To slab, or not to slab, that is the question. After all, a home’s foundation is what everything rests on. Since there are a few options when making this weighty decision, we need to know which is best for you. For example, will you choose a basement or a crawl space instead of a slab foundation?
No matter which type of foundation you choose, there are three primary responsibilities:
- Support the main structure.
- Keep groundwater out.
- Act as a barrier to water.
Table of Contents
What Is a Concrete Slab Foundation?
A slab foundation is also called a monolithic slab foundation (mono meaning one or single. Lithic meaning stone) or a slab on grade foundation. When we refer to this type of foundation, we mean a concrete foundation poured all at once.
- The slab serves as the home’s substructural base that transfers the house’s weight and all that is contained within it to the ground.
- A concrete foundation levels and stabilizes a home to ensure that doors and windows open and close correctly and that the floor remains even.
Usually, slab-on-grade foundations are 4″ to 6″ thick at the center. Concrete footings further add to the stability and support of the foundation. These footings sit below the frost level. This helps prevent frost heave, which can cause severe structural damage.
What Are The Pros Of Concrete Slab Foundations?
- Time. Slab foundations are completed in a single pour and dry quickly, making for speedier construction.
- Strength. When a slab foundation is poured correctly and finished, it will last a long time.
- Price. Slab foundations are less expensive than crawl space or basement foundations because less excavation and backfilling are required.
- Cost-effective. A slab foundation could save you money by lowering your energy bill. If the slab is insulated from the ground below, there is no space between the ground and the home to heat or cool.
- Convenience. Ground-level accessibility can be advantageous because you can enter a concrete slab house with fewer steps and less exertion! If you are building a house for retirement or for someone who suffers from physical challenges, this may be the way to go.
- Low Risk of Critters. With no open spaces underneath the home, the risk of dealing with creepy crawlies is minimized.
- Low Maintenance. Besides the occasional inspection, there is nothing more to do. Under favorable conditions, the foundation can last 50 years before any action is needed.
. Practices to avoid, if possible, when constructing a slab foundation:
- Avoid cold joints. The term “cold joint” refers to a separation between two concrete pours. The primary reason cold joints should be avoided is that they significantly reduce the overall strength and durability of the foundation.
What Are The Cons of a Concrete Slab Foundation?
- Access to utilities. One of the most significant drawbacks to concrete slab foundations is that utility lines are embedded in the foundation. Should there ever be an issue with any of these lines, professionals may need to use a jackhammer to gain access, resulting in more cost to you.
- Floor space. An air conditioning unit and furnace will have to be installed somewhere, which could take up valuable living space if installed on the ground floor of your home.
- Frost heave. Slab foundations aren’t that common in colder climates because they’re susceptible to frost heave. This happens when frozen soil pushes up on the foundation as it expands. Over time, this can cause severe structural problems.
- Susceptible to damage from expansive soil. Take note of where your home is situated geographically. Some areas are susceptible to expansive soil (which expands and contracts as it soaks up and releases water) and are less suitable for slab-on-grade construction methods.
What is a Basement Foundation
Commonly constructed with poured concrete walls, the basement foundation constitutes an additional floor partially or entirely submerged below ground level. It encompasses the deepest space among common foundation types, often mirroring most, if not all, of the floor area of the level directly above it.
What Are The Benefits of Having a Basement Foundation?
- Energy Savings. Basement foundations with insulation remain sheltered from external elements, thus demanding minimal energy for heating during winter and cooling in summer. This not only aids in reducing energy expenses but also contributes significantly to environmental preservation.
- More Living Space. A finished basement can contain additional bedrooms, a kitchen, a bathroom, etc.
- Greater Home Value. More living space equals more value.
- Protection From Storms. Instead of riding a storm out at a community center, enjoy the comfort of your own home.
- Improved Accessibility. Contractors, plumbers, and electricians are always happy to service a home with plenty of room to move around.
- More storage space. A basement is a place to store all types of things you don’t want to look at daily but can’t seem to part with.
- House your utility equipment. It is a great place to put your water heater, furnace, washer, or dryer.
What Are The Drawbacks to Having a Basement Foundation?
- Construction can be complicated
- It takes considerable time investment to build
- More expensive
- Attractive hiding place for insects and vermin
- Prone to flooding. A basement foundation is not a good choice for a rainy climate or a high water table.
What Is a Crawl Space Foundation?
Crawl space foundations feature exterior foundation walls that elevate a home from 1-3 feet above ground level, creating an accessible area below. This design facilitates the installation of plumbing, wiring, and HVAC ductwork, offering a distinct advantage over slab foundations in terms of convenience and safety.
What Are The Pros of Having a Crawl Space Foundation?
- A home with a crawl space foundation is less prone to flooding because it’s elevated above ground. Proper water drainage away from the house is still critical, though.
- The open area under the home is perfect for housing utility lines, air conditioning units, and ductwork.
- The crawl space offers easy access for repairs.
What are the Cons of a Crawl Space Foundation?
- Prone to moisture problems – Crawl spaces are prone to moisture problems. This can lead to several issues, including mold, mildew, and rotting wood. These problems can not only be unsightly, but they can also lead to health problems for the home’s residents.
- Pest infestations – Crawl spaces can be a breeding ground for pests such as rodents and insects, which can damage the foundation.
- Energy loss – Crawl spaces can be a source of energy loss. This is because crawl spaces are typically not insulated, which means that they can allow cold air to enter the home during the winter months. This can increase heating bills and make the house less comfortable.
- More expensive than slab foundations – Crawl space foundations cost more than slab foundations. However, crawl space foundations are less costly than basement foundations.
Give Us a Call
Let Epp Foundation Repair lighten your load by helping you make a rock-solid concrete decision that will last for generations.
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