Waffle Slab Foundation

Waffle slab prior to concrete being poured.

In our last blog post, we discussed post-tensioning cable foundations. This time around, we'd like to discuss another development in building foundations, waffle slab foundations.

Waffle slab foundations are formed when beams are poured throughout the interior until the pattern resembles a waffle. While the jury may still be out when it comes to how effective post-tensioned cable foundations are, waffle designs have shown themselves to be more likely to create a stiff foundation which results in the whole house moving, rather than just a certain portion of it.

Another view of a waffle pod slab prior to concrete being poured.

Waffle pod foundation construction uses less concrete than traditional methods of edge beam and internal beam. This keeps construction costs down. Labor costs may be reduced, as well, since significant trenching (which is labor intensive) can be eliminated.

Unfortunately, this type of foundation requires more piers than traditional slab foundations when it comes time to level things. More piers means more expense. Please keep this in mind when you are considering the savings in construction — you may end up giving it all back when it comes time to fix the foundation.

Get more information by visiting www.AceFoundation.com.

Post-Tensioning Concrete Foundations

Traditional rebar (but blue!) in place and ready for concrete to be poured for a foundation. Photo by Flickr user GeekMojo

Traditionally, concrete slab foundations are reinforced with steel bars, called re-bar (or rebar) -- short for "reinforcing bars." This technique of reinforcing concrete and similar materials originated in 1867 with a French florist named Joseph Monier. His experiments in making a stronger flower pot ultimately led to embedding reinforcing bars in the pots as they were formed and before they were kiln dried.

Post-tensioning concrete foundations are the next wave beyond traditional concrete slabs. With post-tensioning slabs, high-strength steel strands or cables, typically referred to as tendons, create a grid of steel cables that actively support the slab. Traditional rebar construction is "inactive" only really helps keep the slab intact after the slab has cracked. Slabs with post-tension cables are usually thinner and this can cut down on curing time and, ultimately, construction costs.

Post-tensioning being used in the construction of a concrete bridge for a highway. Photo courtesy of the Kansas Department of Transportation

Post-tension concrete foundations are used not only in home construction, but in commercial construction. Since this method combines structural integrity and thinner pads, office buildings can have thinner floors but retain comfortable ceiling heights, which in turn reduces total building height and weight load.

Caveats

With all that said, one must keep in mind that post tension foundations do not solve the underlying soil's ability to handle moisture. That is, just because a home or business is built on a foundation with post tension cables, it doesn't mean that the soil on which that foundation rests quits expanding and contracting as the moisture content changes. Post tension foundations can still shifting or even failing. You must still perform essential foundation maintenance, such as maintaining a consistent moisture content within the soil, keep tree roots at bay, and watching for signs of foundation failure like cracks in the wall, stuck doors and windows, wrinkled wallpaper, and popped or loose floor tiles.

If a builder tells you that a post tension foundation solves all your problems and you'll never have to worry, then run — don't walk — and find yourself another builder! Remember, the builder is trying to sell you the house, but you're the one who must live with the purchase for years to come.

Have questions or want more information? Then visit us at www.AceFoundation.com or give us a call at 972-272-1900.

Save That Paperwork!

Did you recently have your foundation repaired? If so, there's a few things you need to do.

However, the number one thing you need to do is file away the paperwork from the repair job.

Put the paperwork somewhere safe yet easily accessible. There are a variety of reasons you may need it, including:

• If you see new signs of foundation failure
• Have a homeowners insurance claim that might be related to the foundation
• You sell your home

You should include in the paperwork the following items:

• Any receipts and invoices for the work performed
• The original estimate
• Any drawings and descriptions of the work performed
• The warranty

In a pinch, you can always call the foundation repair company that did the work and ask them for a copy of the paperwork if and when you need it, but it's much easier and quicker if you can put your hands on the paperwork yourself.

Get more information by visiting www.AceFoundation.com.