Block foundation

One of the most expensive, but, nevertheless, popular types of foundations is the block foundation. It is mounted from reinforced concrete blocks, which must first be delivered and unloaded on the ground. If you need to build a foundation quickly, then the blocks will be the best option. Reviews about the block foundation will tell you about the features of its installation and strength characteristics.

Block foundation - user reviews and discussions

Atrum

Block Foundation Technology

A comment

In 2011, he ordered the Dubrava house with a veranda from the company Technology from Moscow. The manager divorced us to the most expensive buried strip foundation of blocks with a guarantee of 2 years. Unfortunately, he did not stand for two years and swam by the spring of 2013, so the veranda fell off. Given that there was still a guarantee for the foundation, they called the company and called for workers who had not arrived.

After numerous repeated calls, the head of the warranty department said that according to the map, the house is on the shore of the lake (although in fact it is 2 km to the shore) and this case is not a guarantee. To a reasonable question, why did he say that block foundations are not intended for clay soils. Despite everything, they called their specialist, who came to take a picture and confirmed that it was impossible to build a block foundation on such soil and the case is not a guarantee.

pros

not

Minuses

Carefully choose the type of foundation, require calculation

Term of use

more than five years

Recommendation to others

Not recommend

Quality
2/5
Practicality
2/5
Price
2/5

Artyom

Block foundation on heaving soils

A comment

I would like to share my experience of the multiple construction of foundations of various types and their reaction to heaving soils. Firstly, all types of clay and alumina soils are considered heaving. In this case, the block foundation, which is being built, must be buried below the level of soil freezing, regardless of whether there will be a basement in the house or not.

The buoyant force that acts on the blocks, albeit invisible, is large enough to move even massive heavier buildings. And the bearing walls, if not cracked by temperature deformations and shrinkages, will affect the foundation in such a way that it can lose its integrity. At the same time, such a deep deepening (material consumption) in combination with waterproofing and a drainage system makes the strip foundation one of the most expensive.

pros

Relatively quick installation
Short technological breaks between the construction of the foundation and the start of wall construction

Minuses

Expensive construction
A large number of related systems (drainage, waterproofing, etc.) are required

Term of use

more than five years

Recommendation to others

Difficult to answer

Quality
4/5
Practicality
2/5
Price
1/5

qws

Block foundation for a house with a basement or basement

A comment

The block foundation is ideal for houses in which it is planned to have a spacious basement or ground floor. Installation technology also does not cause great difficulties. Therefore, choosing the technology of the block foundation, I acted as follows. First I ordered a selection of land for the pit for the basement to a depth slightly higher than the height of the basement. In places where the blocks will stand, a sand pillow of 10 cm is poured under the wall of the foundation pit. Then I put whole blocks in the corners of the house and we begin to place the rest from them.The next layer is installed on a regular sand-cement mortar like a brick and also with bandaging in blocks, i.e. the block on top lies on the joint between the blocks of the lower row. I think it’s not worth reminding that all this is done with the help of a crane. The cost of such an assembly is quite high, but you do not need to wait a month until the monolithic concrete hardens to start building the walls of the house.

pros

High installation speed
High construction reliability
Suitable for the construction of multi-storey buildings

Minuses

Expensive blocks
Expensive rental of construction equipment

Term of use

more than three years

Recommendation to others

Recommend

Quality
5/5
Practicality
4/5
Price
2/5

monitor lizard

Installation rules for the block foundation; we leave slots for pipes or drill holes

A comment

When we mounted the block foundation for the house, it became a question of making it monolithic without gaps and then completely waterproofing. Having arranged the outer wall lining with some kind of material such as roofing material or bitumen, or leave a gap along the entire height of the block and then tinker with its sealing and sealing. I was inclined to think that it was necessary to drill, but a familiar mason advised me to indent blocks. It was argued that the water inlet under pressure doesn’t matter in principle, but the outgoing sewer should have a certain bias, since drains from the house go to the cesspool by gravity. It is much more convenient to place the pipes between the blocks. Since it is necessary to have a maneuver to adjust the tilt depending on the situation. The remaining 2/3 holes can be laid just like I did - with a brick.

pros

Pretty high build speed
Reliable and strong foundation for any type of wall material

Minuses

The high cost of work and building material

Term of use

more than three years

Recommendation to others

Recommend