I love writing for Improve Your Home and Garden because I learn something new every time I dive into the writing of a new article. For example, did you know that in Western Pennsylvania, the standard foundation material has been concrete blocks and mortar? I find this interesting because it’s such a foreign concept to me here in Missouri where concrete foundations have been the norm for years.
Apparently these foundation materials are being reconsidered in Western Pennsylvania, in part because of the inherent issues with block and mortar construction – namely that, even with the best brick mason available, block and mortar foundations are susceptible to bowing, pushing, cracking and leakage over time.
In fact, these anticipated wear-and-tear issues have prevented many people from finishing their basements. Why go to all that expense when your hard work might be ruined?
Pre-Made Concrete Panels–A Surprising Solution
Specialty Precast Panel Foundation
The good news is that there is an alternative to block and mortar foundations and you can find it at Specialty Precast Company in Prospect, Penn. Specialty Precast approaches foundations in a whole different way. Instead of building from the ground up, as in block and mortar construction, Specialty Precast builds side to side. This is possible because their foundations consist of pre-made concrete panels that connect on each side, creating a stronger, safer, watertight and easy-to-finish basement. The panels are sealed with two layers of a butyl rubber material and fastened together using 3/4″ bolts. Once the panels are secured and checked for precise fit, the exterior is sealed with a polyurethane sealant, which completes the installation process.
Most foundations can be installed in one day – and it’s ready to be built upon, no drying time required. Additionally, Specialty Precast continues its unusual foundation approach by building upon a compacted gravel base instead of a concrete footer. The result is a foundation that allows water to drain properly and eliminates the common concrete footer problem of hydrostatic pressure which, over time, can damage a traditional foundation.
How Precast Panels are Manufactured
Specialty precast panels are pre-made inside a climate controlled facility and delivered to the site for erection. Regulating the climate during the manufacturing process maintains a consistency in the quality of the panels that isn’t possible to attain at a construction site. By producing the panels in a controlled environment, the quality issues and delays associated with weather are minimized.
Before Resin-Based Decorative Concrete applied.
I should clarify that these panels aren’t 100 percent concrete all the way through their 11 inches of thickness. Each panel has a 2-1/2 inch concrete exterior and an 8-1/2 inch cavity formed between two concrete studs. This cavity is filled with 8-1/2 inches of insulation that has an R-value exceeding R-30. The interior (basement) side resembles a studded partition with concrete studs every two feet. Cast into each concrete stud is a galvanized 25-gauge drywall stud. The exterior of each panel is flat with a textured finish.
Okay, maybe the above information seems a bit dry and boring, but understanding the construction makes this last bit of information all the more interesting. Specialty Precast Wall Panels are ready to accept finishing materials, including the running of electrical and plumbing. I don’t know about you, but simplifying basement finishing is easily the most appealing feature of these panels to me. If you’ve ever tried to finish a basement, then you know that the biggest hurdles are often the running of electrical wire through finished walls and the challenge of installing new plumbing.
Finishing your new basement’s interior is a breeze, too. Since each panel is precast with steel drywall studs, attaching drywall or other finishing materials is quick and easy. Because the studding is part of the existing wall, you end up with a bigger living space than with a traditional foundation.
Why Opt for a Block and Mortar Foundation?
With all these advantages, why would anyone in Western Pennsylvania ever opt for a block and mortar foundation?
After Decorative Concrete applied.
Two other concrete-related products that Specialty Precast offers are Resin-based Decorative Concrete and Sidewalk Overlays.
- Resin-based Decorative Concrete solves the dilemma of gray, boring foundation walls. Instead, Specialty Concrete can create a beautiful brick look to your existing foundation. The result is a realistic looking brick wall, which is available in 24 colors.
- Sidewalk Overlays makes your old, tired and weathered concrete look new again. Available in a variety of colors, Sidewalk Overlays eliminate the need for costly sidewalk removal and reconstruction. The result is a smooth, beautiful sidewalk that enhances the beauty of your home.
If you live in Western Pennsylvania, and are considering building a new home or addition, consider a foundation from Specialty Precast. After all, even though “it’s always been done” with block and concrete, why not be the maverick in your neighborhood and experience the ease, beauty and cost-savings of a precast panel foundation?
Originally posted 2009-10-02 09:00:52. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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There are numerous systems and materials for foundation and basement construction; each has its own merits and drawbacks. Each may or may not be appropriate for a given project, and costs vary widely for the same system on different properties. Homeowners should explore all of their options before choosing a foundation system, and find the one best suited for their new home.