It is not so easy to decide on a suitable option for a foundation - but we suggest getting acquainted with the basic rules of such a choice. What type of foundation is more reliable and profitable? What foundation for a house from a beam is easier to build with your own hands? You will find answers to these questions in this article.
Main selection criteria
The foundation should be laid solely after the geological measures for the study of soil have been carried out. Its features are the most important criteria by which the type, size, width and other characteristics of the base are determined.
The foundation for a timber house is selected taking into account the following important indicators of soil:
- freezing depth;
- groundwater table (groundwater level);
- heaving;
- degree of bearing capacity.
The total weight of the house also affects the choice of base type. The thicker the walls, the greater the number of storeys, the higher the skate, the greater the load that must be transferred through the foundation to the ground.
Foundation construction options
The following types of bases are most suitable for a house from a bar:
- columnar;
- screw piles;
- tape;
- plate.
Each of these options has its own characteristics and advantages.
Columnar
This type is suitable if you are building a small one-story house on good non-porous sandy soils with low GW. The support-columnar view of the base is constructed from square pillars made of concrete, reinforced concrete or individual concrete blocks. From materials, you can also use individual columns of reinforced concrete.
The design is mounted pointwise, every 1.5-2 meters. Supports are installed at all external corners of the building. In addition, they are placed at the intersection of the inner and outer walls, as well as in places where the inner walls intersect. From above, the basement rests on a basement, which can be made of a wooden beam or channel.
After the erection, the base is recommended to be closed so that the underground is not exposed to negative influences - blowing, penetration of rodents. In addition, a house with a closed basement looks more solid and solid.
Screw piles
This type of foundation is one of the most sought after for a timber house. Screw piles are made of steel pipes with threads at the ends. They are screwed into the ground using special tools or equipment.
This base construction is an economical option, which is optimally suited for dense non-subsidence (sand, sandy loam, loam) and peat soils with low or high groundwater level.
The undoubted advantage of the pile-screw foundation is that it does not require prolonged shrinkage. It can be mounted in any weather conditions and at any time of the year, including in winter.
Monolithic plate
This option is least likely to occur in timber houses because of its high cost. But this is an excellent solution for complex types of soils: subsidence, heaving, with high groundwater level. In cases of movement of the underlying layers, the slab perfectly retains its shape and position without causing stresses in the construction of timber walls.
Reinforced concrete monolithic slab makes the foundation rigid and stable. It transfers the weight of the entire building to a very large spot, so the level of soil load is very low.
The thickness of the plate is selected by calculation, but most often it is in the range of 200-300 mm. A sand cushion is necessarily made on the ground, on which concrete preparation is cast. Then the reinforcing cage is mounted and concrete is poured.
Shallow tape
The construction of a small country house on buried grounds will be unprofitable from a financial point of view. Therefore, this option is optimal for small houses of timber.
Shallow tape can be used when you are building a small and light structure on dry, non-porous soils. But when constructing larger buildings, it is better to opt for a buried foundation: the material consumption is greater, but it is definitely more reliable.
Standard tape
On this option, those who plan to build housing from heavy materials stop their choice. However, in the case of the presence of heaving soils on the site, this option will be practically the only possible for the timber structure.
Here is a brief instruction on pouring a monolithic foundation:
- The contours of the building are determined and marking is performed.
- A trench breaks out, its depth is about 200 cm. Sand is poured onto its bottom and carefully compacted.
- Formwork and reinforcement. The height is greater than the height of the trench by about 30 cm. First, the glassine is laid, then reinforcement with a diameter of 12 to 16 mm is installed, the frame is connected with a knitting wire. Also, products are laid - they are necessary for high-quality ventilation of the underground. Without this component, it is not recommended to erect the basis for wooden buildings, since the floor of the 1st floor may begin to damp and rot over time.
- Concrete is poured. The solution gains strength within 28 days, all this time the structure should be covered with plastic wrap.
- Vertical waterproofing of the foundation and horizontal waterproofing under the first row of the beam are carried out.
- The tree is attached to concrete with bolts or special studs, which are mounted at the pouring stage. A through hole is drilled in the beam so that the anchor passes through it. Using a drill, a special shaft for nuts is prepared. After laying the first row, proceed to the further construction of the frame of the house.
Whatever options you prefer, it is important to carefully consider all the points. Width and other characteristics are important when you make such a responsible choice. The tape, pile or slab foundation for a house made of timber should be of high quality, equipped according to all the rules and with the involvement of professionals, at least in the role of consultants. Your choice should be influenced by many different factors - the area of the building, the type of soil, the overall construction budget, and so on.
Do not forget that the foundation of the building is at least 30% of your total construction costs.
Approach your choice with responsibility. At the slightest doubt, do not make a hasty choice, but try to get advice from experienced builders.