What Foundation Is Best For A Foam Block House

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What Foundation Is Best For A Foam Block House
What Foundation Is Best For A Foam Block House

Video: What Foundation Is Best For A Foam Block House

Video: What Foundation Is Best For A Foam Block House
Video: All About ICF Foundations | This Old House 2024, March
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For houses made of foam concrete, you need to choose a base that is capable of stabilizing any ground movements. This is important due to the characteristics of this material: hygroscopicity and tendency to cracking.

For houses made of foam blocks, a solid, stable base is required
For houses made of foam blocks, a solid, stable base is required

Instructions

Step 1

The main problem of foam block houses is the high hygroscopicity of this material. If this feature is not taken into account in the choice of the foundation, there is a great risk of deformation, cracking and destruction of blocks. For such buildings, a base with high-quality waterproofing is required, the sole of which is located below the zone of movement of the soil. The fulfillment of these conditions will minimize the risk of deep cracks in the walls of the house.

Step 2

Feature of foundations for houses made of foam concrete

For buildings made of foam block, the optimal solution would be "floating" foundations. Such bases are capable of absorbing even significant soil movements. Since houses made of that material are lightweight, you can stop at a shallow strip foundation. This is the most rapidly erected base that does not require significant material and other costs. But it must necessarily be "floating". That is, it is necessary to increase the height of the sand "cushion" under the sole of the tape from the standard 15-20 cm to 40-50 cm.

Step 3

The correct arrangement for such a filling is as follows: the sand should be laid in layers, with the obligatory leveling horizontally using a hydro level. It is necessary to spill the "pillow" with water from a hose and carefully compact it with a vibrating plate, a garden roller or some home-made devices. Particular attention should be paid to the waterproofing of the foundation. Before starting the formation of sand dump in the trench, it is necessary to lay sheets of roofing material so that its canvases are overlapped. It is recommended to coat the seams with bitumen.

Step 4

After pouring the tape, the concrete must be protected from moisture: treat it with bituminous mastics or cover it with a water-repellent material. A well-waterproofed foundation will serve as a reliable barrier to moisture penetration to the foam concrete. If on the construction site groundwater comes close to the soil surface, it is advisable to lay drainage pipes through which excess water will be discharged outside the site.

Step 5

What is the best foundation for aerated concrete houses on mobile soils?

For heaving soils, the optimal solution would be a columnar-strip foundation. Supports should be installed below the freezing point of the soil. Under each of them there should be a sand "cushion" of appropriate thickness. The pillars, "tied" with a grillage, represent a more stable base that can minimize the effects of tensile and pushing forces that occur during soil freezing. Thus, optimal conditions are created for the comfortable operation of a foam block house.

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