What is a home's foundation
Your home’s foundation is basically that part of the house where the building rests all of it's weight. The foundation's job is to evenly transfer the weight of the house from the roof through the ceilings, through the walls and finally from the floors to the ground. Another purpose of a foundation is to keep the house stable by anchoring it to the ground, from moving adversely or getting blown away . Foundations should also be designed to resist moisture penetration like water, ice and snow. It should also be designed to prevent pests access, mold and fungus penetration as well as ground gases from getting into the living spaces of a home.The most important function of the foundation is resist the pressure of expansive clay soils and hydrostatic pressure from water in the earth. Changing climate conditions can have an adverse effect on the performance of most foundations if not monitored and controlled. Moisture control around the perimeter and under the house is critical for a healthy foundation. Any soil movement can cause pressure on the foundation resulting in cracking walls, binding windows and doors, or even floor deflections. In extreme cases, a house can be damaged to the point of collapsing in on itself.
Most modern homes built on lots without excessive slopes and where soils do not freeze will be built on concrete slab foundations. The deep footings that penetrate the earth are designed to support and stabilize the house. Foundation movement can be caused by natural climate changes as well as sub slab drain leaks under the house. Potential for this particular problem exists for all slab homes. However, the early slabs from the 1950s through the 1970s are especially prone to this problem since the drains are made of older more brittle cast iron. Since the plumbing of a slab house is routed under the concrete foundation, if any area of the sub slab infrastructure is leaking, substantial movement and damage may result. It is often difficult to discern exactly where the drain lines run with out special tests and equipment.
Basement foundations are often found in areas where there is a deep freeze line. The freezing soil can have a dramatic effect of pressure against the foundation walls and in some cases the basement floor. Placing the base of the foundation on a substrate that will bear weight is always preferred.
Pier and beam foundations sit over a crawl space that must be ventilated for proper foundation performance. Ventilation is necessary to keep moisture from accumulating under the house. In crawl spaces, it is easy to access the electrical, plumbing systems and in some cases the HVAC ducting. It is often easier to determine and control moisture issues on a pier and beam foundation than a basement or slab simply because of the visibility and access.
Regardless of they type of house you have, there are some necessary tasks you will have to do stay on top of things. Learn more and keep up with your house with a free My Healthy House.com profile. Stay tuned and make your house the best it can be.
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