Originally Posted By: jrapp This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I looked at a home with a friend today that had some type of concrete or block type foundation, but I found no access and there are no vents. This home was built in 1945.It also only showed about 1 inch above the ground. I was wondering if anyone could tell me what this is, crawlspace,slab?
Originally Posted By: dedwards This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Sounds like a raised slab. Block foundation walls, backfilled with soil and then poured with concrete. If only one inch showing it isn’t much of a crawlspace.
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
To get an indication of the type of floor, bounce on it near the middle. No flex at all and it’s probably slab on grade, and some flex would indicate framing over a crawl space.
I assume you mean only 1" of the block foundation is visible from the outside (siding clearance to grade). I would be concerned about the siding if it's wood or stucco, and I would also be concerned about the clearance of the sill plate to grade.
You need to first determine the floor type, so you also have an indication of where the sill plate is relative to the floor and grade. I have seen vinyl siding extended down below sill plates up high in order to cover the foundation wall, but that can usually be picked up.
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: mcyr This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Tapping or walking on it should tell. A Structural Engineer once told me, that if it bounces, it is a good sign of proper design, if it dose'nt, you need to pay attention. Hope it is concrete at this point.
Look into the area construction techniques for that area for those years, that might help you at least get an idea as to what it should be, and go from there.