It begins!

[mfiore]

Does the concrete footer for the bottom of a block foundation (below grade) need to be reinforced with rebar?

[chuckster]

There's generally NO rebar in the footer. However, I poured my slab and left some rebar "hanging out" the side, so when I poured the side slab for a prep surface they were tied together. We don't have much of a frost problem down here.

As for forms - If your digging is only 16-inches wide, forms are not used. Just pour from side to side.

As for getting the footer level w/o forms - Pound in 2-3 stakes (2x2s or pieces of rebar) for each wall in the bottom until they are level. Then when you pour the concrete it will give you something to work to. You can just leave these in as it shouldn't effect the footer, even when they rot/rust out.

Chuck

[thebadger]

Mfiore,

I did add rebar to my footer - 2 pieces on each lenght wide section. Not sure if it's "required" but I think it makes sense and definitly can't hurt. I'm no expert. My brother in law recommende that I use it and some others on the forum.

My motto is "overbuild". For the most part the little extra cost for rebar here, extra this there isn't going to add up to a ton. But I would rather spend a little more than have something fail structually.

Another suggestion for getting it level is builiding level framework on top and then using a long screed to keep things level and the right depth. This worked out really well for me.

Dick

[dbhansen]

I used rebar also, based on the recommendations in a masonry book I have. It was a minor expense for some peace of mind.

[mfiore]

Worked a little more today. I've decided to try the leveling method as described by Dick. Seems to be the best way to avoid having to go into that trench.

[mfiore]

I poured my footing for the foundation today. This was my first time working with concrete, so I wasn't sure what to expect. I decided to have it delivered. It took 1.7 Cubic Yards to put a 12 inch deep, 16 inch wide footing down. I'm glad I paid the extra cash to have it brought in.

The company pulls curbside, so we had to wheel it to the back yard. I recruited two helpers. It actually went fairly quickly. Twenty minutes, and he was gone. The concrete was much thicker than I had anticipated. They told me the concrete for footings is typically much coarser and stiffer than other applications, and that watering down any makes it weaker.

I had set up some wood frames above grade to act as a remote screeding system, similar to what Dick built. Dick's was built much better, mine didn't work as well. I think the coarseness of the concrete made if fairly difficult to work with. All in all, it went well. If I had to do over, I would push in pieces of rebar (vertically) periodically in the trenches to use as level guides, as Chuck mentioned above. As I've been told, their will be plenty of opportunity to level out as I build up.

I did end up using rebar in the footing. It seemed to be relatively inexpensive. I had received mixed advice, so I went the conservative approach.

Time to order some blocks!

[mfiore]

I started building a block foundation. Building a 8 inch wide wall in a 16 inch wide trench that is 4 feet deep is not fun (nor easy), and I'm a thin guy! I'm about 1/4 way done. For my first attempt at using block/mortar/concrete, I am glad that I am underground and none of this will be seen. It does not look very professional.

For this block foundation (remember I live in a cold weather climate with concerns for frost heave), do I need to apply a foundation sealer before I back fill the dirt?

[dbhansen]

Originally Posted by mfiore

...do I need to apply a foundation sealer before I back fill the dirt?

Mike, you're probably sick of hearing from me, but since our builds are so similar, I'll give my $0.02. I also debated the sealer. It's certainly added insurance against water infiltration, especially if you're in an area with poor drainage. If by "does not look very professional" you mean that there may be some gaps in your mortar that would allow water into the block cavities, then personally I would seal it. Knowledgeable people I trusted told me that it would be unnecessary for my wall, so I ended up not using it. As long as you're using a jointer tool to strike the joints (see pic attached), you shouldn't need the sealer. Just my unprofessional opinion!

[thebadger]

Mfiore,

Thanks for the compliment... I think you did a great job! I just dry stacked my blocks but I did pour concrete in every core (all below grade) and a few cores are "hollow" above grade. Since I did that I didn't add any sealer but did think about it. Glad you went with the rebar. I put rebar in my footer as well...

Keeps us posted.
Dick

[mfiore]

Daren, your input is always welcome and appreciated!

The problem I've been having is that their is simply not enough room for me to work. I have 4 inches, at best, on each side of the block foundation. The walls are straight, but if the trench is not in a certain area, than I have less than 4 inches. I've been trying to get the seams filled adequately with mortar. Most are gooping out (too much). Those I'm not as worried about. Others seem to have gaps. I can try to put more in with a jointer. How do I use one of those? I assume just pack the mortar in with it.

I also don't think there is enough room to use a sealer. How is that applied? If its a roller, than I doubt I could get one in that 4 inch space.

How about if I fill all of the cores with concrete. Will sealing the block be as important? How's your foundation coming. These Midwest winters suck! I'll have been working for a month before I can just get to the point where everyone else starts!

Thanks again for your input.