The plinth is called outer wall foundation on which the façade rests. At the same time it top part basement walls, if it exists. The height of the plinth depends on the type of foundation, the general design of the house, the nature of the soil, designated purpose basement. There are certain building regulations in this regard.
What is the height of the plinth?
Some homeowners believe that if there is no basement, then the basement is useless, you can make the foundation flush with the ground.
This is mistake. The main task of the base is to isolate the facade from contact with the ground. And so that soil water does not rise from the ground along the concrete in a capillary way, a layer of roofing material is laid between the facade and basement walls.
The plinth must be high enough, regardless of the materials of the facade: wood, foam and cinder concrete, bricks equally suffer from water.
In addition to protecting the walls of the house from destruction, the plinth also solves other problems:
- protects the facade from pollution (due to the proximity of the earth Bottom part at home suffers from them the most);
- protects the cladding from mechanical damage (basement cladding is orders of magnitude stronger than facade cladding);
- compensates for shrinkage due to the load from the house;
- isolates from harmful effects basement ceiling (most often wooden);
- raises thermal insulation characteristics basement;
- gives the appearance of the house aesthetic completeness.
- provides its full value (usually located in the basement of the foundation);
When designing a basement, one should take into account the climate (average temperature in cold weather), the average annual rainfall. You can determine the minimum basement height for your site empirically: measure the depth of the snow cover for several winters and add 10 cm of margin to the average value.
note
The minimum height of the base above the ground according to SNiP for the southern regions is 20 cm (preferably 30-40). If the house is wooden, the distance from the ground is preferably from 50 to 90. If there is a basement, the recommended basement height can reach 2 meters.
A high plinth is more expensive than a low plinth due to the increase in the amount of work on concreting. But in the calculations, savings are in second place, in the first place - strength and performance characteristics, which largely depend on the material of the facade.
The height of the plinth is also affected by its position relative to the facade wall. There are three options:
- sinking - the plane of the base is recessed inward relative to the facade. It is possible only if the thickness of the facade wall is large enough;
- flush with the facade;
- speaker. This option is the only possible one if the thickness of the facade walls is small, and also if the project provides for.
The advantages of the third option are increased thermal insulation characteristics (a necessary property when installing an operated basement). In all other cases, the first option is preferable: overhanging facade wall reliably protects the basis from atmospheric factors and mechanical damages. Obviously, the height of the sinking base should be minimal, because. as it increases, the degree of protection decreases.
Foundation options for the height of the basement in a private house
There are design differences for plinths on low foundations (strip, pile-strip, slab) and elevated (pile,). In the first case, no air gaps between the ground and the ceiling of the first floor does not exist, the internal space is completely closed with concrete or tape - either the upper part of the tape foundation, or an add-on along the perimeter of the slab. In the second case, a gap remains between the ground and the ceiling, the height of which is determined by the height of the above-ground part of the pillars or piles.
The choice depends on the characteristics of the soil, the relief, the mass of the building. This issue is resolved at the design stage of the house.
With a low foundation, the basement can be monolithic or prefabricated - from blocks, bricks. The second option involves less protection of the base from harmful factors.
Increased attention is paid to the exterior finish, not so much for aesthetic as for protective reasons. In any case, a blind area is performed (at least for removal from the base atmospheric waters), and with a high occurrence of groundwater - a system. The maximum height of such a plinth is limited mainly by economic considerations.
It can be low (the grillage lies directly on the ground) or elevated. Columnar, usually elevated. Since it is considered the most unstable, the height must be at least 20 centimeters (to compensate for heaving of the soil). To ensure sufficient thermal insulation inner space houses, the gaps between the pillars / piles are laid with bricks, covered with asbestos-cement slabs or wooden / plywood shields.
an example of basement insulation and piping of a pile-screw foundation
example of basement insulation outside the pile foundation
The maximum height of such a plinth is structurally limited: the above-ground bearing part cannot be too high.
What is the best basement height?
All of the above does not depend on the presence of an operated basement. Ground floor - important decision in terms of rational planning of space in the house and on the site. Suitable for solving almost any task: if desired, you can equip here not only a cellar or a boiler room, but also a study, a home theater, a bedroom. Even taking into account the additional costs of the foundation, the high height of the plinth for one-story house will cost less than the device of the second floor.
Characteristics of the floor according to the standards:
- ceiling height relative to ground level - within two meters;
- deepening the basement floor into the ground - no more than half the height of the basement.
The height of the basement floor of your house will also depend on the purpose of the basement. If you are planning to make a bedroom or a room for a comfortable stay, it is better to be guided by the maximum value; when arranging a utility compartment at ceiling height, you can save (within reasonable limits).
Always before the purchase of materials and the beginning of the construction of the building, its plan is created. It is especially important when designing to choose the right type of foundation, materials for its manufacture and the desired height. Next, let's take a closer look at last question and consider what the height of the foundation can be, the requirements of SNiP and why there must be a certain height for different structures.
Why is the height of the base given so much attention?
The requirements of SNiP quite clearly regulate the requirements for the base. It performs the task of supporting the entire structure and, if improperly constructed, the latter will not be able to guarantee safe conditions for people during operation. In addition, destructive factors constantly affect the foundation, and especially in its outer part: winds, rains, snow masses, the sun, etc. Therefore, it must not only protect the structure from subsidence, but also raise the material of the walls of a two-story house or any other structure by safe height. Let's take a closer look:
- It is great to use an elevated base as a plinth. In any case, there should be a height of walls above ground level regulated by SNiP. The advantages of using a plinth combined with a foundation are obvious - the construction of the structure will be more integral and stable.
- Some SNiP of certain materials require their remoteness from the aggressive effects of the earth: moisture, precipitation, etc. Otherwise, the lower layers of the walls may be destroyed, which can harm the entire building (especially in the case of a two-story house). As for the exact requirements, the base must be 10 cm higher than the calculated level of the maximum possible snow mass in winter period. Simply put, if a lot of snow falls, then the foundation should not be exactly hidden under it. As for the strip base, the minimum height of the foundation above the ground is 30 cm.
- In some cases, an elevated base is a continuation of the walls of the basement of a two-story house. By analogy with the basement, a joint construction will provide many advantages.
- It is possible to create a high base as a measure to combat shrinkage, which is typical for some soils. Experienced planners always take into account all the features of the land on the site of the future building.
- Elevations within 20-30 cm are characteristic for a pile foundation, as well as in cases of construction of a one- or two-story wooden house- the tree does not tolerate moisture.
Please note that even reliable waterproofing of the walls from the basement side will not protect them from moisture, and the only way out is to make the base with sufficient height to protect it from moisture.
Height of the strip base
It should be borne in mind that the entire height of the foundation consists of 2 parts: underground and aboveground. If you listen to the recommendations of experts, then it is optimal when it rises 40 cm from the ground. This indicator can also be influenced by the amount of precipitation and the material for laying the walls. For example, when using structural aerated concrete, much less elevation is required than in the case of cinder block.
If there are no special requirements for height requirements, then the SNiP documentation should be taken into account when determining the depth. It indicates the levels of freezing of the main types of soils and the indicators of base height recommended in each situation:
- The soil is slightly heaving: freezing is 300-350 cm - the recommended foundation depth is 150 cm, 250 cm - 100 cm, 150 cm - 75 cm, 100 cm - 50 cm.
- Non-porous: more than 300 cm - 100 cm, up to 300 cm - 75 cm, 200 cm - 50 cm.
Also, when determining the depth, the level of groundwater is taken into account.
Determination of the height of a monolithic base
It is worth considering some points:
- The SNiP rules regulate the minimum height of such a base at 20 cm. To be more precise, this is exactly what the height of the base should be. But in regions with uneven rainfall, this indicator in the case of the construction of a two-story wooden house is increased to 40 cm - this allows you to protect the tree from moisture.
- Also, in cases where the soil freezes up to 1 m, then the foundation must be installed deeper.
- The advantages of a monolithic slab include its complete insensitivity to displacements of soil masses. But in the case of construction on sites with characteristic seismic activity, the width of the foundation should be increased.
General results
- The smallest height of the tape base is 30 cm above ground level;
- Great if the foundation performs the task of the base;
- The wall material should be protected from moisture as much as possible;
- It is necessary to make such a foundation so that at maximum precipitation it is 10 cm higher than the snow.
Approach the design correctly and it does not matter whether the construction of a two-story house, a bathhouse or a utility room will be carried out. A well-chosen foundation height above the ground will extend the life of the structure for a long time.
The height of the foundation for the house updated: February 26, 2018 by: zoomfund
The foundation is the foundation of any wooden structure. It takes on the main load during operation and protects the house from negative impact ground water.
FACTORS AFFECTING FOUNDATION SIZE
The foundation consists of a basement and an underground part, the dimensions of which depend on several factors:
1. Type of soil and its change in the autumn-spring period. Foundations laid on capricious sandy or swampy soils have special requirements.
2. The level of soil freezing and the presence of groundwater. The base must lie below these points, requires high-quality waterproofing and insulation.
3. Weight and number of floors of a wooden house.
4. The tasks of the basement and basement.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE PLATE
The above-ground part of the foundation performs several functions:
· Interferes with wetting of internal overlappings;
· Compensates for soil shrinkage;
· Protects facing of the house from pollution;
Promotes high-quality ventilation of the underground;
Increases the thermal insulation characteristics of the building;
Considered an architectural decoration.
The height of the plinth plays a huge role especially for wooden houses, since the decay of the lower rows complicates the repair work and reduces the life of the building.
The standard height is approximately 30-40 cm. But experts advise equipping the ground part of the foundation of a wooden house to a height of 60-80 cm. clay soils this value can reach 80-90 cm, and sandy enough and 50 cm.
STRAP BASE
A common version of the foundation for a wooden house. The monolithic structure allows you to equip usable area plinth at a moderate cost of construction.
In areas with severe winters and soil freezing to an impressive depth, the underground part of the strip foundation can reach 1.5 meters. The height of the basement depends on several conditions (for example, the presence of a boiler room or a basement). The room for the firebox requires special responsibility, therefore the height of the ground part is characterized by safe use and proper placement of equipment.
Regardless of the quality of the soil and terrain conditions, it is recommended to build plinths of sufficient height for wooden buildings. Wood is a very capricious material, therefore, the higher the house is raised above the ground, the longer it will stand.
The optimal size of the strip foundation is about two meters, which means that the ground part is 50 cm.
CLASSIFICATION OF THE PLINTH FOR THE STRIP FOUNDATION
The aboveground part is divided into two types:
1. Monolithic. The base is made in the form of a continuous (inseparable) concrete sheet.
2. Masonry. First, the lower part of the foundation is poured (to the level of the soil), and then the base is laid out (made of brick or other material). Less reliable option requiring additional cladding.
PLATE BASE
According to building codes, monolithic slab should rise above the ground by at least 20 cm. But for regions with an unregulated level of snow cover, this parameter should be increased to 40 cm.
A monolithic slab is considered the most reliable type of foundation. Its underground part should be buried below the freezing level of the soil. The strength of the slab does not depend on potential ground movements, but with probable seismic shifts, its height must be increased. Total thickness foundation depends on the weight of the wooden house, its number of storeys, area and type of soil.
PILE FOUNDATION
The arrangement of the basement on a pile foundation is accompanied by certain difficulties. Its dimensions depend on the height of the ground section of the piles. The plinth can be hinged or made on a tape.
The design of the hinged version consists of a wooden or iron crate, fixed around the entire perimeter. After the arrangement, it must be sheathed with any facing material.
The second option is more complex and costly. Laying is carried out on a strip foundation. Its main advantage is enough high quality thermal insulation.
CONSTRUCTION OF THE PLINTH
The ground section of the foundation can be made in several versions:
· Falling. Economic option plinth, characteristic of walls with a small thickness. Allows you to hide the ledge with a waterproofing material or a small layer of soil.
· Presenter. Requires more building materials. Provides reliable protection wooden house from cold air, but needs high-quality waterproofing and drainage.
The plinth is flush with the wall. The most unfortunate and rarely used solution that requires constant monitoring of the cut of the waterproofing layer.
MATERIALS
For the construction of the ground part of the foundation, it is necessary to use durable materials - concrete, brick, different kinds stone. In most cases, the plinth of a wooden house needs the installation of an armored belt. The number and thickness of reinforcing bars depend on the design of the building.
For wooden houses, a plinth made of monolithic concrete. Its arrangement requires the installation of formwork and reinforcement cage.
· For the construction of solid (not gas silicate!) bricks, it is necessary to take material with high frost resistance.
The use of concrete blocks requires special skill. Between them, various voids will necessarily remain, which in the future must be filled with a cement mixture.
HEAT AND WATER INSULATION
High-quality heat and waterproofing are mandatory steps in arranging the basement of a wooden house. Warming must be done with porous materials with minimal water absorption. Suitable for waterproofing bituminous mastics or roll materials.
The height of the basement and the features of its arrangement depend on many parameters. But under any conditions, the minimum level of the ground part should not be less than 20 cm. This will help save the house from flooding and increase the “life” of the lower wooden crowns.
Not everyone knows and, most importantly, they understand why the basement of the building is needed. From a technical point of view, a plinth is a structural element that is located between the foundation and the frame of the building. It performs many tasks.
Peculiarities
In a technical sense, the plinth is that part of the foundation that is located above ground level. Its main purpose is to evenly redistribute the load on the supports in order to increase the stability of the structure and a long service life.
The plinth solves a number of important tasks:
- is the basis for the construction of the frame of the building;
- in the presence of a basement, it performs the functions of walls;
- special air vents are mounted in the basement, which play the role of ventilation holes, thanks to which the basement is well ventilated and does not rot under the influence high humidity and low temperatures
- due to the height, the plinth protects the floors from the cold coming from the ground.
All this determines the special significance of the basement for the strength and durability of the whole house, which is why its competent arrangement is very important.
If the surface of the basement is not covered with finishing materials, then it quickly becomes dirty, which can cause its rapid destruction and deterioration of the foundation and ceilings of the entire structure.
The facing material protects the foundation from damage by fungal microorganisms and mold, and also prevents the appearance of "insect colonies" under the main part of the house.
It is very important to give Special attention basement insulation, since the basement functions as a large accumulator, sucking out all the heat from the building, and even a warm floor cannot prevent this. And besides, the insulated basement is important for maintaining the strength of the structure, since in severe frosts, erosion processes in the foundation quite often begin.
A stylish plinth can become a decoration of the building, an accent that will emphasize the design solution of the facade and the impeccable taste of the property owners.
Kinds
The basement plays a very important role in all buildings where there is a corresponding floor or a large basement.
From the point of view of the structure, plinths are:
- sinking;
- speakers;
- aligned in line with the outer façade.
The sinking option is the most popular because it requires less materials for its arrangement, and besides, it is not flooded with rain, and this is very beneficial, since it allows you to abandon the installation of gutters. The sinking base is usually protected by a layer effective waterproofing, so it tolerates rain and snowmelt better, and it lasts much longer.
Purely visually, the sinking plinth looks like the top of the building protrudes above the bottom, this contributes to the formation of a double protection against moisture, so that the basement remains dry.
The protruding plinth looks more aesthetically pleasing, but the arrangement requires mandatory installation additional systems drip on the top edge to protect the basement from moisture getting inside. Modern house building in last years practically abandoned protruding plinths, since this option requires much more effort, time and money for its arrangement, and in addition, it has reduced resistance to wind and melt water, is prone to corrosion and, as a result, wears out faster.
In fairness, it is worth noting the fact that the thermal insulation with such an organization of the base is higher than with other options.
And you will also need to close the waterproofing layer and mount a drainage mechanism to remove rainwater. This base makes sense if external walls houses according to the technical project are too thin. At the same time, it looks quite aesthetically pleasing, giving the whole structure a tangible monumentality.
But to build a base flush with outer wall experts categorically do not advise. In this case, the owners of the house will not be able to protect it with a layer of waterproofing, which means that the risk of excessive dampness in the most vulnerable areas will increase, and the aesthetics of such a design is “lame” - a foundation aligned with the walls will never make such a favorable impression as a relief one.
Dimensions
The size of the basement is influenced by the type of foundation, the general design of the house, the basic parameters of the soil, as well as the intended purpose of the basement - there are special regulations on this. For example, if a heating boiler is located in the basement of a private house, then the basement must necessarily have access to the street.
Many owners of residential real estate believe that if they do not equip the basement, then there is no need for a basement, and the foundation can be built flush with the ground - and this is a very big misconception. The main task of the basement is not to protect the basement, but to isolate the facade and floors of the building from contact with the ground. It is in order that groundwater does not rise upwards through the concrete by capillary action, a layer of waterproofing, usually roofing material, is necessarily laid between the front and basement parts of the wall.
In accordance with the regulations, in an ordinary private house, the basement should rise above the ground at a distance of about 30-40 cm. If the building is built of wood, it makes sense to make the basement higher - 60-70 cm, and if the house has a basement floor, then the base should rise 1.5-2 meters above the ground at all - it is this height that gives the maximum compliance with existing standards. The height of the base does not depend on the material from which it is equipped, whether it be stone, brick or cinder block options - any coatings suffer equally from water.
It is very important to take into account the natural and climatic zone, namely: the average temperature in the cold season, as well as the average rainfall. If you are just planning to build a house, then the approximate height of the base can be calculated empirically - for this, for several years you will need to measure the depth of the maximum snow cover, then find the average value and add 10 cm to it.
According to the current SNiP, the minimum height of the base should be 20 cm, however, from a practical point of view, this parameter should be higher.
Of course, the arrangement of a high basement will cost more, since it requires more costs for concreting work. Nevertheless, this is exactly the case when savings should fade into the background, the priority is the strength of the base and high performance.
Let's figure out why the height is so important, and what the size of the plinth affects.
The main thing is that the degree of protection of the entire building and its interior from adverse environmental factors and mechanical damage will depend on its dimensions. However, you need to set the height wisely, since each extra centimeter will significantly increase the total cost. construction works. In addition, it is important to focus on protecting the lower part of the facade from frost by laying a layer of high-quality thermal insulation outside or inside.
If you are having difficulty calculating optimal height plinth, then it is worth contacting specialists. Their help, as a rule, is not gratuitous, but it is better to spend extra money on competent home planning than to subsequently give much larger sums to rebuild it.
materials
For the construction of the lower part of the building, as a rule, one of the following materials is used:
- stone - differs in strength, but requires high-quality thermal insulation;
- brick - the most common material for arranging plinths;
- concrete - gives good stability to multi-storey buildings;
- foam and gas blocks - allow you to build a base as quickly as possible, hygroscopic;
- FBS blocks - have a high margin of safety, are used in multi-storey construction.
Choice suitable material produced on the basis of existing project documentation. Let us dwell in more detail on the advantages and disadvantages of each of the listed materials.
A natural stone
Stone is a rather expensive finishing material. At the same time, it is characterized by increased strength and durability. This type of plinth finish has been relevant for several decades, and only granite material and marble or limestone cladding can compete with it.
Naturally, a non-natural version of stone is used; for arranging the basement, cut slabs with a textured surface are produced, in which decorative protrusions are preserved to give a natural look.
Plinths, which are made of natural stone, look very elegant and original. Such a foundation is optimal for private houses and cottages built in a classic or English style. At the same time, the installation process stone plinth quite laborious and requires a lot of effort, time and money, and in addition, it requires professional equipment, which is far from being in every house, so these days such a base is rather a rarity.
Brick
A brick plinth is considered the most popular option, it has a relatively low cost, and the installation itself does not present great difficulties for a person with at least a minimal skill in building and finishing works.
In practice, several options for the construction of such foundations are used, they are based on the combination various materials. So, the brick surface, as a rule, is not the final appearance, it can be painted or plastered. It is important to keep in mind that only silane-siloxane paints are used in the finishing of the plinth, they are distinguished by good hygroscopicity and reliably protect the plinth from water penetration.
Plasters should also be used special, designed for facade works. For the arrangement of the basement, bricks of the M-50 brand are used, the minimum laying is 4 rows.
concrete blocks
This material is also popular during construction work due to the strength and stability of such a base.
The current regulations impose strict requirements on the weight of the blocks used: when performing manual laying, it should not exceed 100 kg, and when using special metal or wooden levers, a block mass of 500 kg is allowed.
This option is perhaps the only one that is suitable for arranging the basement floor - that is, in cases where the basement is not just a basement, but a real living space.
When laying such material, it is necessary to take into account:
- the use of reinforcement to increase the stability of the building;
- pouring the bottom layer with concrete;
- the need for thermal insulation of the basement;
- pouring is performed in stages in several steps, avoiding the formation of seams in any of the directions.
Monolithic plinth
With the use of concrete, a monolithic base is also equipped, such work is based on the construction of a formwork frame, where cement mortar is poured, after which it hardens, 2 in 1 is obtained: both the foundation and the base at the same time.
At the same time, to design such a basement, corrugated fiberglass, rubber mats and other materials are often placed in the formwork, which give the basement a wide variety of textures.
After the concrete hardens, the formwork is removed, the surface is cleaned, voids are sealed and external defects are eliminated, then covered with a reinforcing mesh and a finish coat is applied.
Foam block
A foam block base is another option for arranging a concrete foundation.
This material has a porous structure, which is due to the peculiarity of the hardening of the foaming agent, and the composition of the components includes sand, cement and water, mixed according to a special technology.
As a rule, such a coating looks like a bar, but sometimes it is available in other versions: with spikes, grooves, and the like.
Foam blocks are optimal for arranging the lower part of the facade, since they are very durable and stable, but at the same time they are light in weight (14-20 kg), and thanks to their dimensions, all work can be done in the shortest possible time.
Please note that the use of this type of concrete structures requires mandatory vapor and waterproofing at the stage of preparatory work.
Wood
This option is used very rarely and is usually popular in ecovillages where residents prefer wood as the main building material. With this arrangement, the basement is used completely round logs or a bar with a section of 15x15 cm or more.
Device
The plinth installation is a process that combines several milestones: equipment of the ventilation system, waterproofing, the construction of the basement itself and its finishing.
Ventilation
The level of humidity in the basement is always increased. This is due to the fact that moisture and evaporation rise from the soil base, which, having no way out, begin to be deposited on the surface. load-bearing structures knowledge. This is quite detrimental to operational properties the latter, causes metal corrosion and rotting wooden poles which significantly reduces their service life. Unfortunately, this is far from the only consequence of moisture. Air in basements basement floors is an environment that is ideal for the reproduction of life-threatening and health-threatening fungus and mold. These microorganisms lead to the development of allergic and bronchopulmonary diseases, because during inhalation they enter the lungs of a person, having the most detrimental effect on them.
That is why the issue of ventilation closed type, especially basement, always stands with particular relevance. Basement ventilation is equipped in two ways: natural and forced.
natural ventilation involves the arrangement of special products, that is, holes that will facilitate the free circulation of air. This type of ventilation is provided due to the difference in air temperatures inside and outside the basement. Depending on the design of the base, the device may vary. For example, if the basement is built of monolithic concrete, then during the installation of the formwork, small sections of asbestos pipes are laid in advance, the dimensions of which directly depend on the size of the ventilated room.
The vents are closed with special gratings that prevent rats, mice and other rodents from settling in the basement of a residential building. These gratings are usually made from polymeric materials.
There are no standards regulating the number and dimensions of the air, so the owners of a private house should plan ventilation holes independently, based on data on the wind rose, seasonal temperature fluctuations and precipitation levels. However, any professional builder can choose the optimal number of air ducts and their location, based on their experience with ventilation systems in buildings of various types.
Forced ventilation has a slightly different mechanism of action and a different scope of use. This method is optimal for large basements where natural air circulation is ineffective.
To ensure ventilation of such spaces, ventilation pipes that come out of the roof are laid in the box. Their height should not exceed the level of the roof ridge. For very large rooms use the option in which the input ventilation pipe mounted at the level of the base, and the outlet - above the level of the ridge, while fans are installed in both pipes.
Nowadays, engineering has made big step forward, so the market offers a wide variety automated systems forced ventilation associated with sensors for determining the level of humidity in the basement. Thanks to the operation of such systems in the basement, any increase in the level of humidity above the set level is excluded, the system includes an intensive removal of air in cases where the indicator reaches a critical level.
Warming
The air temperature in individual rooms of the entire building, especially those whose walls face the street, largely depends on the literacy of the arrangement of the basement. And in general, the microclimate in a residential building is largely formed due to the degree of basement insulation. This is not surprising, because the plinth is in direct contact with the ground, bearing supports and the floor.
If insufficient attention was paid to thermal insulation during the arrangement of foundations, the room will be cold and damp.
High-quality insulation plinth eliminates the effect of cold bridges and causes significant heat savings, which reaches 15-20%. This stage is so important because at least 15% of the heat from the living quarters can escape through the basement walls, as a result, freezing of the foundation and supporting structures occurs. As a result, the materials begin to break down, and the air in the basement becomes damp and "rich" in mold, fungus and moss. In addition, a feature of many regions of Russia is the clay structure of the soil, the soil is characterized by a high degree of heaving, and under conditions of low temperature, a phenomenon occurs that is called “frost heaving” - the soil increases, which often causes deformation and displacement of the building frame. Thermal insulation can prevent this process and, accordingly, reduce the risk of distortions and subsidence of structures.
Thermal insulation of the basement can be carried out both from the inside and from the outside.
Warming performs the following tasks:
- contributes to the formation of a favorable microclimate;
- protects the facade from ground and atmospheric sedimentary moisture;
- minimizes the risk of condensation on the wooden load-bearing elements of the foundation;
- extends the life of the house as a whole.
From a practical point of view, both internal and external basement insulation gives the same result. The only difference comes down to appearance of all structures as a whole - insulation from the outside involves finishing work, which makes the basement more attractive and aesthetic.
The thermal insulation materials used must necessarily meet a number of requirements:
- low thermal conductivity - it is on this parameter that the property of retaining heat in the room primarily depends;
- hygroscopicity - the coating should not absorb water, since even its minimum concentration significantly worsens operating parameters insulation and shortens the service life;
- high compressive strength - this allows the coating to withstand the pressure exerted by the soil.
All of the above requirements are best met board materials. as well as modern sprayed heaters.
waterproofing
There are a lot of options for arranging effective waterproofing, they can be conditionally divided into several types. It can be:
- penetrating;
- pasting;
- painting;
- coating waterproofing;
- arrangement of a clay ring;
- drainage.
The clay ring is formed in that part of the facade, which is located just below the ground level. For this clay composition it is mixed and laid down, after which the foundation should be tied around the entire perimeter of the base to a depth of about 20-30 cm. Next, the clay is compacted as much as possible and sprinkled with sand and gravel.
Blind area and drainage are also effective methods for waterproofing the basement. At the same time, for the lowest level of the base, a drainage pipe through which groundwater will be discharged.
The blind area differs in location - it fits exactly in the place where upper layer soil is in contact with the base.
The width of the blind area is approximately 1 meter, as a rule, asphalt or concrete is used for it, which are placed along the perimeter of the building frame. It is most important to equip good sealing places where the base is in contact with the blind area. Urethane mastic is suitable as a sealant. This design must necessarily be located with a slight slope.
These two methods are considered the simplest and fastest, in terms of their arrangement.
Pasting waterproofing is based on the use of rolled materials made of bitumen or synthetic polymers, which are glued in several layers, less often fused. In some cases, multilayer membranes or isospan can be used. The minimum number of layers is 2, while it is necessary to form an overlap of 15-25 cm.
According to professional builders, this method requires pre-training surface and strict adherence temperature regime when carrying out work.
The advantages of this method are obvious:
- low price;
- plastic;
- environmental Safety;
- high adhesion to the stone surface, as well as concrete and wood;
- simplicity and ease of installation.
All work can be carried out independently without the use of professional equipment.
However, not everything is so perfect - pasting waterproofing has its drawbacks too. The surface must be pre-cleaned and prepared in a special way: leveled and dried. In addition, the tensile strength of rolled materials is highly doubtful, and under the influence of external adverse factors, such coatings begin to deform and become unusable.
As the name implies, coating waterproofing is made using coating materials - most often bituminous and polymer mastics, more modern version considered liquid rubber. Such waterproofing is optimal for plinths built of brick and concrete.
This coating is distinguished by its smoothness and uniform structure, the absence of seams and good water resistance. At the same time, such materials are characterized by a short period of use - after 5-7 years they become covered with cracks.
A good alternative to the listed compositions can be liquid glass - this is an innovative material that has been in high demand among users in recent years. Such insulation is easy to apply, environmentally friendly, resistant to temperature extremes and acid-base solutions.
Internal insulation allows the use of the same materials and methods as external insulation, for example, geotextiles and roll materials will effectively protect the plinth from internal moisture. The choice can be stopped on other compositions: bikroelast, euroruberoid or hydrostekloizol.
However, sheets can also be used. They should be preferred in regions with snowy winters or in homes close to flood zones during the spring snowmelt. Sheet waterproofing withstands large volumes of water under high pressure. In this case, it is necessary to use steel with a thickness of at least 4 mm.
How to choose?
The most durable and strong, from a technical point of view, is considered to be a plinth, equipped with monolithic reinforced concrete, since only the most quality cement And river sand without any impurities. The frame of such a base is reinforced with reinforcement.
And here The most accessible material is brick. No less popular is the plinth of concrete blocks, which are connected to each other with concrete mortars.
For one-story houses, most often used natural stone, which is sawn or "wild". Masonry is carried out only using cement mortar, since when arranging a plinth of this type, it becomes necessary to tightly seal all the holes between the stones so that the whole structure is a single whole.
As for the design of the base, it directly depends on the features of the foundation and not vice versa. The priority parameter in the construction of a house is the foundation, and the arrangement of the basement is, albeit important, but nevertheless of secondary importance.
If, with the help of a foundation, the facade is raised to a considerable height, at which the contact of the wall with melt water is completely excluded, then we can assume that the problem of the basement has already been solved. It is this situation that occurs during the construction of foundations of pile and column types, while the base acts as a fence for the space under the house and special requirements its strength and waterproofing is not presented.
That is why in most cases the arrangement of the basement comes down to the purchase of finishing material - here the choice is great: from siding to natural granite. This type of plinth is called decorative and it would be a big mistake to use it as a fence for backfilling sand, since the plinth can only serve as a support if the structure has its own foundation and is characterized by high resistance to tipping over.
If the basement is placed on a strip foundation, then it combines the functions of a barrier and a bearing support, in which case waterproofing and insulation of this part of the house is mandatory.
If the house is built on screw piles, you should give preference to siding.
How to do it yourself?
In order to build a base, you need special tools:
- shovel;
- tank for dilution of cement;
- concrete mixer or screwdriver;
- trowel;
- paint brush or roller;
- centimeter or tape measure.
As a rule, home craftsmen build a brick plinth on their own. All other options require a more professional approach, so let's dwell on this type of work in more detail. For masonry, it is necessary to purchase brick, cement, sand, as well as waterproofing material, bituminous mastic and primer.
- lay out the first row of masonry in the corners, then use a centimeter or tape measure to measure the conformity of the dimensions of the basement to the accuracy of the project, while tolerance should not exceed 3 cm;
- mix sand-cement mortar;
- using a trowel, lay the mortar on the corner masonry, then lay out the first row of masonry around the perimeter, cover with a layer of mortar and reinforce the reinforcing mesh in it;
- perform subsequent layers of brickwork.
Tip: the work will go faster and easier if you pull the cord around the perimeter - this will allow you to build the layers evenly and without deviations from the required masonry parameters. By the way, to decorate the knot, a plinth bar is used.
When looking at private houses and cottages, the walls of which are located high above the ground level, it is sometimes not so easy to guess that this is a basement. If it is lined with high quality, it can look very decorative and aesthetically pleasing.
Finishing the basement can be done in two ways:
- finishing coatings are attached directly to the surface of the base;
- a crate of bars or a metal profile is installed, to which decorative elements are mounted.
For cladding most often used:
- stone - it is decorative and resistant to mechanical damage, such cladding requires the use of the services of professionals;
- plastic panels - modern industry produces panels that imitate the color and texture of natural materials (wood, stone and minerals), the installation of such plates is carried out on a pre-equipped frame and can be done on their own;
- ceramic tiles - offered in a large selection of colors and shades, allows you to create any pattern and perfectly emphasize the thoughtfulness of the exterior;
- plaster - usually used decorative varieties plasters intended for outdoor use.
The last finishing option is the most budgetary.
It is up to you to decide what kind of basement to be, the main thing is that it reliably protects the building, and its aesthetics are nice bonus to strength and efficiency.
Beautiful examples
The plinth, as an important part of any exterior, needs decorative trim. Here are examples of stylish and aesthetic options design.
It is not at all necessary to highlight the basement on the facade, designers allow the use of one material, for example, finishing bricks or siding.
Plastering is fashionable option. The main thing is to use a material that is resistant to moisture, for example, terrasite. Its advantage lies in the ability to choose any shade of finish that can be updated at any time, however, the repair of such a coating will have to be done more than once.
Another type of plinth finish is panels, which are quite widely represented in any hardware store. This is a common option that perfectly imitates natural textures.
Finishing clinker brick- it's pretty expensive solution however it is worth it.
Plinth height country house above ground can be very different. It is influenced by several factors at once, ranging from the type of foundation to the depth of groundwater. Many homeowners who build on their own do not pay due attention to the issue of the height of the basement of the building, because they are sure that it is enough to make the base slightly elevated above the ground in order to continue construction work.
However, this is not enough. You need to understand that the base is above-ground part foundations of the house. The higher it is from the surface, the more difficult it is for moisture from the ground to penetrate into the living quarters. The walls of the basement must be separated from the walls of the first floor with a waterproofing layer. This is done so that moisture that could penetrate the base material does not penetrate through the capillaries into the wall material. The level of humidity in different parts of the house can vary significantly, and this must be taken into account during construction.
If the walls of the building are too low, the structure and the main building materials will constantly get wet, their thermal insulation properties will deteriorate, and internal destructive processes will begin to occur. Gradually, these processes lead to the complete destruction of building materials from the inside. As a result, the life of the structure is significantly reduced, and the owners sometimes cannot determine why this is happening. And the answer is simple - the insufficient height of the base above the ground.
standard height
In an ordinary country house, the plinth should rise about 30-40 cm above the ground. If the building is built of wood, then it is better to take a larger height (about 60-80 cm). If the country house provides for the presence of an underground floor, then the height indicators can reach 1.5-2 meters.
When determining the height of the base, it is required to take into account the weather conditions on the ground: indoor and outdoor temperature in winter, snow level, abundance of precipitation, the likelihood of flooding, groundwater level. It is quite difficult for a non-professional to take into account all these factors. Therefore, even if you are building a house yourself, it is best to turn to specialists for the correct calculations. One-time insignificant costs at this stage will help to avoid further serious financial losses for repairs and re-equipment of the structure.
Typical dimensions and scheme of the device of the tape monolithic base.
To clearly understand what is the meaning of a certain height of the basement, it is necessary to consider several main functions performed by this part of the building:
- The plinth prevents the internal structures of the house from getting wet.
- With the help of the plinth, the finishing materials of the building are protected (for example, plastic panels) from pollution.
- There is a compensation for soil shrinkage observed due to the impact of the weight of the house structure.
- If a tape or columnar foundation, then the distance from the ground to the floor will affect the duration of the operation of the floor, which is often made of wood. In addition, the thermal insulation characteristics of the subfloor will depend on this indicator.
- The plinth helps to ventilate the underground with high quality.
- Among other things, the base is architectural solution which affects the overall visual impression of the building.
Experts recommend paying special attention to the height of the base in wooden buildings, because when the lower rims rot, it becomes very difficult to carry out any repair work. That is why developers are striving to reduce the likelihood of wood rotting by increasing the height of the base. But at self construction the owners often, on the contrary, reduce the height of the basement, trying to make the exterior of the house more aesthetic. Thus, they make a serious mistake.
The main disadvantage of a high base can be called the fact that with its increase the cost of construction work will increase.
Types of plinths
Plinth construction methods will vary depending on the type of building foundation. In our country, either a tape or pile foundation is most often used. Also very popular is the monolithic foundation.
Plinth made of brickwork.
If a strip foundation was erected, then the base can be made in two solutions:
- Monolithic. In this case, the foundation is made in the form concrete wall. Such a plinth must be built along with the pouring of the foundation.
- Masonry. When implementing a masonry base, the foundation is made to the level of the soil, then brick (or from other building material) masonry is made. Similar design cannot boast high level protection against various influences (when compared with a monolithic alternative), therefore additional cladding and finishing is necessary.
When using a pile foundation above the ground, it is accompanied by some difficulties. The height and thickness of the base in this case is determined depending on the ground part of the piles. The basement with a pile foundation can be hinged or made on a strip foundation.
Home decoration with siding.
The principles of finishing in this case are as follows:
- Finishing work should begin with surface preparation. Optional, but highly desirable to remove all defects in the draft wall. If the walls have significant irregularities, then it is recommended to make a high-quality crate, and not waste extra time on leveling.
- After that, the starting rail is installed, which is mounted in horizontal position(approximately at a height of 40-45 mm above the lowest point).
- Further, the siding sheet is mounted in the guide rail and fixed with self-tapping screws or special fixing elements.
- Then you need to insert the second sheet of siding, sliding it to the previous one. At the joints, it is recommended to leave a minimum gap so that the material can expand without problems when heated. The minimum temperature, by the way, will slightly reduce the thickness of the trim elements.
- Subsequently, in the same way it is necessary.
Naturally, the basement of the building can be finished with any other modern or traditional facing materials. The main thing in this case is to ensure the protection of construction materials from moisture and cold air. In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to the device of the blind area and the drainage system on the site. With their help, it will be possible to exclude flooding of the underground premises of the house, as well as the effect of moisture on structures.
What does height affect?
From everything that has been said above, we can conclude that the security of the interior of the country house and the building materials used for its construction will depend on the height of the basement. At the same time, it is necessary to determine the height with intelligence and calculation, because with each centimeter of the above-ground part, the cost of construction work will increase. In addition, special attention should be paid to the protection of the basement of the building from the cold, laying in the space between the wall and finishing materials high-quality thermal insulation layer.
The higher the base, the better if the material for building a house is subject to biological attack and moisture. We are, of course, talking about wood. When building wooden houses, it is best to make the most reliable plinth with effective waterproofing and heat-insulating layers.
If you are having difficulty calculating the height of the basement of your country house, then you should seek help from specialists. Of course, this type of assistance is not free, however, it is better to incur costs at this stage of construction than to spend money on home repairs in the future.
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