Top 5 Types of Foundations & Pros and Cons
When it comes to your home's foundation, it is important to choose the right kind, as it is the bedrock on which everything else will stand. Whether you are building a new home or renovating your current one, it is important to explore the advantages and prospective drawbacks of each. Understanding foundational choices will help you make the best informed decisions to ensure your home's stability, longevity, and integrity. In this article, we will discuss the top five types of foundations and the pros and cons of each.
1. Full Basement
A more popular approach for many, the full basement is a foundation that uses concrete to create a base and tall walls that measure at least 8 feet in height. Basement foundation is typically underground, providing both a base for the home and living space for those residing there. Those who live in colder climates are more likely to have a house that features a basement foundation due to the deep footing of the basement requiring management of freezing conditions. Basements hold surrounding soil and groundwater back, giving homeowners a space that is dry to safely store tools, holiday decorations, and other various items. Basement foundations are among the most expensive options for those looking to build and maintain. Pros:
- More space.
- Protection from extreme weather.
- Doors and windows can be added to bring in natural light.
- The value of the home can see an increase.
Cons:
- Expensive to both build and maintain.
- Costly to repair if damaged.
- Flooding or water intrusion can occur during extreme bouts of weather.
- It is necessary to control moisture.
2. Daylight Basement
Daylight basement, unlike its counterpart being underground, sees one or more of its walls embedded in the ground from floor to ceiling with the other sides being exposed. This style of basement foundation is ideal for a residence that is split with a separate basement apartment as the foundation design will allow for an installation of exterior windows, walls, and a door. There will be an increase in natural light and airflow to help reduce the risk of mold. However, the foundation that is exposed has the potential to be vulnerable to flooding and leaks. A daylight basement is a more expensive basement style to install and repair, and it might not be the right choice for a new home-building project or those who are on a tight budget. Pros:
- Space is increased.
- There will be more private access to the space.
- Doors and windows will let in an abundance of fresh air and natural light.
- There is an opportunity for a basement apartment rental.
Cons:
- More maintenance than other foundation options.
- Expensive installation and repairs.
- There is a higher risk of flooding or leaks during extreme weather.
3. Crawl Space
Similar to basements, a crawl space is consistent with poured concrete walls that rest on deep footings for stability purposes as well as acting as an anchor for the home. Crawl spaces have walls that are typically no more than 8 feet in height, with many measuring only 2 to 3 feet tall, depending on the slope of the ground around the home. A crawl space can come with a concrete floor or be left with a bare earth floor. Residents can crawl beneath the house for many purposes, whether it is to access electrical connections, pipes, gas connections, etc. Crawl spaces are typically less costly than basement foundations, though they will require excavation to construct. Pros:
- They are more affordable than a basement foundation.
- Deep footings are created to anchor the home against freezing weather conditions.
- Space is increased for storage or mechanical purposes.
Cons:
- More expensive than slab-on-grade or concrete foundations that are poured.
- Excavation is a requirement to build.
- Pest and moisture issues are a possibility.
4. Slab-on-Grade
Slab-on-grade is a more basic style of foundation, as it is the easiest and fastest to construct. It only consists of a single concrete slab that measures between 4 and 8 feet in thickness. Installers usually put in temporary forms to hold the concrete as a slab sets, and once it is dry, cured, and then set, the forms are then removed, and the main structure can be easily built on the foundation. Typically used more in warmer climates that don't experience longer periods of freezing temperatures, slab-on-grade foundations are popular for garages, smaller sheds, and workshops as they can be easily installed at a lower cost. This type of foundation is not the best choice for cold areas as frost heaves can crack or shift the slab. Pros:
- This foundation is inexpensive.
- The construction process is relatively fast.
- This foundation is suitable for warm climates.
- Maintenance requirements are minimal.
Cons:
- This foundation style does not do well in cold-weather climates.
- Mechanical systems are embedded and can be difficult to repair.
- Lower-level living space is not doable.
5. Poured Concrete
Poured concrete is a more common material used to make residential foundations, usually seen in a full basement, daylight basement, slab-on-grade, and crawl space foundations. Because of its high versatility, resistance, and durability, this is an ideal method of laying concrete for those who love a good construction material. Poured concrete foundation can be used in nearly all climate zones, though the installers have to excavate and install foundation footings to anchor it into the ground for protection against soil movement or frost heave. Since the concrete pour is a nonstop step, the finished result is a wall that is seamless or a base of solid concrete that will act as a support and protective barrier for the home. Pros:
- This type of foundation is customizable and highly versatile.
- Resistant to freezing weather conditions and frost heaves.
- This style of foundation is more durable than a standard installed concrete block.
Cons:
- It might require a rebar or a different style of enforcement.
- It will be necessary for installers to excavate for solid footing.
- Concrete pouring time can be delayed by weather.
- Before concrete can be poured, temporary forms have to be installed.
Bottom Line
The average temperature, climate, and humidity should all be considered when choosing a foundation type for your home. The durability and resistances of the material of the foundation should be taken into consideration when choosing the foundation best suited for your residency. With many more factors to consider when selecting the right foundation for a new home, homeowners should opt to work closely with a trusted home builder to discuss all the strengths and weaknesses of foundation options.