Precast concrete footings & foundations Western Australia

If you’ve ever heard of precast concrete foundations and footings, the chances are that you work in construction or real estate. But for those of us that aren’t entirely aware of these concrete creations, here’s a look at what they are, how they work and why they have taken the construction industry by storm over the past few years.

Constructing a Home

Gone are the days where people would simply lay a slab of concrete, level it, and then construct walls and a roof. These days, most modern homes utilize an advanced concrete construction, and these constructions sit securely on top of the ground. Unlike the previous style of construction, which relied on placing foundations in to the ground; the newer method is much safer, and can even provide protection from earthquakes.

Concrete Foundations and Footings

The latest advancement in construction technology involves precast concrete foundation and footings. These concrete foundations are made to measure, and construction workers can simply have them manufactured, clear the space where they will be placed, and then position them. The main benefit is that the majority of the foundation will be placed underground. This enhances structural strength, minimizes subsidence, and provides a solid foundation for the structure to rest up on.

How Does the Construction Work?

Once the concrete foundations have been created, the next step is to lay them. This isn’t quite as simple as laying brickwork – the foundations will often weigh multiple tonnes, and as a result, larger machinery will be required. There are other options however – and these include construction of the foundations on site. Frames will need to be laid, and then concrete should be poured in, and the result after a few days of drying, is a solid construction that is ready to be built on top of.

What Are the Disadvantages of Using a Concrete Foundation?

To date, there are no recorded disadvantages. In fact, the advantages of having a concrete foundation laid far outweigh any negatives, and the structural support is more than capable of providing a stable base that can last for decades without any maintenance whatsoever. If the foundation is a solid construction, then any impact damage or wear and tear can be maintained over time. This is typically done by gaining access to the foundation, and then repairing the damaged area.

What are the Costs Involved?

As with all construction tasks, there are costs involved with developing concrete foundations. Fortunately, most good construction companies will include this cost within the actual development of the home. Concrete isn’t an expensive resource, and the main cost will come from the planning of the construction itself.

How reliable are Concrete Foundations?

In short, the answer is very reliable. Concrete is one of the strongest construction materials known to man – and it can last for centuries. Unlike wooden foundations that are prone to decomposition, precast concrete foundations and footings are solid, durable and resilient.

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