Cinder Block Walls vs. Poured Walls

In the foundation industry, there is an ongoing debate relating to cinder block foundations versus poured wall foundations. Many individuals are biased towards one wall type or the other. However, like anything else; there are pros and cons for each foundation wall type a person chooses.

Cinder Block Walls

Before the 1970s, cinder block foundations were the most commonly accepted foundation type. Almost every house was built with this style of masonry work. While the poured wall wins for lateral strength, the cinder block wall when constructed correctly beats out poured wall for compression strength. This means it can support more weight on top of the foundation. For this reason, a cinder block wall foundation may indeed be the preferred the choice of engineers and architects. Construction of a good cinder block wall does demand more skilled bricklayers, which translates into a higher labor cost. Cinder block wall foundations are more prone to bowing and buckling and repairs can be costly in the worst-case scenario, where the wall must be rebuilt. While both foundation types can be completely waterproofed, block walls tend to have more leaks because of the significant number of joints they have. Water and weather wear down the mortar over time and can causes leaks.

Poured Walls

Poured concrete foundation walls are arguably stronger than cinder block foundation walls. Without joints, poured walls possess a greater lateral strength, which essentially means they have a greater ability to resist pressure presented by water and the soil from the outside. A poured wall doesn’t have joints like a cinder block wall, so it should come as no surprise that it is naturally easier to waterproof. Poured walls tend to be the preferred choice of new construction builders. Poured walls can be formed to any foundation design and pose the flexibility of being adapted for last minute changes. It is faster and more efficient to construct a poured wall but can be expensive if the place producing the cement is far away. For example, if the concrete trucks must travel farther than an hour and a half, a cinder block wall foundation would likely be the better choice. It really depends on the building circumstances, availability of concrete and skill level of the construction workers.

We Provide Solutions to Aid Both Foundation Types

Foundation Repair Products

PowerBrace - The PowerBrace is an adjustable brace that improves the condition of bowing and cracked walls. The PowerBrace reverses the forces of nature by reinforcing the wall and allowing it to move back to its original position.

Carbon Armor- The Carbon Armor system works by utilizing a special epoxy resin to absorb the pressure from the outside soil (which is what causes the bowing in the first place). It's 10x stronger than steel and specifically designed for basement walls.

Wall Anchors- Wall anchors are perfect for returning a wall back to its original position and reinforcing the entire foundation. We stabilize the home with a steel rod that runs from the wall anchor to an anchor placed in the exterior of the home. Once we place the plates we have permanently stabilized the basement.

Waterproofing Products

CleanSpace- CleanSpace - The CleanSpace liner is a heavy-duty thick liner that isolates a home from the earth beneath it. It creates an effective moisture and vapor barrier and captures all wall seepage and leaks. This transforms the space into a clean, usable and healthy environment.

WaterGuard - The WaterGuard protects a home from water leaking near foundation walls. It is designed to catch water seepage through walls and leaks along the wall/floor joint. This product provides a quality solution without the expensive cost of installing an exterior drain system.

FlexiSpan- FlexiSpan crack repair is a three-part process that begins with the application of a flexible sealant along the full length of the crack. Next, a strip of flexible and porous foam is installed over the crack. Finally, an impermeable membrane is adhered to the wall on both sides of the foam strip.

Making the Right Choice

One foundation choice is not universally the best foundation choice for everyone. Selecting a foundation type is a choice that each individual needs to make based on the circumstances that they may currently face. Keeping in mind the circumstances that may possibly be faced down the road. Choosing to become an informed individual is the best thing someone can do to make a choice that best suits them.