The Importance of a Strong Foundation in Home Construction
Often, when the topic of discussion is -construction of a home, we hear one word that is recurring- foundation. The foundation is what holds the entire structure together. When your home stands on the foundation, it must be strong enough to withstand stresses over time as the safety, longevity, beauty and durability of your home depends on the foundation.
Here’s why the importance of a strong foundation is non-negotiable, especially when it comes to home construction-
Role of Foundation in Building Stability
As mentioned above, the foundation is the anchor of your home structure. Explained technically, the foundation distributes the load on the soil evenly to keep the building steady and stable, even in the event of changing and intense weather conditions. A strong foundation prevents your structure against issues like cracking, tilting and even collapsing. The foundation also acts as a barrier against water seepage, keeping dampness, mold and damage at bay.
Different Types of Foundations
Every structure- whether a house, a high-rise or a commercial building- has a different type of foundation. There are certain factors that determine what type of foundation is apt for your structure. These factors include- location, the type of soil, the size of the building and the design. Some types of foundation are-
- Shallow Foundations – They are built for small structures as they transfer load at a shallow level.
- Raft Foundations: They are apt for areas that have weak soil, and distribute the load over a large area to keep the structure steady.
- Pile Foundations: These are built in areas with soft soil- long columns are installed to give enough support to heavy structures.
Best Cement for Foundation Work
As the base and anchor of your home structure, the foundation must be built with cement that provides ample strength, corrosion resistance, water resistance and durability. The best cement for foundation work that are recommended are-
- JK Super Cement OPC 53 Grade: Due to its formulation using highest quality aggregates, extra fineness and optimum early strength ability, JK Super OPC -53 is best suited specialised heavy load bearing construction work such as bridges, runways, high-rises and dams.
- JK Super PSC : Sulphate and chloride resistant, and offering long term strength, JK Super PSC Cement is perfect to construct strong foundations. Its low heat of hydration property makes it best suited for supporting buildings and efficiently transmitting the load to the earth.
- JK Super Protect Cement: This is the ultimate product to use in building foundations as it is specially designed as a water repellant cement, increasing durability of your home.
Common Foundation Issues & Fixes
Most structures face some or the other foundation issues over a period of time if the foundation has been compromised on. Some common foundation issues most structures face are- .
- Cracks: This happens if the settling is uneven. It can be fixed by re-leveling and sealing.
- Water/ Moisture seepage: This a very common issue, especially during monsoons and if the structure is located in a humid area. The only way to prevent moisture seepage is by waterproofing using water repellant cement. Ideally, this should be done during construction.
- Soil shifting: Over time, if the soil is soft, it may shift. Using quality steel reinforcements during foundation construction and adding retaining walls can add extra strength and help in keeping your home stable.
Choosing the right type of foundation depending upon the location and soil type, and using the right construction materials to build the foundation goes a long way in preventing your home from falling prey to environmental and physical stresses.
