Foundations
A foundation anchors your house to the earth, holding it up and, just as importantly, holding it down. Surprisingly, houses are as likely to blow away in a windstorm as they are to sink into the ground. But foundations do more than just hold a house: they must resist water, ice, fungus, insects, and soil gases, and they have to stand up to soil pressures that can exert far more force than the weight of the house itself.
Foundations:
An Overview
A sturdy foundation is the first step to a well-built home. They must resist water, ice, fungus, insects, and soil gases, and they have to stand up to soil pressures that can exert far more force than the weight of the house itself. GO!
A sturdy foundation is the first step to a well-built home. They must resist water, ice, fungus, insects, and soil gases, and they have to stand up to soil pressures that can exert far more force than the weight of the house itself. GO!
Choose
Your Lot Wisely
The money and time spent on site investigation is an excellent investment, and good insurance against trouble later on, when the foundation really counts. GO!
The money and time spent on site investigation is an excellent investment, and good insurance against trouble later on, when the foundation really counts. GO!
Evaluating
your Lot and Soil
The time to look at your soil is before you build. Architects and engineers are great resources, but there's a lot you can learn on your own, if you're willing to get your hands dirty. GO!
The time to look at your soil is before you build. Architects and engineers are great resources, but there's a lot you can learn on your own, if you're willing to get your hands dirty. GO!
Why
Foundations Fail
Here's what builders' know about foundation problems-and what they look for when things go wrong. GO!
Here's what builders' know about foundation problems-and what they look for when things go wrong. GO!
Pre-Cast
Foundation Systems
Many alternatives to poured slab basement foundations are available today. Pre-cast foundations can be installed in almost any weather condition—a great benefit for Frost Belt building. GO!
Many alternatives to poured slab basement foundations are available today. Pre-cast foundations can be installed in almost any weather condition—a great benefit for Frost Belt building. GO!
Basement
Access Doors
If you’re looking to bring basement access to your home, there are many options to choose from. Even with an existing home with no basement door, it’s still possible to bring access to the basement from the exterior. Here’s a look at a few options. GO!
If you’re looking to bring basement access to your home, there are many options to choose from. Even with an existing home with no basement door, it’s still possible to bring access to the basement from the exterior. Here’s a look at a few options. GO!
When considering exterior options, brick comes in first for durability and longevity. All it takes is a yearly checkup and basic maintenance to keep brick walls in top shape for a century—or longer. GO!
Approved by insurers and energy providers alike, Insulated Concrete Forms (ICFs) bring energy efficient design and home construction to new levels.
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