What are the pros and cons of masonry block vs. poured concrete foundations?
It all depends on the conditions that exist, frost level, groundwater level, whether the soil is suitable for installation of this type of foundation system, all questions that are best addressed by a geotechnical engineer. Frost level (depending on your climate) and quality of soil are very important to look into when selecting a site for a building, let alone a foundation type. Block masonry systems are reinforced with rebar, and wire mesh, are very easy to install adequate draintile systems with, and have the capability of being built at depths within the realm of feasability if you must go deeper than you expect pertainent to your subsurface consitions. However, they are more expensive due to the labor involved with assembly and installation. If your conditions allow for a trenched and poured footer, than this system is acceptable, but much more sensitive to inadequate conditions, basically due to the lesser lateral reinforcement, like you get with a masonry foundation system. I ad
