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Edward Jones

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https://9to5civil.com/

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What is a Stem Wall Foundation?  

Stem wall foundations are a type of raised foundation that was first used because they were significantly less expensive than a basement or slab-on-grade foundation due to less cement usage. A raised cement perimeter forms the foundation of a stem wall. Stem wall foundations can be built with post and pads or with additional interior cement walls/support.

Stem walls are generally 18 inches to 2 feet above grade, with another foot to foot-and-a-half buried underground for support (this underground section is referred to as a footing). This vertical space/cavity is referred to as a crawlspace once the subfloor is attached.

While crawlspaces less than 18 inches in height do exist, they are extremely difficult to manoeuvre and many foundation repair companies will refuse to inspect/repair due to insufficient space.

Stem wall foundations are typically built with cinder blocks reinforced with steel rebar and poured over with concrete. This cement outline/perimeter is ideal for attaching the home walls to.

Stem Wall and Monolithic slab

The following are the differences between Monolithic Slab Vs Stem Wall are:

Monolithic slabs

A single pour of concrete is used to create monolithic slabs. Monolithic slab are typically 4 inches deep, with thickened perimeter edges and substantial portions beneath load bearing walls. The slabs must be at least 6 inches above the ground when built over compacted soil.

In warm and tropical climates, monolithic slabs can be used for almost any type of building. In cold climates, however, they are only used in separate external structures such as garages and barns. The following are the primary benefits of using monolithic slabs:

The slabs can be very strong, especially when reinforced with steel and fibre mesh.
When compared to Pier foundations, they can be built in less time.
They can be used in grounds with poor quality, loose or expansive (clay) soil with the addition of Post-Tensioning.
They can be used on hard ground without having to dig out the soil first.
The slabs are somewhat consistent and stable throughout. Also Read: What is a roof valley?

Stem Wall Foundation

Stem-walls are structures that connect a building's foundation to its walls. They are primarily made of concrete and have masonry walls that rise above ground level to provide a raised platform for the building slab. A poured slab, a foundation wall, and a spread footing are required for the structures' construction.

The first step in building a stem-wall is to clear the site. The subgrade is then compacted, the footing is dug and poured, and the masonry foundation wall is installed. The foundation is then compacted and filled with structural sand fill. The building slab is then poured into the foundation wall and interior filled area. The benefits of this type of foundation are as follows:

Stem-walls are ideal for sloped lots because they can be built in a variety of heights to accommodate varying site ground elevations.
They can give your house a taller appearance by adjusting the free-board distance between the slab and the surrounding ground.
The slab can be raised in elevation to allow septic systems to drain via gravity rather than a mechanical lift station. Also Read: storage shed shelf ideas

How Much Does a Stem Wall Foundation Cost?

A stem wall foundation will most likely cost between $7,000 and $21,000. A stem wall alone will cost between $45 and $55 per linear foot. This foundation is made up of a concrete slab, foundation/stem walls, and concrete footings.

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