5 Best Foundation Materials with Essential Features

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Foundation materials are important for durable and strong foundation constructions. When you choose a foundation material you should consider, how its features are compatible with the required properties of the foundation. By considering all the factors these are the best 5 foundation materials you can use for the foundation.

5 Best Foundation Materials

1. Concrete
2. Stone
3. Steel
4. Brick 
5. Wood

Aqvize expert team has prepared these 5 foundation materials by considering their important features such as moisture resistance, load bearing capacity, compression strength, durability, environmental impacts, workability, cost effectiveness, frost resistance, anti termite properties, and fire resistance. These are the 5 best foundation waterproofing materials.

1. Concrete

Concrete is the most widely used foundation material due to its high strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness. Concrete is available for foundation as M15, M20, M25, M30, M35, and M40. M15 is the lowest strength and M40 is the highest strength. There are higher strengths for special purposes. When the strength is increased it can withstand higher compression strength which is helpful for higher loaded foundations like deep foundations.  Concrete is composed of cement, sand, gravel, and water. when these are mixed they form a rigid, load bearing structure. Concrete foundations provide stability, moisture resistance, and long term structural integrity for various types of buildings.

Impact of Concrete Features on Foundation Properties

1. Moisture resistance: Concrete has higher moisture resistance and it prevents water damage and structural weakening in foundations.
2. Load bearing capacity: Concrete has a higher load bearing capacity. It ensures foundation stability and prevents settlements.
3. Compression strength: Concrete has higher compression strength, which helps protect the foundation from failures by cracking.
4. Durability: High durability of concrete allows foundations to withstand weathering, erosion, and heavy loads over decades.
5. Environmental impact: The higher carbon footprint of concrete production can be reduced by using eco-friendly alternatives like fly ash and slag cement.
6. Workability: Moderate workability of concrete allows it to be poured and molded into any foundation shape before setting.
7. Cost effectiveness: Lower cost of concrete compared to other high strength materials makes it an economical foundation choice.
8. Frost resistance: Properly cured concrete has high frost resistance, preventing damage from freeze thaw cycles.
9. Anti termite properties: Concrete does not attract termites, ensuring pest-resistant foundations.
10. Fire resistance: Non-combustible nature of concrete provides excellent fire resistance, protecting the foundation from heat damage.

2. Steel

Steel is used in foundations primarily as reinforcement in concrete or as deep foundation piles. Steel has different tensile strength. When it is used for foundations its grade should be considered. The most available steel grades are Fe415, Fe500, Fe550, and Fe600. According to the strength of the foundation, steel type is used. Steel provides exceptional strength, flexibility, and durability. Hence they are mostly used for foundations for high-rise buildings, bridges, and structures in challenging soil conditions.

Impact of Steel Features on Foundation Properties

1. Moisture resistance: Steel has low moisture resistance and is prone to corrosion. Hence coatings and protective treatments is essential when steel is used for steel reinforced foundations. 
2. Load bearing capacity: Higher load bearing capacity of steel allows foundations to support immense structural loads, making it suitable for high rise buildings and heavy infrastructure.
3. Compression strength: Steel has high compression strength, reinforcing the foundation and preventing cracking or collapse under extreme pressure.
4. Durability: Steel is highly durable and resists deformation, ensuring foundation stability under seismic, wind, and soil movement forces.
5. Environmental impact: Steel production has a high carbon footprint, but recycled steel reduces environmental impact while maintaining strength and performance.
6. Workability: Steel is highly workable and can be fabricated into various shapes, allowing for customized foundation designs with improved structural performance.
7. Cost effectiveness: Steel foundations have higher initial costs but offer long-term savings due to their strength, durability, and reduced maintenance needs.
8. Frost resistance: Steel does not crack due to freeze-thaw cycles, making it an excellent reinforcement material for cold climate foundations.
9. Anti termite properties: Steel is immune to termite damage, eliminating the risk of pest-related foundation deterioration.
10. Fire resistance: Steel has high fire resistance but loses strength at extreme temperatures; fireproof coatings improve its performance in foundation applications.

3. Stone

Stone is a natural foundation material known for its exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. The most used stone types for foundations are granite, limestone, sandstone, basalt, and slate. Among them granite is the strongest, most durable, and most used stone type for the foundations. It has been used for centuries in building foundations due to its long-lasting properties and ability to withstand heavy loads and harsh weather conditions.

Impact of Stone Features on Foundation Properties

1. Moisture resistance: Stone has high moisture resistance. It water absorption and reduces the risk of foundation damage due to prolonged exposure to damp conditions
2. Load bearing capacity: The high load bearing capacity of stone ensures foundation stability and prevents excessive settlement
3. Compression strength: Stone has superior compression strength, which protects the foundation from cracking and structural failures under heavy loads
4. Durability: Stone is extremely durable, resisting weathering, erosion, and chemical degradation, ensuring the foundation lasts for centuries.
5. Environmental impact: As a natural material, stone has a lower carbon footprint than concrete, but quarrying and transportation can increase its environmental impact.
6. Workability: Stone is less workable than concrete or bricks but it requires a skilled masonry work for proper placement. It increases labor time and costs.
7. Cost effectiveness: While stone is durable, high material and labor costs make it less economical for modern foundations.
8. Frost resistance: Stone resists freeze-thaw cycles, reducing the likelihood of foundation cracking in cold climates.
9. Anti termite properties: Stone does not attract termites or pests, making it an excellent choice for pest resistant foundations.
10. Fire resistance: Stone is noncombustible and highly fire-resistant, protecting the foundation from heat-related damage.

4. Bricks

Bricks are one of the oldest and most widely used building materials for foundations. Burnt clay bricks, concrete bricks, sand-lime (calcium silicate) bricks, fly ash bricks, and engineering bricks are the most used brick types for foundations. Among them, burnt clay bricks are the most used type and when it is used for foundations, it requires additional foundational waterproofing due to its lower porosity. Normally brick foundations are commonly used in low-rise structures, providing stability, fire resistance, and thermal insulation.

Impact of Brick Features on Foundation Properties

1. Moisture resistance: Bricks have moderate moisture resistance, but they are porous. Hence proper waterproofing is essential when it is used for foundations.
2. Load bearing capacity: Bricks have a lower load bearing capacity than concrete or stone, but proper masonry and reinforcement ensure foundation stability and prevent structural failure.
3. Compression strength: Bricks have good compression strength it helps to support structural loads and reduce the risk of foundation cracks under pressure.
4. Durability: Well fired bricks are highly durable and can last for decades, but they require proper maintenance to prevent weathering and erosion when it is used for foundations.
5. Environmental impact: Bricks have a higher environmental impact due to the energy intensive firing process, but some eco-friendly alternatives like fly ash bricks are available.
6. Workability: Bricks are easy to handle, shape, and install, making them a preferred choice for small to medium-sized foundation projects.
7. Cost effectiveness: Brick foundations are cost effective for small buildings, but they require skilled labor and proper waterproofing to ensure longevity for the foundation.
8. Frost resistance: Bricks can absorb water and may crack in freeze thaw cycles if not properly treated or protected.
9. Anti termite properties: Bricks do not attract termites, making them a pest-resistant foundation material.
10. Fire resistance: Bricks are highly fire resistant, protecting foundations from heat related damage and contributing to overall building safety.

5. Wood

Wood has been historically used as a foundation material, particularly in older homes and temporary structures. The most used wood types for foundations are pressure-treated wood, cedar, redwood, Douglas fir, and oak. Pressure-treated wood is the most common choice as it is chemically treated to resist moisture, termites, and decay, making it suitable for foundation piles and framing. However, wood foundations require proper treatment and protection against moisture, pests, and decay to ensure long-term durability.

Impact of Wood Features on Foundation Properties

1. Moisture resistance: wood has a lower moisture resistance hence it is susceptible to rot and decay. In order to preven this and use for foundations wood should be sealed or waterproof.
2. Load-bearing capacity: Moderate load-bearing capacity of wood supports lightweight structures but is not ideal for heavy buildings.
3. Compression strength: Wood has lower compression strength than concrete or stone, which limits its ability to bear heavy foundation loads.
4. Durability: Wood foundations have a shorter lifespan due to susceptibility to moisture, termites, and fungal decay, requiring regular maintenance.
5. Environmental impact: Wood has a lower carbon footprint compared to concrete and steel, making it an eco-friendly foundation choice when sustainably sourced.
6. Workability: High workability of wood allows for easy cutting, shaping, and installation, reducing construction time and labor costs.
7. Cost-effectiveness: The lower cost of wood foundations makes them an economical choice, but long-term maintenance costs may offset initial savings.
8. Frost resistance: Wood is vulnerable to freeze thaw cycles, potentially leading to expansion, contraction, and weakening of the foundation.
9. Anti-termite properties: Wood has low termite resistance. Hence it requires chemical treatment or naturally resistant wood species to prevent foundation damage.
10. Fire resistance: Wood has a lower fire resistance and it increases the fire risk when it is used for foundations.

What are the Reasons for Foundation Cracks?

Foundation materials can be cracked due to these reasons such as 

1. Hydrostatic pressure due to higher water table
2. Selecting weak foundation materials like bricks
3. Lateral forces from the ground
4. Building settlement
5. Aging the foundation
6. Poor workmanship foundation

What is used for Foundation Material Waterproofing?

You can use both sheet membrane and liquid membrane to waterproof the foundation materials. For liquid foundation waterproofing you can use polyurethane, epoxy, or bituminous liquid, and for the sheet membranes, you can use EPDM, PVC, and bituminous sheet membranes. Foundation waterproofing is highly effective on concrete foundations due to its strength and compatibility with the materials.

What is Foundation Waterproofing?

Foundation waterproofing is installing a waterproofing layer on the foundation to stop water infiltration inside the foundation. The foundation can be waterproofed interior and exterior. Interior foundation waterproofing is installing a membrane inside the foundation while exterior foundation waterproofing is installing a membrane from outside. We highly recommend you install exterior waterproofing for better protection.

How to Increase Foundation Stability?

Foundation stability is important to keep the structural stability in the building. You can increase the foundation stability by following 3 methods.

1. Installing a sump pump
2. Installing a French drain system
3. Gutters and downspouts are directly away from the house