What is a schuifhout?
A schuifhout is a Dutch term for a small timber beam used in historic Dutch timber pile foundations. It lies on the longitudinal timbers (Dutch: langshout) of a traditional timber pile foundation, such as the Amsterdam and Rotterdam foundation types. The schuifhout keeps the masonry of the foundation wall in place, standing directly above the longitudinal timbers, the cross beams and the piles. It thus serves as a fixed edge or stop for the first course of masonry, the bedding course (Dutch: vlijlaag).
Build-up of such a foundation, from bottom to top:
- Timber piles driven down into the load-bearing sand layer.
- Kesp: a cross beam over the pile heads (in the Amsterdam foundation usually over a pair of piles side by side).
- Longitudinal timbers (langshout): beams running along the length of the wall; sometimes these are planks.
- Schuifhout: a small beam on the longitudinal timbers that keeps the masonry in place.
- Masonry of the foundation wall, which is often stepped out wider than the wall above.
Application
You mainly find schuifhouten in older buildings in the western Netherlands that stand on timber piles. They are no longer used in new construction; there the walls stand on concrete foundation beams.
Why the schuifhout matters in a foundation survey:
- Drying out: all foundation timber must lie permanently below the groundwater level. If the groundwater drops, fungi can attack the timber. The schuifhout lies at the top of the timberwork and is therefore one of the first parts to dry out.
- Inspection: in a foundation survey an inspection pit is dug and the condition of the timber is assessed, usually also with samples for laboratory testing.
- Signs in the house: sticking doors and sloping floors, cracks in the masonry and a leaning facade can indicate a damaged foundation. Have this investigated by a specialist firm.
Repairing a timber pile foundation is specialist work and falls under foundation repair. Do not dig along an old foundation yourself: you can disturb the groundwater level and the stability of the wall.
Related Terms
- Kesp (cross beam)
- Foundation repair
- Foundation beam
- Shallow foundation (spread footing)
- Foundation label
- Dordrecht foundation
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