Concrete Foundation / Footers
Footings and foundations form a part of most constructions, and where the soil is troublesome, we need to prevent the foundation from settling which can cause cracks in the foundation, you will find cracks above doors and window frames and your floors will become uneven, and no one wants to ever have to deal with this! To prevent this from happening, foundation footers are required to support the foundation and spread the weight evenly. Therefore we can say that footers are a vital aspect of any building, and especially in areas where the soil could be a problem. Pasadena Concrete Company has experts on board to help with the assessment of soil and they will determine which type of footer to utilize and where to place these footers for the best support of the foundation.
Difference between a footing and foundation
A foundation is a structure that transfers the loads from the main structure to the ground, while a footing is a foundation that is in the soil or the trenches under the foundation. A footing supports the foundation and the structure built on top of the foundation. So the whole structure, walls, and roof are supported by the foundation and in turn, the footers support the foundation.
What are foundation footers?
Not everyone understands what foundation footer is, which is understandable given that it is not something we see every day. Nevertheless, every house or building has a foundation, and most foundations have footings. These are used to help or distribute the foundation's weight. The following are the most common footing designs. The spread footing is shaped like an upside-down "T." The stepped footing has a stair-like design that distributes weight. A shallow trench filled with concrete is used for trench footing.
Are footers important?
They are, in reality, an essential part of the foundation's construction. Concrete with rebar reinforcement has been poured into an excavated trench to form the footings. Footings support the foundation and avoid settling, which is particularly important in areas with difficult soils. Concrete contractors in Pasadena are experts at determining the correct depth, distance, and positioning of footings based on the soil conditions. The scale of the footers is also determined by the structure's size. Footers must be placed correctly for the foundation and structure to be adequately supported.
Types of foundation
Concrete slabs come in variations, depending on the slab's intended use. Here we will look at two variations. The conventional T-shaped foundation system is used for supporting a structure in frost-prone areas. The walls are constructed on top of a footing that is set below the frost line. To provide extra support at the foundation's base, a footing is placed first and allowed to cure until the walls are built, and then the slab is poured between the walls. A slab on grade foundation consists of a single layer of concrete that is usually several inches thick. To shape an integral footing, the slab is poured thicker around the edges. To boost drainage, the slab will be placed on a crushed gravel bed. In places where the ground does not freeze, a slab on grade base is acceptable.