Comfort - Concrete or Block Foundations often do not result in a Dry and Comfortable Basement. A PERMANENT WOOD FOUNDATION always does. A PWF Foundation is always dry and comfortable. In fact, a PWF Basement creates a basement that is just as comfortable as any room above the foundation. A PWF gives the owner absolute control over both kinds of moisture that try to penetrate a basement area. Because of gravel under the floor, under the footing, and part way up the backfill, there is no damming of liquid water outside the basement envelope. All the water outside flows quickly and freely through the gravel to a sump surrounded with gravel. The sump, located below the basement floor, is the lowest point in the building. The water enters the sump through the bottom. By keeping the sump drained by a gravity drain or a sump pump, there can be no hydrostatic pressure. This is what forces water into the basement space. A 6 mil vapor barrier on the outside of the basement walls and beneath the floor (concrete or wood floor) prevent infiltration of water vapor (a gas) into the livable basement space. This keeps the relative humidity low and the atmosphere pleasant. There are no musty odors and smells in a PWF basement. Because of its dryness, no mildews or molds can be present either, further promoting a healthy atmosphere in the basement. Because of its superior COMFORT, wood foundations add livable space to a home by the area of the basement without increasing costs for this additional livable space.