|
Questions & Answers
(click on the question links below for the answers)
Question: What's the difference between Monolithic and Stemwall
foundations?
Answer: Monolithic slabs are foundation systems constructed as one single concrete pour consisting of typically a 4 inch thick concrete slab with interior thickened portions under load bearing walls and thickened at all perimeter edges. The advantages of monolithic slabs include:
- faster overall construction time (typically)
- quite strong, especially with the addition of steel and fiber-mesh reinforcement
- can be further reinforced on lots with poor soil with the addition of Post-Tensioning (see section in FAQ's)
- Monolithic slabs are used in our homes built in the BRONZE and SILVER package
Stem-walls are foundation systems constructed in three components; a spread footing to transfer load to the underlying soil, a (typically) masonry foundation wall, and a poured slab. Advantages of stem-wall foundation systems include:
- less fill required for sloped lots (the foundation wall can built at different heights to accommodate a sloped lot)
- a greater free-board distance from the top of slab to the surrounding grade of the lot can be accomplished giving the home a more pronounced appearance.
- Less movement of slab edge and more accurate location of items stubbed up through the slab.
- STEM-WALL foundations are available as upgrades in our BRONZE and SILVER packages, but are INCLUDED in homes built in our GOLD package
|
