Construction Techniques For Basement And Foundation Walls

Table of Contents

Different construction techniques for basement walls

The basement provides the home with stability that is needed to keep the house intact during all kinds of weathers and other environmental related challenges, such as earthquakes and floods. Authorities in some areas will prescribe a basement wall construction technique based on soil conditions and average annual rainfall. However, there are three main construction methods that are commonly used in most areas as will be discussed below. The cost for each of these methods varies considerably.

Poured concrete

Most people prefer to use poured concrete basement for their walls. The contractor starts off by pouring the footing to start the foundation of the basement. After setting up the footing, the next step is to use forms to hold the concrete walls poured into place, so that they can dry up. Before pouring the concrete, it is important to oil the interiors of the forms to prevent the concrete from sticking. The basement walls made from poured concrete are usually stronger and will need fewer repairs as the house becomes older.

Precast basement

The precast basement panel is constructed in a similar manner like the poured concrete basement. However, the main difference is that they are not molded at the building site, but at another location. These walls are taken to the building site and positioned on the footer using a crane. The quality and integrity of these walls is identical to the poured concrete. However, this technique is more costly due to the equipment used in making, transporting and placing them correctly.

Masonry method

The masonry method technique is one of the most cost effective methods of making basement walls. It mainly uses concrete masonry to make the walls, whereby concrete products are utilized in creating various structures. Masonry concrete creates a wall by arranging the concrete blocks in a particular pattern that will create the envisioned structure. Grout or mortar is used between the blocks to ensure the arranged blocks remain in position. Upon completion, the mortar is set and dries up, which leaves the wall strong and it can survive for a couple of decades. Another alternative is to use the cinder blocks that are large in size, with a hollow interior. Concrete and steel rebar are used in reinforcing the blocks to enhance durability. The contractor pours the concrete into the hollow inside the cinder blocks to make basement walls.

Foundation excavation

Burying Basement walls California underground is a viable option for some of the contractors. This is only achieved if a hole was excavated way before the building of the basement walls commenced. In essence, the construction can be carried out using any of the three techniques after soil has been excavated from the area to create a hole. After the completion of the basement, the soil is replaced around the walls of the foundation. Construction on the rest of the building can go on after this has been carried out. It is advisable for the contractor to protect or waterproof the foundation using the available techniques before burying the walls of the foundation for durability.