Theres No Concrete Foundation Walls
HandySteve
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
Got some houses being built down the street from me in a new development. In Minnesota.
Not a cement foundation in any of them. Concrete footings… but no poured basement walls.. no block basement walls….. These are all frames with treated lumber. And yes… below grade.
What gives?
Is this something better… something new?
Or is the builder cheap and saving himself some money.
Ive also noticed all studs are 24″ OC. Im assuming to also save money. Not that 16″oc is needed for structural integrity? or is it?
Just curious.
Good Luck
Replies
Pressure Treated wood foundations have been around since at least the '80's
most now are required to be treated to .60 retention ( instead of .40)
most are 2x8 top & bottom plate with 2x8 studs 24" oc..
they normally go on a crushed stone bed about 12" deep, with no concrete footing at all
they are not as popular around here as they once were
Edited 8/19/2005 5:06 pm ET by MikeSmith
OK... its pure curiousity since Ive never seen them.
But are they are sound idea?
Stronger or better than Concrete?
Good Luck
not stronger ... or better.... just different
if you like "gold standards".. then a poured concrete foundation wall is the standard...
PT foundations are faster, cheaper, easier to insulate, and easier to finish the interior
Concrete foundations last forever if they're built right...
personally i would discount the price if i were buying a house with a PT foundationMike Smith Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore