Permanent Wood Foundations

Just what exactly is a permanent wood foundation.

Permanent wood foundations.

A pwf system consists of load bearing wall systems framed with pressure treated lumber and sheathed with pressure treated plywood. This will help to prevent it from getting clogged on the sides. A wood foundation isn t strong enough to hold up my two story house a foundation is designed to support the vertical load of the house above it and the horizontal load of the soil pushing against it. Hence the name permanent wood foundation.

Generally the soil pushing against it is a much bigger concern. The permanent wood foundation pwf is an innovative building system that saves builders time and creates com fortable warm living areas that enhance a home s salability. It is now known under a new name. The permanent wood foundation system is an engineering residential construction system based on extensive laboratory and field testing.

If a traditional plastic sump basket is used with a wood foundation the bottom should be perforated to allow water to come in from the bottom. The permanent wood foundation system. A pwf consists of a stud wall and footing substructure constructed of approved preservative treated plywood and lumber which supports an above grade superstructure. While traditional basement walls are made from masonry materials such as concrete or stone inspectors should be prepared to encounter permanent wood foundations pwfs.

Since 1969 specially treated wood lumber and plywood has been used commercially in the united states for wood foundations. Forest laboratories in madison wisconsin has had wood foundation material in the ground since the 1940s and periodically checks it for any deterioration. It s a load bearing lumber framed foundation wall sheathed with plywood. All lumber and plywood components in the wood foundation are.

Permanent wood foundations should have a wood sump crock that is completely open at the bottom. Properly designed vertical stacked wood stud walls will support a great deal. The sump basket should also be at least 30 deep.