How can wooden foundations be protected from moisture to ensure their longevity and structural integrity?
Asked by Nicky Gregory 
7 months ago
Last Updated: May 21, 2024
How can we prevent wooden foundations from getting moisture?
I’ve been told that it’s possible to scorch the undersides to give them a weathered look.
Do you think this is similar to a shed? Or something else?
Constructed a house in the year 1987.
I see what you mean. I was going to suggest using pressure treated wood. When I was a kid, my grandpa used to coat wood fences and barn foundations with a mixture of half used motor oil and half diesel fuel. Maybe you could try something similar but with an actual penetrating sealer instead.
Alright, let’s jack it up, build a solid foundation, and lay down some vapor barrier.
The previous owners of Cameron, Cole Walker, installed a vapor barrier 10 years back.
Hey there, could you snap some photos of your basement or crawlspace for us?
Hey , I found out that it actually has a full basement. Thinking of buying this house and wanted to ask about maintenance, is it a good investment in the long term? I didn’t notice any signs of damage or mold during the tour. Scheduled an inspection for this week
I’m not entirely convinced that it’s a wooden foundation back in 1987. I’d really appreciate seeing some pictures.
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The weather is beautiful today.
I’m looking forward to the weekend.
Hey there, how’s it going?
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I’m not sure if these pictures provide any clarity…
Anonymous contributor The outside of the foundation appears to have a stucco-like appearance, which is unusual. It may have been added post-construction to conceal something. The other photos are a bit unclear, but it seems to show a concrete wall with a rock bed beneath a wooden floor structure. It’s hard to say for certain based on the images.
An unidentified participant acknowledges. Thanks a lot. These photos are currently the only ones available. Your feedback is valued!
Is this considered a wood foundation? Or is it a wood knee wall placed atop a concrete or concrete block foundation?
I’m not completely certain! The realtor specifications mention a wood foundation.
Hey , my current home has a preserved wood foundation that’s very dry. Only the footings and frost walls, extending 4 feet below the walkout, are made of concrete. This is actually the 3rd house I’ve had with a wooden basement. The previous two, built in the 1970s, never had any problems. I constructed this house in 2011. The walkout basement is 1600 square feet, with a 900 square foot garage attached to one end. The two-level house on top of the basement is 4700 square feet. It’s dry, warm, and sturdy. The exterior of the basement underground is insulated with 2 inches of rigid foam and a Wetskin membrane. Above ground, it’s covered with stucco on top of all that
Oh, by the way, we’re located in Canada. The frost reaches about 6 to 7 feet deep, causing a lot of ground movement. But, thankfully, no issues so far
Ensuring the land slopes downward from the structure. Waterproofing should have been completed during construction. Any idea how the interior of the building is holding up? It’s been ages since I last saw a wooden basement.
It looks pretty good. No signs of cracking or uneven floors. We’re scheduled for an inspection this week
An anonymous participant who used to work as a home inspector shared some information about wood foundations: https://www.nachi.org/permanent-wood-foundations.htm
Thank you so much!
It’s a bit tricky to see from the photos, but it seems like there’s a wooden skirting or knee wall covered in Dryvit or stucco. The actual foundation below grade is likely not wood, probably concrete. Those wooden knee walls on top are likely there to raise the basement a bit. To protect your home, make sure water drains away, keep your gutters clean, and avoid letting soil pile up against the skirting. If you don’t want to tear it all out and start over with pressure treated lumber or a brick wall, these steps should help maintain it for years to come. Contrary to what some may think, this setup is quite common in Western NY, with wooden knee walls on top of brick or concrete foundations, and they’ve held up well over time.
Back in the late 70’s, wood foundations were quite popular and were typically made with treated lumber. There are still a few around here in WI.
I hear what you’re saying, but I interpreted the original post as more of a knee wall or skirting rather than a wooden foundation.
Hey Ron, I’m not seeing any pictures. Can you provide more details?
What’s up, Ron? Can you specify which pictures you’re referring to?
Hey, have you checked out Cole Walker’s comments?
You might want to put down lots of 3/4 clear gravel around the foundation.
Just a heads up, there’s moisture in the ground. Consider using concrete.