A crawlspace foundation is a type of building foundation that elevates a home above the ground, creating a shallow space beneath the living area.
Homes utilizing a crawlspace foundation are characteristically elevated above the grade. This design involves creating a space between the bottom of the house and the earth. According to reference information, crawl space foundations are built between 18 inches and four feet above the ground with exterior support walls. This elevated space, typically too low to stand up in (hence the name "crawlspace"), is enclosed by those exterior support walls, which bear the load of the structure above.
Types of Crawlspace Foundations
There are generally two main types of crawlspace foundations:
- Block-and-Base Foundations: These typically use concrete blocks or piers as supports, often combined with a perimeter wall.
- Pier-and-Beam Foundations: This type relies primarily on a series of piers (vertical supports) and horizontal beams that span between them to support the structure.
Both types create the signature elevated space, providing access for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems installation and maintenance, though they are not used as living space.
