Choosing the right foundation for your home or any property is a huge decision to make. The soil type and ground condition go hand in hand, in determining the right type of foundation system for your homes. It can be a little challenging to make a decision, given that there are various types of foundations and each one of them has a specific role to render.
From wide strip foundation to deep and offset strip; there is a lot that needs to be understood. Furthermore, budget is a huge consideration for people. For instance, if you want to stay within a budget you might want to have a look at affordable yet reliable foundation systems. Likewise, other sets of considerations are also important to choose the best foundation for your building, home, or any other property.
What is Wide Strip?
A wide strip foundation is a long concrete strip. A load-bearing wall is built on these strips, which prepares a level base for all the walls. The dimensions of the wide strips must be sufficient to allocate the load of the building.
These days, a wide strip foundation is usually built out of concrete due to its sturdy nature. It is also easier to place underground and spread evenly throughout. Furthermore, it has the ability to harden the concrete, it crafts a basis for the walls of your home, offering optimal strength to the building that has to be built.
Some years back, wide strips were created out of bricks and they were installed directly into the soil to create a firm basis.
Secondly, the width of the wide strip foundation is also determined beforehand. The bearing capacity of the soil is the major feature that helps define the width. Remember, the better the load bearing capacity the soil has, the lesser the width of the foundation is required.
Deep and wide strip foundations are the most common types of foundations that are preferred largely these days. They are also one of the most cost-effective options out there at the moment. Thus, if you are working on a budget, you won’t be disappointed by it at all. However, it is recommended that you discuss the best options for yourself with your builder, before making a choice on your own. Remember, your soil condition is the sole determinant for the “type” of foundation system that would be best for your property.
Pros and Cons of Wide Strip Foundation
Every foundation has its set of pros and cons. And both go into consideration, to ensure that you are making the right pick, according to your ground condition and your property requirements.
Looking at the advantages of the wide strip foundation, you come to realize that its manufacturing process is simpler and quicker. Thus, lesser complications are experienced during its designing phase. Secondly, it is cost-effective. Therefore, anyone looking for budget-friendly choices, finds it easier to opt for wide strip foundation.
However, its durability is the real issue and is quite questionable too. Many contractors do not allow wide strip foundations to be installed in several soils, due to its durability issues. It is considerable for properties where the ground condition is not too poor or doubtful.
What is wide strip foundation used for?
Now, when and what are wide strip foundations used for? Every foundation system has a separate utilization and requires different building regulations to be installed. Therefore, wide strip foundation is also applicable under certain conditions. All types of soils and grounds do not sit well with it.
A strip foundation can be used when you want the concrete solution to meet the compatibility of the soil condition. It can also be used when the step height should not exceed the thickness of the foundation.
CONCLUSION
Each type of foundation system has a separate requirement and it is crucial to discuss the whereabouts with your contractor before making a final decision for your property.