Concrete Block Foundations
Concrete block foundations have been called “hidden gems” for a good reason.
- Their durability and strength have been well proven.
- They are straight, plump and level, ensuring the integrity of the above-grade walls that depend upon them for structural support.
- Concrete block foundations are dry. The hollow cores in each block prevent sweating in summer and frost build-up in winter.
- The modular components readily allow for future design changes.
Greystone ensures the strength of your foundation system through this sequence of events:
Footings: the solid cement base on which your foundation block walls sit
- The footprint of the foundation is staked out.
- The excavation depth is verified.
- All measurements are checked and double checked to ensure levelness and plump.
- Digging and forming are completed.
- Drain tile chases are placed, if required.
- Re-bar is positioned, if required.
- Concrete is poured.
Blockwork: the below-grade structural support for your above-grade wall systems
- The layout of the structure is completed; block installation begins.
- At the seventh or eighth course, heights, levels and right angles are doubled checked.
- All exterior walls are struck flush and tooled on both the outside and inside.
- All 12″ and 8″ blocks on the top course are sealed.
- Core pours are placed in block voids. Spacing depends on soil weight conditions as well as wall height. (Light, sandy soils require less frequent spacing; heavy clay soils require closely spaced cores. The taller the wall, the closer the walls must be spaced.)
- Anchor bolts or straps fasten wood framing to the foundation. These are set in block cores and block webs with mortar.
- The foundation system goes though a final check for level and squareness.
Mortar: The mortar used between all block joints is a mixture of lime, Portland Cement, sand and water. This Mixture results in strengths from 1800 to over 2200 PSI.
Warranty: The structure of the walls is warranted for 10 years.
Learn about Poured Wall Foundations here
