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WHY BLUME CONSTRUCTION PREFERS BLOCK FOUNDATION WALLS! 1. We believe block walls are every bit as likely to facilitate a drier basement due to the fact that we use "dri-block" with dri-block mortar. (Reference NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) report on waterproofing basements.) In our 72 years in business, we have found the main causes of wet basements are: improper slope of grade around home, downspouts not leading all water away from home and improper installation of perimeter drains and any other "drain" type procedures. Most wall exterior coverings carry but one year of warranty, whether poured concrete or block! 2. It has been our observation that in this area, the majority of poured foundations we have seen or took over (from bankrupt builders) are less accurate, level, plumb, bulged, showing many cracks and not that waterproof in comparison to block foundations. As a matter of fact, most poured concrete contractors have a disclaimer, some stating that cracks not exceeding "3/8ths" of an inch can be expected. 3. Block walls have cores (air spaces) that make them warmer in the winter. In the summer time, block walls are less vulnerable to condensation. 4. The "fake" brick look of poured foundations, on closer observation, really does not look that much like the real thing. Block walls have a "clean" look because they are inherently straight, etc. 5. Carpenters will tell you of the problems they encounter when working on many poured foundations, i.e. the need to "shim" in many areas to get the "box" (sill plate, floor joists, edgers, floor sheating) near level. The out of square & out of plumb poured walls create ramifications all the way through the roof! We have seen stairwells that were so out of plumb, it was very difficult to place a set of stairs between the walls. 6. Cement finishers report that often, no lines are snapped at the bottom where the poured walls meet the footing, creating many spots where the walls are as much as 1 1/2" out of plumb. 7. Contractors pouring basements walls need to make the pour less soupy so the main strength doesn't go to the bottom, see that the forms are level & square, see that the forms don't give way & create "bulges", snap lines on footing and hold the forms in place, etc. in order to have a satisfactory installation. In addition, the contractor shouldn't backfill too soon (1 to 2 weeks is recommended curing time). If backfilled too soon, many cracks, both present and/or future, will occur. 8. Our block walls have a 1" rod placed every 4' approximately on center and then that core is filled in with cement mortar. This strengthens our walls considerably and helps offset what we believe to be the "ONLY" advantage of poured walls, their potential strength. 9. Our family's homes all have block foundations, as does most of our trades people's homes. If we were to build again tomorrow, our choice would still be block construction. 10. If the buyer insists on a poured foundation, we will seek a better than average firm to do this work and insist that they do the job properly to our specifications. This will cost extra and will be passed on to the buyer; we estimate this cost to be approximately $1,000. We at Blume Construction do many things that others don't, such as raised rafters, 2 x 6 walls 5/8" roof sheating and other energy efficient techniques. Through our 72 plus years in this business, Blume Construction has always strived for the highest quality material and techniques to insure that the Customer receives the quality home they have dreamed of. |
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