Foundations built with concrete block may cost less than poured concrete, depending on local material and labor costs. Block may also be more practical than poured concrete for small jobs, crawlspace foundations, or jobs where access by concrete trucks is limited. Block foundation performance depends on proper design and detailing. Effective perimeter drainage is a necessity to reduce lateral soil pressures, especially for full basements. Block is also very porous, so waterproofing or dampproofing is usually required to control moisture intrusion.
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Instead of subcontracting the work, invest in a few masonry tools and put your own... More
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For block foundations, effective perimeter drainage is critical to reduce lateral soil pressures, especially for full basements (see Perimeter Foundation Drains). And block is also very porous, so waterproofing or dampproofing is important to control moisture intrusion (see Waterproofing and Dampproofing). More
When a foundation is out-of-level and out-of-square, you can shim the joists,... More
Q: With a cavity wall assembly consisting of load-bearing 8-inch CMUs (concrete masonry units), 2 inches of rigid foam, a 2-inch air space, and 4-inch concrete bricks covered with cementitious stucco and an acrylic color coat, how important is dampproofin More
