Sunday, November 23, 2014

Why Permanent Wood Foundations Are A Good Idea

By Fred Maximoff


Commonly Accepted - Incorporating a permanent wood foundation (PWF) structure is universally accepted by all fire insurance companies, financial lending institutions, warranty programs, major building codes, and mortgage companies throughout the country.

Versatility and Adaptability - The PWF can be utilized as a solid foundation system for a wide range of building styles and specific configurations for both sloping and level sites. The design adaptability of the PWF system accommodates both single level and multiple level homes in addition to apartments and dwellings of nearly any external shape or level of difficulty. The PWF system can suitably be adjusted to various conditions of the soil, such as certain situations that consist of high-water tables or soils with low-bearing capabilities. Also, since the PWF readily lends itself to major restorations, wood foundations can easily be modified or expanded with virtually no trouble.

Ease of Construction - Due to the overall construction of the PWF system, it is quick and easy to use. It consists of framing methods that are quite similar to those found in a standard building. The system can accommodate customizations, such as a crawlspace or a full-height basement.

Strong Foundation - PWFs include an engineering system that both absorbs and distributes soil, wind, and seismic stresses that would damage other types of foundations. Likewise, PWFs are not prone to damage from cold weather or settling soil. Due to the fact that the foundation's structure can shift slightly with the settling soil reduces the amount of required maintenance by a tremendous amount.

Weatherproof Installation - Weather delays can be quite costly and irritating for many types of foundations. For the PWF system, weather is not really a factor allowing it to be built at any time of the year.

Longevity - With a lifespan of more than a century long, the PWF can be installed with sheer confidence to enable a vast variety of building configurations and types for both sloping and level sites. The system's durability factor has been clearly illustrated time and time again with in-ground testing performed over the last 50 years by a number of Federal organizations.

Environmentally Sound - Many people are unaware of the discrepancy in energy usage between manufacturing treated wood and manufacturing masonry products. It is because of this discrepancy that wood products in construction and PWF installation are environmentally sound. These wooden products are also beneficial because they produce minimal gassing or leaching into the environment. As a result of the aforementioned benefits, PWFs are considered a renewable resource and are referred to as "green technology."

Prefabrication - On days that are not conducive to placing a foundation, a PWF can be constructed elsewhere in a dry shop. This prefabrication allows for the foundation to ready for assembly when the weather cooperates.

A Simpler Finish - With a concrete foundation, the need for wall framing still exists. This creates more work, time, and expense. With a PWF, there is no need for additional framing because the wooden foundation provides the studs needed for a finish.

Perfect for Rural Areas - PWFs can be constructed without any concrete, which makes them perfectly suited for places where concrete is either unavailable or prohibitively expensive.




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