What is a stem wall in construction?
Stem-Wall slabs are constructed in a multi-part process where a footer is poured at virgin ground level, then blocks are laid forming a wall up to the finished slab elevation. This type of foundation is much more stable when fill dirt is required achieve the final build elevation.
Does a stem wall need a footing?
Stem-walls (preferred by Cogdill Builders of Florida) The structures require three components for their construction – a poured slab, a foundation wall, and a spread footing.
Why use a stem wall foundation?
The stem walls transmit the load from the house to the footing (often a spread footing, which has a wider bottom section) and then it is distributed over a larger area. They protect the house itself. By lifting the base of the house, its walls are protected from flooding and some other environmental hazards.
How thick should a stem wall be?
The minimum actual thickness of a load-bearing masonry wall shall be not less than 4 inches (102 mm) nominal or 33/8 inches (92 mm) actual thickness, and shall be bonded integrally with piers spaced in accordance with Section R606.
How thick is a stem wall?
Is stem wall better than slab?
Stem walls are far more labor-intensive. But, they also serve homeowners well when the land can’t be perfectly leveled and compacted. So, they provide a bit of assurance that a home can be built on varying terrain and, due to the elevation they create, they also serve people well who live in flood plains.
What is a stem wall footing?
Stem-walls are structures that are used to connect the foundation of a building to its walls. Predominantly constructed concrete footings with masonry walls, they rise above the ground level to provide a raised platform for placing the building slab..
How do you build a foundation stem wall?
How are stem wall foundations constructed?
- Clear the site. Remove any plants as well as other debris.
- Compact the subgrade. Use a plate compactor and make additions to the soil (like gravel), if needed, to achieve a soil that is adequately dense and uniform for your project.
- Pour the footings for the house.