What's the Difference Between a Building’s Foundation and Its Footings?

Because foundations and footings are quite similar in some respects, the two terms are often used interchangeably. As a result, telling the difference between them can get confusing.

Here’s what you should keep in mind when differentiating between footings and foundations.  

Building Structure

A basic understanding of building structure is needed to understand the difference between a building’s foundation and its footings. 

A building can be divided into two main sections: the substructure and the superstructure. The sub-structure portion of a building is below the ground, and the superstructure is above ground.

What is the Foundation?

Simply put, the foundation is the section of a building that is below the ground level. A building’s foundation transfers the structure’s gravity load into the earth.  

A strong foundation is necessary for buildings to last long periods of time and to keep occupants safe. There are two types of foundations – shallow foundations and deep foundations.

Shallow Foundations

A shallow foundation (also called open or spread footings) takes the weight load from each column and spreads it over a large area. This is done by digging the dirt around the footing until the bottom is reached. Then, the building takes place from the footing up. The purpose of this is to prevent the weight load from exceeding the capacity of the soil.

Three types of shallow footings commonly used are individual (or spread), strip (or continuous), and raft.

Deep Foundations 

Deep foundations are used when a building needs more support and, as a result, the building construction is deeper in the ground.

Deep foundations can also be called pile foundations. A pile is known as a long cylinder made of concrete. It is pushed into the ground to support the weight on top of it.

There are two types of deep footings for foundations: end bearing piles and friction piles.

What is a Footing?

The footing of a building is a type of foundation constructed beneath a column or wall base. Footings are used to distribute a building's weight over a large area.

A building’s footing is situated directly below the lowest part it supports. Footings are typically viewed as the most important part of foundation construction. They prevent settling and provide support for the foundation and structure.

The Difference Between Foundations and Footings

Not all foundations are footings; however, all footings are foundations.

The foundation of a building transfers gravity loads below the ground from the superstructure, whereas the footing is in contact with the ground (not below it).

A foundation directly connects with soil and transfers it to the ground. The footing of a building transfers loads directly to the soil.

Contact Foundation Fix Today

Do you have questions about foundations and footings? Foundation Fix can help! Contact us today to learn more about the services we provide in the Niagara and St. Catharines regions.