I am trying to research the perfect foundation for my future home(if there is such a thing), and I feel bombarded with all the issues of moisture,plumbing,drainage and price. Is there a perfect foundation for a small home in a cold climate?
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It's a balance of qualities, and you'll find lots of opinions if you pose this question on Breaktime. I'll offer my opinion.
A foundation has to do several things. It has to hold up the house for what could be centuries. In your climate it also needs to provide thermal insulation, and prevent water and moisture from entering the basement.
The system I used on my own home was insulated concrete forms (ICF's). ICF's are insulating foam blocks that stack like large Legos. As the blocks are stacked, reinforcing steel is placed inside according to the engineer's specifications. The forms are filled solid with concrete and remain in place providing insulation. This system has several benefits. First, it's very well insulated. Second, of the three common foundation systems -- poured concrete, concrete block, and pressure treated wood -- poured reinforced concrete is clearly the strongest and most solid.
As for water resistance there are a number of good systems. I used a bituminous rubber sheet. There are also spray-applied rubber materials. Paints and tar are ineffective. The key to a good system is that it is thick and durable, and flexible enough to span cracks. Concrete is as porous as a sponge, and will be constantly damp when against the ground unless one of these completely impervious materials is applied to the exterior.
Drainage must be provided. Some systems use porous designed materials installed on the face of waterproofing systems. Sand is cheaper and works every bit as well. A properly constructed system of drain pipes (often called "drain tile", though ceramics have not been used for years) around the footing, below the level of the slab, are a must. Ideally such a system will drain by gravity downhill to daylight without the need for a sump pump.
ICF's are about the most expensive choice. I don't have experience with real comparisons, but builders have told me that if you were going to insulate and drywall the basement anyway, the cost is about equal to conventional poured concrete plus insulation, studs, drywall, and labor.
As for waterproofing, it's almost a money-is-no-object type of thing. You absolutely need an effective system, so the only choice is from among the several that all work fine. That choice can be made on cost, but will more likely be made by what systems are available in your geographic area.
ICF
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