6 Foundation Types

When building a home or gaining knowledge about your home, Team Woods recommends knowing what type of foundation your home has. The more knowledge that you have on your home’s foundation, the more likely you will be able to prevent your basement from water damage or structural damage. This is because when you know about the pros and cons of your foundation type, you will be able to treat the issue quick and correctly. With that in mind, here are a few quick facts that will help you better understand each foundation type.

Foundation Types:

• Stone Walls
  • Common in older homes
  • Leaks are common and of concern

• Block Walls
  • Most common in the 1940s through 1970s
  • Were made from cinders which is why they are called cinder blocks
  • Today they are made from concrete

• Poured Concrete Walls
  • Most common type today
  • Will resist water better than block foundation
  • Leaks are very common

• Monolithic Foundations
  • Could be a block or poured walls
  • The difference is if the floor and footing are poured in one piece or not
  • With the walls on top, it’s a two-piece foundation instead of a three-piece

• Precast Foundation Walls
  • Currently, the newest idea and is still relatively rare
  • Walls resist water penetration
  • Must have a great sump pump to keep water out
  • Looks like concrete studs from the inside of the home

• Wood Foundation Walls
  • Contain wood stud walls and plywood
  • This type is very rare in most areas
  • Susceptible to water damage and rotting