The reason we have basements at all is because years ago people needed to have frost-free spaces before the days that heating systems kept homes above freezing all the time.
Why are basements required in Canada?
It has to do with the “frost line”. In cold climates, the ground will freeze in the winter time down to 6 feet deep, and when it does freeze, you get “frost heave” because icy soil is bigger than wet unfrozen soil. So you have to dig your foundation below the frost line, so you might as well build a basement.
Do you have to have a basement in Canada?
No, but your foundation has to go below the “frost line”, the depth to which frost penetrates the earth in winter. If you don’t, the foundation will be subject to “heave” when the water under it freezes during winter and thaws during spring.
What was the original purpose of basements?
Why Do People Have Basements? While basements today have been transformed into entertainment areas, they were originally created for storage purposes. People would store water, wine and even food down there. Because basements are usually built into the ground, the area is damp and humid (or at least it used to be.)
Is it okay to live in basement in Canada?
In most of Canada you want the foundation below the frost line so most homes have cement foundations that extend 8 feet into the ground. This space can be used for furnaces, laundry facilities, storage and extra living space. Some home owners create apartments in their basement and rent them out.
Why can’t California have basements?
“It’s easier to build without a basement if you were doing assembly-line construction.” In addition, fear of earthquakes was often cited as a reason for the dearth of basements in the Golden State.
Is it OK to live in basement in Toronto?
Various provinces and municipalities have different rules for legal basements, many of which concern safety and comfort. For instance, in Toronto, a legal basement apartment must comply with fire code standards, building codes, municipal bylaws, as well as electrical safety regulations.
What states Cannot have basements?
There actually isn’t a state where basements aren’t allowed, just not preferred.
Is living in the basement OK?
Living in a basement apartment may cause several diseases, owing to molds and radon. Mold is a type of fungi that grows very easily in damp places. Radon, an odourless and colourless gas that causes lung cancer, is commonly found in basement apartments and is harmful to human health.
Is it OK to not have a basement?
However, unless you live in an area with sandy or clay soil or where the water table is high, there is no reason why you should not have a basement.
Why do houses in the US not have basements?
Wet Soils. Damp soil is the major culprit in most cases of missing basements in the southern states. Most parts of Florida, Louisiana, and eastern Texas have swaths of wetland or swamps or significant coastlines. So, there’s just too much water underground to make basement construction feasible.
Why do Texas not have basements?
In some parts of the state the water table is too near the surface of the ground, making leaking and flooding an issue. In other areas the bedrock is too near the surface, making digging a basement difficult and costly.
Why there are no basements in Florida?
Florida has a large aquifer system that spans around 100,000 square miles and provides water for many large cities. The groundwater’s very close to the surface in most parts of Florida and Southern Georgia. Because of the high water table and proximity to the ocean, it is impossible to dig out for a basement.
What is disadvantage of basement?
Damp and Moisture Concerns
However, since basements generally have no windows and extremely limited access to the outdoors, sunlight cannot reach the interior areas, and you might face damp walls, especially if poor construction materials have been used.
What is legal basement Canada?
In Ontario, a legal basement apartment is a secondary unit that meets Ontario Building Code requirements. Basically, if your property meets the zoning codes for your area, and your building is over five years old, your second unit needs the following: At least 145 square feet of space.
What are the disadvantages of having a basement?
3 Basement Cons
- Maintenance Required. Given that they are underground, basements need a lot of work for usability.
- Lighting Takes Effort. Lighting will always be a bit of a hassle, even with a daylit basement.
- Increased Humidity. Basements are prone to humidity.
Why don t tornado States have basements?
To create a basement in an area where bedrock is prevalent, explosives would be required. The cost is too much for most people. Another problem is the damp soil and high water table in the state. Water seeping into basements could lead to dampness and mold, creating a safety hazard.
Do they have basements in Florida?
While you may still find a home or two with basements in the central or northern areas of Florida, most Florida homes do not have a basement. If you should stumble across a home in the southern region of Florida with a basement, we strongly urge against purchasing this style home.
Are there basements in Texas?
Some homes in Texas do have basements, but most don’t. Many of the buildings that have them are non-residential. The Texas State Capitol is one of them!
What happens if you stay in the basement too long?
Basements have features that expose the people living in them to certain risk factors, like mould, carbon monoxide, volatile organic compounds, and radon. Risk of flooding, sewer backup, etc.
Is it cold to live in a basement?
Simply the fact that basements are located underground makes them inherently colder. Dirt is a very good insulator. As a result, the basement will stay cold even during the summer months.