Types of Crawl Space Foundations

Concrete Block Walls

This is the most common foundation type for crawl spaces and is still used today.  However, this foundation type isn’t the best idea because the walls are hollow and extremely porous, allowing air and moisture to enter.  Block walls are the easiest and cheapest material to use, but the large numbers of joints in the wall make it a worse option.  Each block has a hollow cavity in it, and when all of the blocks are stacked on top of each other, they form one big empty honeycomb of air space within them.  This is why concrete block walls are sometimes referred to as “God’s gift to waterproofing contractors.”

Poured Concrete Walls

This foundation type is more common in newer homes.  Poured concrete walls are made up of solid concrete, making them a more reliable option.  However, water and air can still get through them if there is a hole, crack, or pipe penetration.

Stone Walls

Stone wall foundations are extremely common in older homes.  They are the worst option because of the large amounts of water and air that can leak through them, which is why they are no longer used.