SLAB
Slab or Slab on Grade is a foundation that is one large piece of concrete reinforced with steel bars or cables. “On grade” simply means the structure is supported by the ground or grade.
PIER and BEAM
A pier and beam foundation keeps the structure lifted off the ground or grade by using a tall perimeter concrete beam and a series of piers which support the floor constructed of wood.
FRAME
A simple frame foundation is the oldest type of foundation and is similar to a Pier and Beam. A frame foundation does not use a concrete perimeter beam, but has supports around the perimeter that are covered by siding down to the ground.
Following these common sense steps could save you thousands of dollars in foundation repairs.
The rainy season and the dry season must be considered.
THE RAINY SEASON
Check your drainage around your property.
Wait until a hard solid rain (not just a sprinkle), then walk around your house and see if the runoff water is draining away from your foundation without standing or puddling.
If you see puddling that’s a problem, the solution is a positive watershed.
A positive water shed exists when the dirt is higher at the foundation and slopes away from the house at the minimum rate of one inch per foot and extends past the roofline. If your house has gutters, be sure they are free from obstructions and that the down spouts direct the water away from the house past the roof line.
Do not build a dam around your house with landscape timbers, concrete trim, sidewalks or metal trim, that will prevent proper drainage.
Fixing a severe problem could include cutting a depression in the ground to direct the water or installing a drain system. Remember, too much water is just as bad as not watering in the dry season.
What is a French drain?
A French drain is a trench that is dug higher at one end and lined with filter cloth. Next, a perforated PVC pipe is placed in the trench and covered with gravel. This type of drain works very well for its first few years, but tends to be less effective after 5 years due to clogging.
Ace foundation uses superior drainage materials (not gravel) that resist clogging and will provide more years of effective service.
What is a Sump pump?
The best way to discharge a drain system is by gravity, but some situations make that impossible. In such cases the water is collected in a hole with a collection basin called a sump and then it’s pumped out to a desired location. The pump stays plugged in and has an automatic shutoff.
THE DRY SEASON
The ideal way to maintain a constant moisture level around your foundation is to use an automatic sprinkler system with a rain gauge cut off. You can also use a soaker hose positioned 18 inches from the foundation. Turn on the water until you see it form a standing puddle on the ground.
The expansion of the soil will provide uniform support for the foundation. Watering should be repeated when drying cracks are observed or when soil is clearly too dry. Do not put a hose in big cracks and try to water the foundation.
This can cause additional damage. You may find that the south and east sides of the house will require more watering.
Remember... the goal is moisture uniformity on all sides.
As a rule of thumb, trees should be planted a distance equal to their mature height from the house. Trees planted too close to the house rob moisture from the soil, allowing the dirt to shrink causing foundation problems.
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