Cinder Block Foundations vs. Poured Concrete Foundations
Are you in the process of designing and building a new home? If so, congratulations! This is a very exciting time. You may be wondering about the difference between cinder block foundations and poured concrete foundations, and which is the superior choice for your home. Here is some helpful information that you can refer to when making construction decisions.
What Is a Cinder Block Foundation?
A cinder block foundation (also known as a “concrete block foundation,” a “block wall foundation,” or a “cinder block basement”) is constructed by stacking concrete blocks on top of one another, similar to a brick wall.
What Is a Poured Concrete Foundation?
A poured concrete foundation (also known as a “poured foundation” or a “poured concrete basement”) consists of smooth, seamless walls. First, the builders construct a framework of steel rods. Once that’s completed, they pour wet concrete over the framework and leave it to harden.
Which Is Better?
Poured concrete foundations tend to be more popular than cinder block foundations, but the type that’s right for your home will depend on your specific circumstances. Cinder block foundations offer more compression strength, which means that they can support more overhead weight. This quality makes cinder block foundations a smart choice for homes with multiple stories, as well as for homes constructed using particularly heavy materials.
Poured concrete foundations, on the other hand, tend to have more lateral strength, meaning that they’re better able to resist horizontal pressure from expanding and contracting soil. If your home will be located in an area with reasonably heavy rainfall, you may want to consider this type of foundation, since rain will cause the soil surrounding your home to repeatedly expand and contract.
Other Advantages of Poured Concrete Foundations
Poured concrete foundations are incredibly versatile, so if you’re planning a uniquely shaped home, you may want to go with this option. Poured concrete foundations are also easier to waterproof, since they don’t have any joints.
Cost Differences
Poured concrete foundations are generally less expensive than cinder block foundations, since they don’t take as long to construct. Keep in mind, however, that having to transport wet concrete over a long distance can increase costs, so a poured concrete foundation could end up being the more expensive choice if your new home isn’t located near a cement plant.
Expert Foundation Repair & Waterproofing Services in Northeast Wisconsin
No matter which of these foundations you end up choosing for your new home, you’ll want to strongly consider waterproofing it. Taking steps now to proactively waterproof your foundation can save you considerable time, expenses, and headaches in the long run.
For first-rate foundation repair and waterproofing services in Northeast Wisconsin, you can turn to the professionals at ABT Foundation Solutions, Inc. Since our founding in 2002, we’ve made it our goal to provide our customers with solutions tailored to their specific needs, and we’ll do the same for you.
For more information, or to schedule a complimentary in-home consultation, contact ABT Foundation Solutions, Inc., today. We look forward to working with you.