Preserved Wood Foundation (PWF) - What is it?
BENEFITS OF A WOOD BASEMENT
What is PWF?
Preserved Wood Foundation (PWF) is primarily constructed using pressure-treated wood infused with preservatives to resist the destructive effects of rot, decay, and insect damage. As an excellent solution for wet soil conditions prevalent in Alberta, PWF is well-known for its durability and long-lasting effects.
PWF: Advantages and Strengths in Alberta
Moisture Resistant: PWF is specifically designed to resist moisture, making it an ideal choice for damp soil conditions.
Durability: The preservatives infused in PWF are geared towards combating rot and decay, ensuring its longevity.
Ease of Construction: The quick and efficient construction process of PWF reduces labor costs and construction time.
Insulation: Another green advantage of a wood basement is that it creates a warmer basement, which can translate to reduced energy costs and increased energy efficiency in homes., with it’s ability to store & keep warmth in, therefore lowering heating costs.
Construction of PWF in Alberta
The construction process of PWF foundations utilizes pressure-treated wood infused with preservatives to ensure longevity and durability. The frame comprises horizontal and vertical wood planks fastened together to form a sturdy frame. Metal brackets or concrete footings anchor the foundation frame to the ground. The foundation is backfilled with gravel or crushed stone to help with drainage, and a layer of insulation is added on top of the gravel. A moisture barrier is installed to prevent moisture from seeping into the foundation.
Originally favored in remote areas where location made concrete cost prohibitive and difficult to obtain, PWF’s are now built everywhere in North America. Thousands of PWF homeowners enjoy the comfort and livability of their homes, as well as the cost savings realized by this energy efficient building system.
Wood outperforms other major building materials when Life Cycle Assessment is used to compare environmental impacts:
- Requires less embodied energy in production
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
- Releases fewer pollutants into the air
- Discharges less water pollutants
- Generates fewer solid wastes
BWF basements are pleasant to live in year round. Warm, dry and comfortable and easy to heat are the comments most frequently made by the people who lives in houses with a wood foundation. It is suitable for all types of living spaces, including bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchens, living & rec rooms.
Maintenance of PWF in Alberta
Preserved Wood Foundations require minimal maintenance. However, regular inspections are critical in ensuring the foundation's stability and security. Timely repair of any cracks or damage is crucial in avoiding further damage.
Finishing a basement is much easier with a PWF. Converting the basement area into a finish living space is a far simpler and more economical process than other types of basement construction. Because a PWF is a wood stud wall it is easily insulated and a variety of wall finishes can be quickly installed. PSW’s are durable and safe. Wood treated with preservatives is not harmful to human health when used in the proper application such as PWF. Enter what is the best environmental choice to conserve energy and minimize the environmental impact of buildings reduced energy and resource used in extraction processing reduce energy consumption in processing in and use minimized external pollution environmental damage throughout the lifecycle minimized internal pollution in the built environment
The Final Verdict
In conclusion, PWF is an economical and robust foundation system worth considering. Its construction process is straightforward and efficient, making it an excellent option for homes in Alberta. PWF's resistance to moisture and rot, coupled with its insulation properties, guarantees longevity and durability. If you are contemplating building a new home or replacing your current foundation, consider the Preserved Wood Foundation (PWF).