BWhen we talk about building a house or a building, one of the most important aspects to consider is the foundation. These structures are literally the base on which any construction is built, so their correct construction is essential to guarantee the stability and durability of the property.
Join us to discover what they are, how they are built, and how to make sure the ones in your home are in good condition.
What is the foundation of a house?
They are the base structure on which the entire construction is supported. They are buried in the ground and support the weight of the building, distributing it evenly to prevent sinking and ensure the stability of the structure.
Built before the rest of the house and can be made of different materials, such as reinforced concrete , stone, brick or steel, depending on the characteristics of the soil and the structural needs of the building.
Foundations play a crucial role in the construction of any building, as they provide the solid base on which walls, roofs and other structural elements will be erected.
Without a proper and well-built foundation, the house would be exposed to problems such as subsidence, wall cracks and serious structural damage.
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Why are they important?
Foundations are critical to the stability and durability of a home for several reasons:
- They distribute the weight. The foundations distribute the weight of the house evenly over the ground, preventing it from concentrating on a single point and thus preventing sinking and deformation.
- Resistance to ground movements. They provide a solid base that helps resist ground movements, such as those caused by land expansion or climate changes, thus protecting the structure of the house.
- Preventing structural damage. A solid, well-built foundation is essential to prevent cracks in the walls, ceilings and floors of your home, as well as other structural damage that could compromise its safety and habitability.
- Long-lasting durability. A properly designed and constructed foundation can provide a solid and long-lasting base for your home. Ensuring its stability and safety over time.
Types of foundations
Foundations are the base on which every construction is supported, and there are several types, each adapted to the characteristics of the terrain and the structural needs of the building.
Running shoe
This type of foundation consists of a reinforced concrete slab that extends under all the walls of the building, distributing the weight evenly over the ground. It is one of the most common and economical systems used in the construction of one- or two-story homes.
They are suitable for stable and firm ground, providing a solid and sturdy base for the structure.
Load-bearing walls
They consist of reinforced concrete walls that support the weight of the structure and efficiently transfer it to the ground. They are used in multi-storey buildings, where a greater load capacity is required.
Are common in medium and high-rise buildings, providing a solid and resistant base for the structure.
Piles
They are ideal for land with soft soil or a high water table. They consist of piles that are driven into the ground until they reach a resistant layer, on which the structure of the house rests.
Pile foundations are commonly used in coastal areas or with marshy soils, where a deeper and more stable base is required for construction.
Floating slab
Floating slab foundations are particularly suitable for land with high humidity or expansive soils. They consist of a reinforced concrete slab that extends across the entire surface of the ground, providing a uniform and strong base for construction.
They are used in humid climates or in areas where additional protection against soil moisture is required.
How to know if the foundation of a house is good
Determining whether a home’s foundation is in good condition is crucial to ensuring the long-term stability and safety of the structure. Here are some signs that indicate a home’s foundation is in good condition:
- Visual Inspection. Perform a visual inspection both inside and outside the home. Look for cracks in walls, ceilings and floors that could indicate foundation problems. Also pay attention to doors and windows, which could become stuck if the foundation shifts.
- Leveling. Use a level to check the levelness of horizontal surfaces, such as floors and ceilings. Any pronounced slope or unevenness can be an indication of foundation problems.
- Dampness. Look for signs of dampness or leaks in the walls, especially near the floor. The presence of damp patches, mould or salt efflorescence may indicate drainage or waterproofing problems in the supporting structure.
- Cracks on the exterior. Examine the exterior of your home for cracks, especially at the base of walls and around window and door frames. Cracks on the exterior can be a sign of foundation problems.
- Settlement. Look for signs of settlement in the home, such as diagonal cracks in walls or doors and windows that don’t close properly. Excessive settlement can indicate foundation problems that require attention.
- Consult a professional. If you have any concerns about the condition of your home’s foundation, don’t hesitate to consult a structural engineer or construction professional. They can perform a detailed assessment and recommend any necessary measures to ensure the stability of the structure.
How to reinforce the foundation of a house
Reinforcing the foundation of a home is crucial to ensure its stability and durability over time. Let’s explore some effective techniques to strengthen the foundation and protect the structure of your home, thus ensuring the safety and well-being of your family.
Professional Inspection
Before starting any reinforcement work, it is essential to carry out a professional inspection. A qualified structural engineer will carry out a thorough assessment of the condition of the foundation, using specialist techniques and tools.
This inspection will provide crucial information about any damage or weaknesses in the foundation and guide decisions on necessary reinforcement measures.
Reinforcement with piles
One of the most common techniques for reinforcing a home’s foundation is pile reinforcement. This involves installing additional piles beneath the existing foundation to provide additional support and redistribute the weight of the structure more efficiently.
Piles are driven into the ground until they reach a resistant layer, providing a more solid and stable foundation for the house.
This technique is especially useful in areas with soft soils or high water tables. Where a deeper and more resistant base is required.
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Reinforcement by injection
Another effective technique is injection reinforcement. In this process, a stabilizing material, such as concrete or resin. Is injected into the soil beneath the foundation to fill voids and improve stability. This technique is useful for correcting soil settlement problems and preventing future structural damage.
Injection of material can be especially effective on sites with expansive soils or subsidence issues, providing a long-lasting and cost-effective solution to strengthening the foundation of the home.
Improve drainage
Improving drainage around the home is critical to protecting the foundation from water accumulation and soil erosion. This can include installing surface drainage systems, such as gutters and storm drains. As well as improving underground drainage by installing drainage pipes and soakaways.
Keeping your foundation dry and protected from moisture is key to its long-term integrity, and improving drainage around your home can help prevent problems like soil erosion and moisture damage to your home’s foundation.
Foundation Maintenance Tips
Keeping the foundation of a house in optimal condition is essential to ensure the stability and strength of the entire structure. Here are some maintenance tips to keep in mind to take good care of the foundation:
- Regular inspection. Conduct regular inspections to detect any signs of deterioration, such as cracks, sagging or shifting. A detailed visual inspection can help you identify problems at an early stage and take preventative measures.
- Water control. Maintain a good drainage system around your home to prevent water from collecting near the foundation. Make sure gutters are clean and in good repair, and that stormwater is directed away by proper slopes and surface drainage systems.
- Vegetation control. Prevent vegetation near the home, such as trees and shrubs, from growing roots that can damage the foundation. Roots can penetrate the soil and cause structural damage. So it’s important to keep them away from the foundation of the house.
- Moisture control. Keep your foundation dry and protected from moisture. Make sure there are no water leaks in nearby pipes and that the soil around your foundation is well-drained. Consider installing waterproofing systems if you live in an area with high humidity.
- Crack Repair – If you notice cracks in your foundation, don’t ignore them. Repair them as soon as possible to prevent them from getting bigger and compromising the integrity of the structure. Consult a construction professional if you need help identifying and properly repairing cracks.
This concludes our guide to foundations. As you can see, knowing the different types that exist, how to detect problems in them. And what measures to take to keep them in good condition. Can help ensure the solidity and safety of your home.
If you want advice or information for the maintenance of your foundations, we are here to help. As specialists in the construction of prefabricated concrete houses. We have the necessary experience to provide you with the guidance you need.
