There are several different types of and choosing the one that is right for you can be a little bit overwhelming. Most people will opt for a traditional concrete slab and then build an addition onto it for additional living space, but there are other options out there that can be a better choice. Here are some of the more popular options.

Closed Cell Construction. This type of concrete foundation is used for structures that require extremely high compressive strengths, such as buildings. A thick slab of cement is poured into the mold before the structure is poured. Once the mold is complete, the concrete is poured directly into the mold cavity. Because of the extreme engineering skill required for this type of foundation, many buildings are constructed using this form of foundation.

Concrete poured from aggregate. Aggregated poured concrete walls work in a similar way to closed-cell constructions. However, instead of being in individual cells the floor plan is preplanned. The concrete is layered in increments, with each layer being poured one after the last. This foundation is cheaper than other types and is the reason many structures are built with it.

Galves and Laying Piers. The Galves and Laying Piers systems are the most expensive of the three types of concrete foundation piers, but they also offer the most structural integrity. These structures are made by pouring concrete through large bases called pilings. They are then anchored to the floor with steel tie-downs.

Inset poured concrete foundation. In-set concrete foundation systems consist of gravel that is directly placed on the floor slab. This is the most basic. Inset installations require that the gravel layer be poured first. The base post of the pilings is then placed on top of the gravel layer.

T-Shaped Foundations. These foundations are more common in colder areas where ground water freezes earlier in the year. As ground temperatures drop below freezing for extended periods, t-shaped concrete foundations spring back to life. These foundations can be closed or open. A closed t-shape installs the gravel directly on the surface. An open t shape places the gravel on top of the soil.

Rigid or Stompout Foundations. In order for this type of foundation underpinning melbourne to work, there must be a sufficient thickness of soil beneath the slab. This means that the slab will freeze and the concrete will settle to its bottom, allowing it to remain in place until it thaws. These foundations require special attention to sloped areas. Even small changes in the slope could cause portions of the slab to slip away from the rest of the structure.

Insulated foundations This foundation uses slabs that have been pre-insulated before being installed. Most of these types of foundations require additional building codes to comply with local regulations. Installing an insulated foundation costs more than a slab-on-grade foundation, but the added insulation value and longer lifespan of the foundation to make it a better overall option.

Dry Foundations A dry concrete slab is simply laid on top of a concrete slab that has been built up on top of the soil. Unlike a rigid foundation, with a dry foundation no additional structural features are needed to maintain the slab’s integrity. Maintenance is easy once the slab has been laid. Spills and repairs are minor due to the lack of moisture, and leaks are uncommon.

As you can see, different types of concrete foundations have different uses. Knowing the differences between them will help you choose the one that suits your needs best. Before you make your final decision, it is important to research the various types of concrete foundations available. To get a feel of each site, you might want to visit multiple construction sites. Visiting construction sites will also allow you to get a first-hand look at how the different types of foundations are built and what the typical maintenance requirements are.

You should pay attention to the equipment used by employees when you visit a construction site. Are they using boom lifts to transfer soil between slabs? Are the workers using hand trucks or large dump trucks to place the slabs on top of the soil? What about excavators and hand trucks? The amount of soil being transferred and the equipment being used will tell you a lot about the type of foundation that will be used. It will take longer to build the foundation and place the slab on the ground if your soil is very heavy.

Cold Pour Joints. Cold pour joints are used mainly in poured wall construction, but they are also used in a wide range of foundations. Cold pour joints allow concrete to be poured quickly and easily without waiting for the hot mix to harden. Many foundations use cold pour joints because they allow concrete to be poured quickly. However, if leaks are not detected quickly, they can lead to costly repairs.