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"Foundation"

Foundation / Discussions

  • 1 - 18 of 47 Posts

Crawl space versus slab, which is better?

I am in the early stages of planning a new home build. Am I correct in assuming that slab on grade constuction with passive floor heating would rule out the use...

Posted by Doug Bennett Jan. 5, 2025 Foundation and basement improvements 1 response

Can you build foundations and slabs with field stones?

...foundation is not as strong as a poured concrete foundation, so while many of them exist, including entire homes made from them, I imagine you would have a very...

Posted by Bryan Squirrell Jan. 3, 2022 Foundation and basement improvements 1 response

Can you jack up a cottage and build a slab on grade underneath it?

I have a cottage in Quebec which used to be resting on the ground. In the 1950s they dug under neath and poured concrete and used cement blocks to make a three ...

Posted by William Rae June 6, 2021 Slab on Grade 5 responses

How do I close the gap from the exterior cladding overhang to the foundation?

...foundations. hopefully ive explained my problem correctly 

Posted by derek hill April 2, 2021 Exterior cladding

What is the best exterior rigid foam insulation for under a deck?

...foundation wasn't back filled so approximately 4 feet of concrete was left exposed with the sil plate.  I'm thinking of taking Rigid board and installing it aga...

Posted by Andrew Cherubini March 21, 2021 Insulation and soundproofing 3 responses

How do you improve an old block foundation with no insulation or exterior moisture barrier?

...foundation which is 42" to 48" below grade; walls 30-32" above grade which slopes down and away from foundation/wall intersect.  Basement walls parged and paint...

Posted by Wilhelmina Lange March 11, 2021 Foundation and basement improvements 2 responses

Where would I go for guidance on structural design of footings that sit on top of high-density insulation?

...foundations are out of our competence range which is why on the home we're currently building on poor expansive clay soils in Wakefield, QC, we entrusted Legale...

Posted by Douglas Bennion July 31, 2019 Foundations and Basements 1 response

Can you help me choose between a slab on grade and pressure treated wood foundation?

...foundation (PWF) would be an alternative to a concrete foundation, and a poor one at that. The end result of mixing wood and moisture will always be rot. So bui...

Posted by Margot Simonot May 20, 2019 Slab on Grade 1 response

What is your opinion on filling block foundations with concrete?

...foundation is weaker than a poured foundation, so any cracks should be more closely examined, and block foudations are better insulated on the outside than on t...

Posted by Nina Hartt March 21, 2019 Foundation and basement improvements 1 response

Can you help me decide between a foundation, slab on grade and crawlspace?

...Foundations Better - which is Better for Cost and Durability? Can a basement be a good option for your home? The downside of a slab is that all your plumbing is...

Posted by David Davenport Nov. 26, 2018 New foundations and slab-on-grade 1 response

What is the best heating and cooling system for a slab on grade home?

My fiance and I are building our first home. We purchased some basic house plans that are designed for a slab on grade home. I am really leaning towards slab on...

Posted by Matthew Gioia July 7, 2020 Heating and cooling 4 responses

Is there a concrete admixture to prevent water leaks?

Hi We are looking for admixture to prevent water wicking into concrete. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you! To be able to help you solve your problem we wou...

Posted by Frank Liu July 4, 2020 Waterproofing and drainage 2 responses

Can you add a screen/sun room and deck to a slab on grade?

...Foundation Insulation Detail, Prefab ICF Form Kits There is reason to be concerned that the slabs would settle and shift differently and potentially lead to str...

Posted by Pierre Contant July 1, 2020 Slab on Grade 2 responses

How do you insulate a cottage crawlspace and install radiant floor heat?

...foundation. Either lift it and build a cinderblock foundation and insulate it from the exterior (and the floor) or you could even drop it down on a radiant heat...

Posted by Todd hall June 28, 2020 Crawl spaces 1 response

Can houses built on screw piles move?

My 560 sq.ft. Knotty Pine Cabin sits on screw piles and rocks in high wind and a little during the stat of the spin cycle on the washing machine. Should I be co...

Posted by Pamela Douglas June 23, 2020 Foundation and basement improvements 2 responses

Where do you install a weeping tile with a high water table?

The plans on my new house call for my footings to be 18 inches below the level of my basement floor. High water table and the engineer wanted the footings on un...

Posted by Alex Kesheshian June 11, 2020 Foundations and Basements 3 responses

How do you choose between a basement or slab on grade?

...foundation with a walk out basement. Legalett provides raft slabs which are engineered to spread the weight evenly, so the are much more solid and not prone to ...

Posted by A. Delmas May 21, 2020 Foundation choices 1 response

Is it ok to add insulation between joists in a crawl space?

Hi, I recently purchased a newly-built ground floor condominium with an accessible crawlspace.  This is in Colorado, dry climate, cold winters.  The walls of th...

Posted by Cheryl Bottomley May 11, 2020 Crawl spaces
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