The biggest difference and advantage of concrete block foundations is that they can typically hold more weight than poured concrete foundations. If you have a larger/heavier home, your house was most likely built with a concrete block foundation because it can better accommodate the weight.
Many consider the continuous perimeter foundation to be the best type of foundation to resist seismic force for residential structures. Reinforced concrete stem walls and piers are secured to the ground with a footing and are attached to the structure above.
Most homes have a foundation made of concrete that serves as a sturdy, level base for the walls and roof. Without a foundation, your home would sink into the dirt and fall apart. Although concrete is strong, it isn't invincible and will eventually start to degrade. Concrete foundations usually last around 80-100 years.
Poured concrete walls have better lateral strength than CMU block foundations, which improves their resistance to pressure from water and soil. A poured wall doesn't have joints like a block wall, so it is easier to waterproof.
One of the best foundations for a house is slab-on-grade, plus the addition of a basement. Concrete slabs are cheap and easy to install, and the cost of materials is inexpensive. Adding basements expands usable square footage and increases the home value.
Price: Generally, slab foundations are your cheapest option when it comes to foundations, an excellent choice if budget is front-of-mind.
Cons of Block Foundations
Each block weighs 36 to 42 pounds and must be handled one at a time. Training is also needed to ensure proper alignment and mortar work. Water intrusion: The joints between blocks make this type of foundation more prone to leaks, particularly if not properly waterproofed.
Concrete can pour into any shape and size. On the downside, poured cement walls can be more expensive than block walls when cement prep and production are far from the site. It is something to consider when building a home from scratch.
C25 standardised mix concrete or ST2 Concrete is widely versatile and used in numerous commercial and domestic projects. It is commonly used for footings and foundations, including mass concrete fill, trench fill and reinforced fill, as well as general groundworks.
Poured concrete is the strongest type of foundation for a house. Concrete is incredibly strong and durable, and it can be poured into any shape. This makes it ideal for supporting the weight of a house.
Slab foundations: Generally less prone to pest infestations but can be vulnerable to termites. Moisture issues may be less visible but can lead to mold growth if not addressed. Crawl space foundations: More susceptible to pest infestations and moisture problems if not properly maintained.
Concrete walls can cost anywhere from $10 to $100 per square foot but average closer to between $15 and $60 per square foot for most projects.
The reason we apply a waterproof membrane to your exterior foundation is because concrete is porous. When wet soil is pressed up against your foundation walls the concrete will soak up the moisture like a sponge, causing moisture issues on the inside of your basement.
A concrete slab foundation costs $6 to $14 per square foot on average, with total costs of around $12,000 to $28,000 for a 2,000-square-foot home.
Frost-proof, or permanent, shed foundations include shed foundations that are built to extend below the local frost depth (frost depth is simply the deepest point in the ground where water will freeze). Frost-proof shed foundations commonly include concrete piers and concrete foundations with footers.
The biggest difference and advantage of concrete block foundations is that they can typically hold more weight than poured concrete foundations. If you have a larger/heavier home, your house was most likely built with a concrete block foundation because it can better accommodate the weight.
In some cases, ashcrete is stronger than standard cement and cures more quickly. Ashcrete can be a general substitute for Portland cement for everything from masonry blocks to columns and road construction. It's often less expensive than standard concrete.
Poured concrete walls can seep water through non-structural cracks in the wall, through the cove joint between floor and wall, over the top of the foundation wall or through patches of porous concrete.
Block doesn't rot, warp or grow mold, and it stands up remarkably well to even the most extreme weather. Even with a lifespan of up to 100 years, you can be sure the building's structural integrity isn't compromised over the years like it can be with wood.
Some areas may have specific requirements for foundation replacements, and obtaining the necessary permits is essential. While the idea of upgrading from a cinder block foundation to poured concrete may seem like a logical step, it's essential for homeowners to carefully consider the potential drawbacks.
Concrete block foundations average between $9 and $15 per square foot. A poured concrete foundation with a short stem wall will cost an average of $6 to $12 per square foot, and a poured concrete basement foundation averages between $20 and $37 per square foot.
Prefab homes: Modular or manufactured homes are more affordable because their structures are partially built off-site, rather than building a fully custom house on-site. Tiny homes: A tiny home may be the cheapest type of house to build.
Pier and beam foundations cost around $9 per square foot, a foundation with and a foundation with a crawl space (a narrow gap between ground and floor, but not a full basement) will cost around $13 per square foot. A full basement (yes, a basement is technically a foundation) costs about $33 per square foot.