Why are basements more common in the North?

CLIMATE. One of the main reasons why northern buildings often have basements is the depth of the frost line. In the north of the country (and particularly in the midwest) this requires deep foundations, thus making a basement far more practical.

Where are basements common in the US?

In North America, cellars usually are found in rural or older homes on the coasts and in the South. However, full basements are commonplace in new houses in the Canadian and American Midwest and other areas subject to tornado activity or requiring foundations below the frost line.

Why are basements so common in America?

And while some homes are better built without basements because of moisture issues, there are still millions of existing basements that need help. 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 there no basements in southern California?

“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.

Why are basements so popular?

Basements are most common where the weather is largely dry: floodplains spell disaster for underground living space! In areas such as the Midwest, basements are often considered as ‘standard’. They were remodeled to a degree – often with concrete floors which was an improvement from the basements of the past.

Why is a basement called a basement?

basement (n.) “lowest story of a building, wholly or partly underground,” 1730, from base (v.) + -ment.

Why are basements not common in the South?

The chief culprit of most missing basements in the South is damp soil. Even in drier climates, the clay composition in the soil can make basements impractical or even dangerous. While this kind of soil doesn’t have enough water in it to cause flooding, mold, or rot, it can play havoc with the basement walls.

When did basements become popular?

1950s
In the 1950s, basements were more commonly seen in newly built homes. They were remodeled to a degree – often with concrete floors which was an improvement from the basements of the past.

Why don t American homes have basements?

Building foundations need to be below the frost line to avoid freezing and cracking in pipes. In cooler climates, the frost line is several feet below the surface, which is why many Northern homes have basements. Subsequently, home builders don’t bother with the extra expense of building a basement.

Why do houses on the East Coast have basements?

A: Thor Matteson, a professional engineer in San Luis Obispo, California, replies: The biggest reason why houses are built on basements in areas such as Colorado and the Northeast is to get the footings for the house below the frost line, which can be 3 ft. or 4 ft. down.

Why are basements uncommon in the South?

What percentage of US homes have basements?

There are about 133 million housing units in the United States, not all of them occupied, according to the Census Bureau. About two-thirds of those are 1-unit buildings — standalone houses. About 42 percent of those standalone houses have basements, either full (32 percent of the total) or partial (9.8 percent).