Stem Walls Concrete Blocks How To

Block walls can also be used to form stem walls that support a slab above.
Stem walls concrete blocks how to. Foundation all concrete block walls must rest on a sturdy foundation of poured concrete. Concrete masonry is well suited for below grade applications because of its strength durability economy and resistance to fire insects and noise. Depending on the building the stem wall is usually built to the height of three cinder blocks. A stem wall is the outer portion of a structure s foundation the stem wall lifts the structure above the ground level to protect it from moisture.
Concrete masonry is used to construct various foundation wall types including full basement walls crawlspace walls stem walls and piers. The stem wall on a concrete foundation is essentially the supporting wall that joins the foundation of a building to the vertical walls of the structure that is constructed atop the foundation. The depth and size of the foundation will vary depending on the size of the concrete block wall and the weight it must support but a typical freestanding wall requires a foundation that is about twice as wide as the wall itself and which extends about 1 foot down below the frost line. When building stem walls block courses on footings are set below grade and reinforced with rebar before concrete is.
There are several stages to the construction of a stem wall which begins with cinder blocks that are reinforced with steel rods and concrete. Jan 6 2019 explore ted lusk s board stem walls on pinterest. Whether you re building a retaining wall or just need some extra privacy a cinder block wall is an affordable way to get the job done. There are many ways to build one but the easiest method uses interlocking bricks designed for dry stacking.
The stem wall transmits the load of the structure to the footing which distributes the structure weight over a wider area.