[AT] OT - Wooden foundation vs Concrete?

[Rupert]

Hello Mike,
	You didn't say where you live. The life span of wood 
basements/foundations depends somewhat on the local. They last well in 
my area ( Alberta, Canada). So do the pole type buildings that used 
treated wood poles.
	Wood basements (as do concrete basements) need to be sealed properly on 
the outside to prevent leaks. Also, weeping tile and washed rock need to 
be installed around the outside to lead any water away. Proper sloping 
of the ground is necessary too in all cases.
	My sister-in-law had to dig up along side the wood foundation on here 
house which was build in 1978. The only problem that was found was due 
to improper construction. There was no sign of rot anywhere. I helped 
build a lot of pole buildings in the '70s. All are still in good shape. 
The basement on my house was put in in '83. There is no sign of problems 
so far.
	One big advantage a wood basement has over a concrete basement is 
insulation. A wood basement is much warmer than a concrete basement 
before you figure in the addition of any added insulation.
	The only problems I've heard of in this area were caused by improper 
drainage around the outside and under the floor if the floor is also wood.
	Would I consider building a wood basement again? Definitely, as long as 
the wood used is ACQ or WPF pressure treated. My out buildings which are 
new since 2005 are all the pole type construction using laminated PWF 
poles to 6 ft above ground. I expect them to last at least 40 years 
unless a tornado or wind such as that comes along.

Rupert

On 4/7/2011 8:17 AM, mpnc282 at juno.com wrote:
> Hi all, I have a question for any builders or foundation guys on the list. My wife and I are looking at a house to buy, it was built in 2004, and it has a wooden foundation, in lieu of concrete or block. It appears to be 2x8 treated lumber used for studs, and 3/4" treated plywood against the dirt. I have never run across a foundation like this before, and it does have me concerned. Does anyone know of any drawbacks to this type of foundation? The basement appears to be dry and has no evidence of water leakage, but foundation problems down the road are the last thing anyone wants, including me. Any input or advice would be greatly appreciated. Tractor reference, I would need to add a Farmall C with a belly mower to keep the place mowed.Thanks,Mike M
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-- 

yvt

Rupert Wenig
Camrose, Alberta, Canada.	

email: rwenig2 at xplornet.com
	
http://users.xplornet.com/~rwenig/Home/