Table of Contents
What is the minimum thickness of a foundation wall?
A typical foundation wall minimum thickness of eight inches applies to walls eight feet or less with no more than seven feet of soil pressing against it. Foundation walls taller than eight feet with more than seven feet of soil pressing against it requires a larger foundation wall 10 to 12 inches in width.
What is a below grade foundation?
It is below grade if the floor is below the ground, even if it is a ‘high basement’. Foundation walls do not dictate what is considered below grade, either. Just the level of the floor makes the rule. If you were to step into the basement from ground level and you would step down, then it is below grade.
What is a below grade structure?
Below Grade structures are also known as Below Ground structures. These structures are generally partially or fully beneath the ground level. Foundation, Basement and Drainage/Sanitary Systems are usually a part of below grade structure.
What is a below grade wall?
Definition. A geometric construct that describes the dimensions and placement of walls located below grade. Below grade walls have soil or crushed rock on one side and interior space on the other side.
How far above grade should the top of a foundation be?
Make sure the top of the foundation is a minimum of 8 inches above grade. This prevents the exterior finish from absorbing groundwater, and it’s key to the overall strategy of protecting the home from bulk-water intrusion.
How high should a foundation wall be?
Foundation walls shall extend at least 8″ above the finished grade adjacent to the foundation at all points. See Figure 5-1. Wall Footing Thickness. For masonry or concrete construction, the minimum foundation wall will be 6 inches.
How do you fix below grade foundation?
Epoxy and polyurethane injection systems allow for the repair and waterproofing of most foundation cracks from the inside using simple hand tools.” Epoxy literally glues cracked concrete back together to restore the structural integrity of the concrete wall, and can get into even hairline cracks.
How do you waterproof a wall below grade?
The most effective way to stop water infiltration to below-grade walls by hydrostatic pressure and capillary action involves an application of an impermeable membrane and drain board foundation waterproofing between the soil and structure.
What are the common issues in below grade systems?
The main challenge with below grade areas is creating an effective enclosure, to prevent issues like water leakage into basements, poor indoor air quality and high humidity. These issues are very disruptive for building operations, but they can be avoided with careful analysis and design.
What is the difference between above grade and below grade?
The different levels of the home are often referred to as “Grade Levels.” For example, in most cases, when you walk into a home through the front door, that ground level floor is known as “on grade.” Every floor located above this ground level on grade is considered to be “above grade.” Leaving the basement level to be …
Does Parging go below grade?
Below grade concrete block walls must be parged before damp proofing is applied in order to fill joints and provide a smooth surface comparable to solid concrete finish.
What is subgrade waterproofing?
Below-grade waterproofing is the construction practice of applying membranes and coatings to the foundation walls of the structure under street or ground level, as part of the building envelope It can go by other names such as below-ground or basement waterproofing.
Why do basements not count as square footage?
The entire level must be above grade in order for that space to factor in to the official square footage. This almost always means that if any portion of the basement is below grade, the entire level will typically be excluded from the calculation of the home’s square footage.
How do I raise the grade around my foundation?
To fix or improve the grading, you can add soil next to the foundation and slope away from the house, however, you should have at least four inches of your foundation (concrete, block, or stone) showing above the soil. The soil and vegetation should not be in contact with the siding or any wood.
How much does it cost to fix negative grading?
Cost to regrade a lawn or land Regrading a yard costs $500 to $1,000 for small lawns or $1,000 to $5,000 for the average backyard. Land leveling costs $0.40 to $2.00 per square foot. Fixing grading around a house costs $500 to $3,000. The cost to flatten a yard depends on the size, slope, and fill dirt needed.
What type of insulation is used for foundation walls?
Below Grade Foundations Acceptable materials for exterior foundation insulation are extruded polystyrene boards (XEPS) under any condition and molded expanded polystyrene boards (MEPS) for vertical applications when porous backfill and adequate drainage are provided.
What is a foundation wall in construction?
Foundation Walls 1 Introduction. The foundation wall of a building may be a cast-in-place concrete retaining or basement wall or a structural wall complete with load-bearing pilasters. 2 Description. 3 Fundamentals. 4 Applications.
Do foundation walls need to be braced?
Foundation walls should either be properly braced or should have the first floor in place prior to backfilling so the wall is supported against the soil load. Final grade should be 6 to 12 in. (152 to 305 mm) below the top of the waterproof or dampproof membrane, and should slope away from the foundation wall.
Why choose concrete masonry for foundation walls?
Concrete masonry has traditionally been the material of choice for foundation wall construction. State-of-the-art waterproofing, dampproofing, and drainage systems applied to concrete masonry provide excellent protection from water penetration, ensuring protection for building contents and comfort for occupants.