A permanent wood foundation (PWF) is an engineered construction system that uses load-bearing exterior light-frame wood walls in a below-grade application. A PWF consists of a stud wall and footing substructure, constructed of approved preservative-treated plywood and lumber, which supports an above-grade superstructure. Besides providing vertical and lateral structural support, the PWF system provides resistance to heat and moisture flow. The first PWF examples were built as early as 1950 and many are still being used today.
A PWF is a strong, durable and proven engineered system that has a number of unique advantages:
A PWF is a strong, durable and proven engineered system that has a number of unique advantages:
- energy savings resulting from high insulation levels, achievable through the application of stud cavity insulation and exterior rigid insulation (up to 20% of heat transfer can occur through the foundation);
- dry, comfortable living space provided by a superior drainage system (which does not require weeping tile);
- increased living space since drywall can be attached directly to foundation wall studs;
- resistance to cracking from freeze/thaw cycles;
- adaptable to most building designs, including crawl spaces, additions and walk-out basements;
- one trade required for more efficient construction scheduling;
- buildable during winter with minimal protection around footings to protect them from freezing;
- rapid construction, whether framed on site or pre-fabricated off-site;
- materials are readily available and can be efficiently shipped to rural or remote building sites; and
- long life, based on field and engineering experience.
Contact Us
david@queenslandconstruction.ca
TEL: 647-968-6078
david@queenslandconstruction.ca
TEL: 647-968-6078