Concrete foundations
Richmond Concrete Pros - The best concrete contractor in the Richmond area. No job too big or too small. Our Richmond Virginia based operation covers all facets of concrete work from foundations to patios and driveways. We also do stamping, resurfacing, and repair work.
Call us at 804-552-0590 for a free quote. We can get your quote quicker if you provide your address.
Additionally, we understand the importance of good communication, which sadly is lacking in the contractor industry. We will return your calls promptly, carefully coordinate scheduling, and follow up. We are confident you will be very satisfied with our service.
Call us at 804-552-0590 for a free quote. We can get your quote quicker if you provide your address.
Additionally, we understand the importance of good communication, which sadly is lacking in the contractor industry. We will return your calls promptly, carefully coordinate scheduling, and follow up. We are confident you will be very satisfied with our service.
Richmond Concrete Pros - Foundations and Encapsulation |
Foundation Purpose
The foundation is the load carrying component of the structure and is there to provide stability to the structure. Its characteristics can be driven by the size of the building on top of it as well as the texture of the ground it is in. When done right, it distributes the load evenly across the structure which helps prevent uneven settling down the road. As you might imagine, placement , depth, and dimensions of the footing are crucial in providing the proper support for the foundation, and for the entire structure that will sit on it. The construction of it is crucial to the type of foundation to properly prepare the subgrade in the final curing stages as well as to avoid problems with settling. Concrete Options for Foundations There are three main types of concrete foundations that can be used for new home construction. The type that is used will depend on the needs of the construction and the budget. The following offers insight into these three options and why they are used. Slab-On-Grade Foundation: This type of foundation is primarily used in warmer climates where the ground does not freeze. It is also commonly referred to as a floating slab foundation. First, a layer of gravel is put down and then a slab of concrete is poured that is several inches thick. To improve drainage, the slab is poured onto a layer of one of a number of different types of gravel. The concrete is made thicker at the edges to facilitate footing and reinforce the strength of the rods. This type is quite sturdy and less expensive than other types, but is low to the ground making it susceptible to flooding and is also more prone to sinking or uneven settling. |
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Frost-Protected: This method is used in areas where freezing ground is a problem. It can only be used with a heated structure and involves the installation of two sheets of strong polystyrene insulation. These sheets of insulation are laid flat against the gravel layer and on the outside of the wall to ensure the concrete slab foundation is protected against freezing, which can lead to cracks and other types of damage.
T-Shaped: This type of foundation is a traditional one that is used in areas of the country where the ground frequently freezes. With this type of foundation, the footing is poured wider than the exterior walls, so there is extra support for the foundation. The T-shaped foundation is first constructed, and then the walls are put in place. Once the walls have been erected, the concrete slab is poured.
Neither of the last two are necessary in the Richmond area, as the temperatures, while awfully cold sometimes, do not get cold enough to freeze deeply enough for this to be a concern.
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T-Shaped: This type of foundation is a traditional one that is used in areas of the country where the ground frequently freezes. With this type of foundation, the footing is poured wider than the exterior walls, so there is extra support for the foundation. The T-shaped foundation is first constructed, and then the walls are put in place. Once the walls have been erected, the concrete slab is poured.
Neither of the last two are necessary in the Richmond area, as the temperatures, while awfully cold sometimes, do not get cold enough to freeze deeply enough for this to be a concern.
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For a quote on having a foundation done or for crawl space encapsulation, give us a call at 804-552-0590 and we would be happy to give you a quote.
Encapsulation
This process is commonly referred to as sealing or crawl space encapsulation, and involves a substantial barrier covering the ground and walls, and is often accompanied by a dehumidifier and even mold neutralizers.
The advantages of a well ventilated and insulated crawl space are the virtual elimination of mold, smells, pests, and much better climate control than a setup that involved vents that are opened and closed. The reduction of mold will translate to a much lower spore count inside your home with corresponding reductions in asthma and other respiratory related illnesses. Additionally your energy bills will be lower due to the much less extreme temperature swings under the house. And lastly these systems add value to the home. An encapsulated crawl space is a great selling point. These systems used to perform well for 10 to 15 years, but now the moisture barrier quality is such that you can get 20 years or more out of it. Sizing the dehumidifier properly is important to insure even moisture control throughout the crawl space. Digital temperature/humidity meters can be purchased inexpensively to allow you to monitor the humidity inside the crawl space without having to go under and look. If the humidity was to spike this could be a warning that you have a potential water leak under there, and allow you to address it before it becomes a bigger problem. The ideal humidity should be less than 60%
This process is commonly referred to as sealing or crawl space encapsulation, and involves a substantial barrier covering the ground and walls, and is often accompanied by a dehumidifier and even mold neutralizers.
The advantages of a well ventilated and insulated crawl space are the virtual elimination of mold, smells, pests, and much better climate control than a setup that involved vents that are opened and closed. The reduction of mold will translate to a much lower spore count inside your home with corresponding reductions in asthma and other respiratory related illnesses. Additionally your energy bills will be lower due to the much less extreme temperature swings under the house. And lastly these systems add value to the home. An encapsulated crawl space is a great selling point. These systems used to perform well for 10 to 15 years, but now the moisture barrier quality is such that you can get 20 years or more out of it. Sizing the dehumidifier properly is important to insure even moisture control throughout the crawl space. Digital temperature/humidity meters can be purchased inexpensively to allow you to monitor the humidity inside the crawl space without having to go under and look. If the humidity was to spike this could be a warning that you have a potential water leak under there, and allow you to address it before it becomes a bigger problem. The ideal humidity should be less than 60%
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If you give us a call we would be glad to provide you a free quote to install such a system, including a list of all your options and associated costs. There are quite a few different choices you have regarding vapor barrier thickness, dehumidifier size and options, and mold neutralizer choices. The dehumidifiers can get expensive for these types of systems but add a tremendous advantage to the final product, greatly reducing allergens and providing you with a much safer and pleasant home environment. These systems have proven to increase the resale value as well.
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