Backfilling wood foundation walls.
Instructions for backfilling
wood foundation walls

Backfilling wood foundations requires both the basement floor and the ceiling/floor assembly be securely in place and completely finished before backfilling can begin.

Be certain all the foundation walls have been securely braced plumb and are straight before beginning backfilling.

Increasing the height of the backfill on wood foundation walls, increases the lateral soil loads on the walls. The foundation was design to have a maximum backfill height and is measured from the bottom of the studs.

This wood foundation was not designed to withstand soil loads that are unbalanced on opposite walls other than what has been design in to it. Therefore, never backfill more than 2 feet at a time on opposite walls.

Never operate or park a heavy vehicle over the backfilled area at any time. Keep at least 6 feet away from any foundation wall with the wheels of any vehicle.

The best way to backfill Sub or Frost walls, Garage walls, Crawl walls, Porch walls, etc., is to place the backfilling material gently on the top plates. Allow the gravel or soil to fall equally on both sides of the wall to immediately stabilize the wall so it stays straight and plumb. Never backfill a wall on one side without simultaneously placing an equal amount on the other side of the wall.

The foundation designer or foundation installer will not be responsible for any damage to the foundation due to the backfilling operation. Every effort has been made to insure that this will not happen if these instructions are followed.

I have read the above and understand all of the above.

Owner Signature:__________________________________________

Backfilling Contractor's Signature:___________________________________________

Date:____________________________________________________

Note: Panel foundations can be site built or made in a shop. When made so it cover up items that need inspection by the Building Inspector. Third Party Inspection may be required. (inspect for grade stamps, treatment stamps, stud spacing, insulation, nailing, dip of saw cuts, plywood requirments are some of the item that a third party inspection will note.

All Panel Wood Foundations must be designed and installed in accordance with:
All current Building Codes Standards

While wood foundations are easy to build, this is only true if one is building from an accurate well designed plan. When such a plan is incorrect, or if something is left out of the plan or absent, or if a design is made using a guide manual (these are not design manuals); major mistakes can be made during the construction process. These errors cause problems for the owner, builder, and the building department.

Woodbasement.com a service of Permanent Wood Foundation System (PWF), supported by Southern Pine lumber users affiliated with the training and installation of wood foundations.
. .