easier to construct.
Concrete slab foundations provide excellent protection against specific hazards. People with concrete slab foundations experience fewer problems with bugs like termites and experience less damage with flooding. However, it depends on what part of the country the home is.
However, if there's an issue with your drainage pipes, there could be some trouble. Since a drainage pipe is sealed in concrete, getting to the source of the issue can be costly. Also, concrete slab foundations don't offer any storage options.
Although building foundations need to be strong to weather the storm, they aren't immune to their own issues.
Common house foundation problems aren't too subtle and can attract the attention of any homeowner immediately. They include:
If you suspect any foundational issues, moisture buildup, or structural damage, contact home repair and reconstruction professionals at Five Star Restoration.
Are you finding cracks in your concrete? Have a mold problem stemming from moisture buildup?
Or do you need a home inspection? The experts at Five Star Restoration are here to help.
Based in the Inland Empire and Northern San Diego, Five Star Restoration professionals are well-versed in all things home improvement.
Call Five Star Restoration today for more information on various services and support!
If you are not sure your location is in the areas we cover, or if you'd just like to chat or ask a question, give us a call.
We are committed to an excellent finished product and even better customer service. Rest assured that when we show up for your restoration needs, you'll be informed, confident and stress-free.
