Identifying Different Types of Foundations
You should to have a general idea to identifying different types of foundations. Knowing how they work will help to understand the benefits of foundation piers and potential foundation repairs. Each type of foundation has pros and cons associated with it. What type of structure they work best with is important to know.
There are two different groups of foundations: shallow foundations and deep foundations. Although they are very different when talking about depth, these two categories for foundations there are several very specific foundation types in each. Below you will find some introductory information about the different foundation types available in construction and how to identify them.
The decision between a shallow foundation and a deep foundation is based mostly on the weight of the structure. There can be other considerations, however, based on the overall climate of the area and the ground conditions. Heavier buildings need a deep, sturdy foundation in order to properly support the structure.
Shallow Foundations
Individual Feet
This type of foundation utilizes individual cement pads that hold a single column that makes up part of the building. They are exceptionally common and engineers design these foundations so that each cement pad will hold the appropriate amount of load divided evenly for the building. These feet can then be connected above or below ground with beams that help stabilize the foundation further.
Strip Footings
Similar to individual feet, these foundations extended over a longer space. They help support fully load bearing walls, especially ones that are of older masonry construction.
Raft or Mat Foundations
Found commonly in residential homes, raft foundations always have a basement. The basement slab helps to evenly disperse the weight of the building over the entirety of the build. It looks a bit like the construction is floating in the soil like a raft. The other benefit is for heavier buildings that might require to have individual feet practically touching to bear the building load evenly, it becomes easier to use this type of foundation.
Deep Foundations
Pile Foundations
This type of foundation is used for both large construction buildings and foundation repairs that can extend up to 200 deep into the soil. There are three types of piles or piers that are utilized in construction:
- End bearing piles drive all the way into the bedrock deep down in order to stabilize the building.
- Friction piles don’t go nearly as deep and use a large surface area in specific types of soil to maintain a level foundation.
- Foundation piers drive into the ground to the bedrock near a pre-existing structure and then attached to the structure with anchors in order to stabilize the building.
All three of these act a bit like stilts for a building in order to have the building on a solid foundation.
No matter what type of foundation your home has, it is instrumental that you understand what they do for you home and how to recognize them. Contact MAGNUM® team member from more information.