When building structures, solid concrete foundations are needed to support steel, wood, brick, and other materials. Starting with good foundation design and the right systems for drainage and waterproofing are crucial to prevent problems after construction. The following concrete foundation design information will help you get your project ready for the next step in the building process:
Planning the French drain system to keep water out
The first step in concrete foundations is to plan the drainage of the structure. The drain system should flow away from the structure and loose soil near the site. Therefore, dry well systems may be needed to ensure that the water that drains from the foundation has a place to go and problems like static water pressure do not damage the structure.
Modern foam form systems for insulation and protection
Today, foam form systems offer quick installation solutions for foundation designs. These foam form systems can be installed quickly by a concrete foundation contractor and provide insulation and improve the structural integrity of buildings. There are other options for forms to build the foundation, such as stamped forms with brick patterns to make plain concrete more attractive once the forms are removed.
Foundation plumbing, pumps, and interior drainage solutions
The plumbing is another important step in the process of establishing a foundation for structures. Often, lower basement foundations need to have a solution for plumbing in buildings, which is why sump pumps are often installed in the foundation. These systems can be connected to interior foundation drainage that is installed before the concrete is poured. The interior drainage systems will help to remove any water from the foundation that gets in due to leaks, plumbing failure, and natural condensation issues. The sump pump and interior drainage provide an extra barrier of defense against water problems in basement foundations.
Modern waterproofing to protect foundations from water and damage
There are also modern waterproofing systems that need to be installed with concrete foundations. These waterproofing systems are layers of sealant, insulating board, and membrane materials that help reduce static water pressure. Talk with the concrete foundation contractor about installing modern waterproofing systems for your foundation to prevent damage and problems with water. Ask about different options for membrane systems that reduce static pressure and prevent problems like cracks in foundation walls.
These are things to consider when installing a concrete foundation. Contact a concrete foundation service, such as Armada Poured Walls LLC, for professional help with building foundations that last without causing you problems.