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Discover the Wafflemat Foundation System: Proven Performance for Challenging Soils
The Wafflemat Foundation System stands as the world's leading solution for constructing on expansive, compressible, collapsible, and rocky soils. Since 1993, it has supported millions of square feet of residential and light commercial structures across the United States—without a single structural failure.
Renowned for its simplicity and speed, Wafflemat is one of the easiest foundations to build, slashing construction time to just 4–5 days compared to 10–14 days for alternative slabs. Fully compliant with International Building Code (IBC) and International Residenctial Code (IRC) requirements, it delivers reliability you can trust.
Building a Wafflemat foundation starts with a clean, level pad—right on grade.
Once underground utilities are installed—a process simplified by Wafflemat, as trenching avoids navigating under in-ground ribs or deepened footings—perimeter formwork is set directly on the pad as with conventional slabs.
Next, interlocking Waffleboxes (8½” or 12” high, 19” x 19” thermal-grade, heat-resistant, patented plastic forms) are placed on the ground. These durable units, strong enough to walk on, snap together at the top and bottom using included plastic clips, forming precise voids in the foundation. With only one correct installation method, every Wafflemat foundation meets code standards seamlessly.
A monolithic post-tensioned reinforced concrete slab, typically 4”–5” thick, is poured over the Waffleboxes, creating robust concrete beams throughout the interior footprint and perimeter. The result? A raft-like slab that floats securely on the soil.
What truly distinguishes Wafflemat are two groundbreaking features that ensure superior performance. First, the voids created by the Waffleboxes serve as natural "relief valves," absorbing soil heave to prevent significant structural cracking. Second, despite offering one of the stiffest cross-sections per cubic yard of concrete, Wafflemat minimizes contact area with underlying soils compared to other systems—reducing uplift pressure during heaving for enhanced stability.
Environmentally conscious? Wafflemat excels here too, using less concrete and steel while minimizing soil excavation and off-haul. This lowers carbon emission. Plus, it helps builders earn LEED points in categories like Materials & Resources (MR), Energy & Atmosphere (EA) and Innovation (IN). Other categories where Wafflemat may contribute points are Sustainable Sites (SS), Indoor Environmental Quality (EQ),
With an unmatched track record of durability, Wafflemat remains one of the most cost-effective options in construction. By cutting soil prep, materials, and cycle time, it often yields 20%–25% savings over competing foundations—making it a smart investment for builders seeking efficiency and peace of mind.