Is Poured Concrete A Good Foundation?
Is Poured Concrete A Good Foundation?
Yes, poured concrete is a good foundation. The poured concrete wall foundations are most likely more durable than the cinder blocks. The poured walls have more lateral strength, which means they can bear more outside water and soil pressure.
Because poured walls do not have seams like block walls, they are more watertight. Poured walls are the most popular choice among new home builders. Poured walls may be constructed in any foundation design and can be modified at any time.
A poured wall is quicker and more efficient, but it might be costly if the cement mill is far away. If the concrete truck must travel more than 90 minutes, a cinder block wall foundation is most likely the preferable option.
It is entirely dependent on the circumstances, as well as the availability of concrete and qualified employees. Why did you select this option? Poured concrete foundations are the greatest because of:
Strength:
This form of foundation building has greater lateral strength, which allows it to withstand the expanding/contracting stresses of ground soil and water pressure over time.
Water Resistance:
Because there are no connections, poured foundations are easier to waterproof (like stacked cinder blocks have).
Flexibility:
Poured concrete may be formed into any shape of wall or foundation.
Adaptability:
You have time to adapt or make last-minute modifications to the foundation while the concrete is drying/curing.
Efficiency:
Because it is usually faster to lay a foundation than to build using cinderblocks, you might save time and money on labor. One exception may be if the construction location is distant from the cement factory, which could increase expenses.
How do you Add Stone Veneer to a Concrete Foundation Wall?
A bare, untreated, unpainted foundation wall lends an unfinished impression to your property. Adding stone veneer to the surface of the wall is one technique to make it more appealing. Manufactured stone veneer goods are lighter in weight and less costly than natural stones since they are made of concrete.
They are available in a range of colors and forms to complement any façade. You don’t need a lot of masonry knowledge, nor do you need a lot of particular equipment to use them. Here is how you can add stone veneer to a concrete foundation wall.
Step 1:
Use a pressure washer to remove any dirt, debris, or oil from the wall. This provides a clean surface for the mortar to adhere to. Begin laying stones while the wall is still wet.
Dampness prevents the mortar from setting too rapidly and cracking. Dampen the wall on a regular basis, but do not soak the concrete.
Step 2:
Fill a 5-gallon bucket with 2 inches of water. Pour in a one-quarter bag of stone veneer S-type veneer mortar mix. Stir with a paddle attachment on a drill until the mixture is creamy, adding additional dry mortar mix as needed. Make a trench with your finger along the top of the mortar. When you have the appropriate consistency, it should not fill in.
Step 3:
Place some stones near where you’re working on the ground. This allows you to visualize how to combine light and dark stones as well as a range of textures.
Step 4:
Apply 3/8- to 3/4-inch thick mortar to the walls along the foundation’s edge with a trowel. Install the cornerstones.
Working from the top down keeps the bottom stones clean of mortar. Working from the bottom up provides the top stones a foundation to rely on.
To avoid pulling moisture from the earth, keep the bottom cornerstones 2 inches above a concrete foundation and 4 inches above the dirt.
Step 5:
Cover a 10-square-foot area with extra mortar mix. As you place each stone in the mortar on the foundation wall, apply a 1/2-inch-thick layer of mortar to the rear of each one.
Set the stone into the mortar by wriggling it slightly. Push on the stone to let some mortar leak out. Place more stones in this region as near together as possible to create a natural look.
Step 6:
Continue to add mortar and stones to other areas of the wall. Cut stones with a masonry blade using a circular saw or shatter them with a hammer and chisel to fit into empty spaces on the wall.
To make the cuts less obvious, place any stones you cut with the cut side up on locations above eye level and down below eye level.
Step 7:
About 30 minutes after setting the stones, push them deeper into the mortar. With a stick, remove any extra mortar. Using a wire brush and a whisk broom, remove any smeared mortar.
Step 8:
Half-fill a grout bag with a 5/8-inch aperture with mortar mix. Pipe the grout between the joints in the same way that you would decorate a cake.
