A well-built foundation is expected to last between 400 and 500 years, while a less solid foundation could last as little as 25 years. The life expectancy of a wooden house with concrete foundations can exceed one hundred years provided that the house is properly maintained and cared for. Naturally, houses built with quality materials and good workmanship will last longer than poorly built ones. The quality of a concrete base can determine how long it will last.
A concrete base is a great investment and should be able to stand the test of time for at least 150 years. To ensure that the concrete base is water resistant throughout its lifetime, it must be made with quality materials. If the base is made of wood, it can deteriorate over time, but if it is made of concrete, it can last for several hundred years. If you come across an old house that you find particularly attractive and passes a foundation inspection, don't let age or foundation be the deciding factor in whether or not you buy it.
Taking certain precautions such as reducing fluctuating expansion and contraction in the soil surrounding the concrete slab can help reduce the chances of foundation failure. It's important to note that new and old homes are equally likely to move and develop foundation problems. Although concrete foundations can deteriorate over time, they are still strong enough to support an entire home. A good concrete base should last several hundred years, but a bituminous layer will only last about ten years.
To ensure that your concrete foundation lasts as long as possible, it's important to hire a contractor who offers waterproofing and insulation services. Unfortunately, there are many factors that can affect the foundations of a property after they have been repaired, including both man-made and geological forces.
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