Is it necessary to hire experts for foundation laying?
The foundation is a part of the building structure that transfers the load from the building to the ground. According to the depth, they differ: shallow foundations and deep foundations. Shallow foundations transfer the load from the structure only through the contact surface of the foundation. They are used if the soil at a relatively shallow depth below the surface of the terrain has sufficient bearing capacity and low deformability. They are usually carried out at a depth of about a meter (at the depth to which the soil freezes, in regions where there are frosts, i.e. at the depth where the first permanent layer of soil is located). There are different forms of shallow foundations: massive, strip, single foundations, foundation supports (contrabeams), foundation grills, foundation slabs. Deep foundations are used to rest the object on a deeper layer of soil (or rock) that has better physical and mechanical characteristics than the upper (near-surface) layer. There are different types of deep foundations which include: piles, caissons, wells, diaphragms. Laying the foundation requires certain skills and experience. That is why the help of experts is needed depending on what will be built on the foundation.
What should be taken into account when laying the foundation?
Whether you want to build a garden shed, house, carport or garden wall, different structures require different foundations. Pointed, strip or slab foundations are possible. In order for the foundation to be frost-resistant, it must be built at least 80 cm deep. Otherwise, water can be trapped under the foundation and, if frozen, lift and damage the foundation. When creating the foundation, it is also important to check how stable the soil is around the foundation. If there is a risk of slipping, reinforcement with steel cages must be considered. Before laying the foundation, check the weather and whether there will be any frost in the coming days.
What are the benefits of laying a foundation?
Laying the foundation Laying the foundation ensures the solidity and stability of the building being built. Buildings with a foundation last longer and are more resistant to weather conditions.
What preparations should be made for laying the foundation?
First of all, it is necessary to make a plan of the building, in order to know how durable the foundation should be. It is best to seek the help of an expert. After that, you need to dig a hole for the foundation and make a good base with reinforcement.
What materials and tools are needed to lay the foundation?
To build the foundation, you need gravel, wooden pegs and formwork material. You will need concrete slabs, a spirit level and a shovel.
What are the possibilities for laying the foundations?
In addition to the point foundation, there are also pointed foundations and slabs. The point foundation consists of several individual foundations and is suitable for all structures in which the structure rests on several supports (canopies, terrace roofs). In the case of a slab foundation, a large area is poured with concrete, for a load-bearing base, as well as additional protection against rising groundwater. Due to the increased susceptibility to frost, the construction of the slab foundation is more complex. Foundation strips are the best choice when anchoring a wall into the ground. This makes them suitable for building a garden wall, but also for smaller structures such as garden houses or garages or even for building your own home.
How long does it take to lay the foundations?
Laying the foundation depends on how big the area is on which the foundation is being laid. Since large areas of soil must be removed, this may take several days. The foundation must harden 1 to 2 days after compaction, it can be fully loaded only after 2-3 weeks. To protect the foundation from rain while it is drying, it can be covered with a tarp, and if it is very hot, the concrete must be watered every 2 days, so that the concrete does not form cracks.
