A proper foundation is essential to building a solid, sturdy home. A good foundation should last forever. Here are some basic facts about foundations that many of you already know. The science behind modern day engineering is fascinating. With today’s technology, trusted professionals like Ground Up Builders are helping families (re)build their foundations to ensure safe, sound, forever homes. At Ground Up, that’s what we do and who we are.
- The foundation of a building transfers the weight of the building to the ground.
- Every building has a number of individual foundations called footings. Generally each column of the building will have its own footing.
- The weight of an average house: 50 tons
- The weight of an average foundation: 7 ½ tons
- Percentage of total project cost: 8-15%
- Foundations by material:
- 81% poured
- 16% block
- 3% other
- Foundations by region:
- Northeast 89% full basement
- Midwest 75% full basement
- South 66% slab
- West 63% slab
- Foundation functions:
- Form a building base
- Keep out moisture
- Insulate against cold
- Stabilize building against movements of the surrounding earth
- Factors to consider before pouring a foundation:
- Soil conditions
- Since the weight of the building rests on the soil (or rock), engineers must study the properties of the soil to ensure it can carry the loads imposed by the building. This is known as safe bearing capacity.
- This capacity changes at different depths of soil. Deeper generally = greater SBC, unless there are pockets of weak soil in the earth.
- It is common for soil near the surface of the earth to be loose and weak. If a building is rested on this soil, it will sink into the earth like a ship in water.
- Water tables
- Backfill quality
- The requirements for a block or slab foundation:
- A sturdy footing
- A vapor-proofed, reinforced-concrete pad
- A a bed of compacted, crushed stone to support it
Ground Up Builders: Serving Nashville, Murfreesboro & Middle Tn
Call Today: 615-326-5790
To learn about special savings and offers from Ground Up Builders, click here: http://www.foundationrepairmiddletennessee.com/
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