Concrete Block v. Poured Concrete Basement Walls in Indiana and Kentucky

Most foundations of buildings fall into two categories- block foundation or poured foundation- and many homeowners don’t even know what this means or how this affects their home. When a home is built, the decision to use concrete blocks or to pour the foundation often comes down to distance from a concrete mix plant, familiarity by local contractors, and, of course, cost. 

Concrete Block Foundation

A foundation made of concrete blocks is typically built with cinder blocks measuring 16 inches long by 8 inches wide, but there are variations that may be used depending on the structure that is being built. Similar to bricks, concrete blocks are stacked in an interlocking pattern and sealed together with grout. The most important part of constructing a block foundation is the re-bar (steel bars) that should be inserted into the footing during construction.

Many homeowners think that a concrete block foundation is something that they can do on their own. This is a common misconception because inexperienced people who decide to build a block foundation often leave out re-bar, therefore building a foundation that is not reinforced and capable of sufficiently holding the weight of a structure. It’s important to contact a professional if you are interested in a concrete block foundation because they will have the training, experience, and materials to construct a stable foundation for your home or business.

Both convenience and simplicity are major advantages to building basement walls with concrete blocks. Transporting and carrying the blocks to site are much less of a hassle than large, heavy wood forms for poured concrete. Consequently, a disadvantage is that the mortar used to secure and hold the basement walls together is often their downfall. The mortar is very porous and creates weak points for possible foundation problems or even failure.

Poured Basement Walls

Only a professional concrete company with experience can put up poured concrete foundation walls. It requires the creation of large wooden framework that the concrete will be poured into and steel re-bar to reinforce the concrete. Poured basement walls are effective and stable because they do not have any seams or weaknesses with the wall like concrete block construction. Poured concrete walls are poured all at once so the wall is a complete piece. This leaves a smaller chance for cracking or water damage like in concrete block basement walls. 

All in all, poured foundation walls seem to be the preferred choice to block foundations. But, regardless, problems arise with both. It’s important to weigh the pros and cons of concrete block and poured concrete basement walls. If you have an existing basement with block or poured walls and there are signs of settlement such as cracks, bowing, or buckling, then it’s time to contact your local foundation specialists.

Healthy Spaces provides their foundation repair services to residential and commercial buildings in Decker and Evansville, IN, as well as Henderson and Webster, KY and the surrounding areas. They have the latest training and technologies to repair any type of foundation problem in both block and poured foundation walls. Contact them today for more information about products and services or for a free estimate!