A slab foundation is simply a poured concrete slab on which a house is built. A slab foundation generally sits on a foundation that has been built below the frost line. The concrete slab is typically 4 to 8 inches thick with embedded steel rods known as “rebar” to prevent cracking and failure. The foundation of the house is built directly on the ground with no basement or crawl space. All water lines and waists are installed prior to pouring the concrete.
ADVANTAGES OF SLAB FOUNDATIONS
One of the main reasons that slab foundations are popular is the cost factor. Slab foundations are the least expensive and the fastest to install. Slab foundations reduce the cost of the entire building simply because the houses are built directly on the slab. That saves the cost of the floor joists that would normally support the building. Houses with a tile foundation are easier to heat because there is no air space under the house to affect interior temperatures.
DISADVANTAGES OF SLAB FOUNDATIONS
Since there is no basement or crawl space, all vents must be routed through the attic and through gaps in the walls. There is no additional space for utilities or storage, the whole house is basically sitting on a large solid concrete platform. Although slab foundations are the least expensive home foundation to build, they are the most expensive to repair. All the plumbing in the home is basically under the concrete slab, making it impossible to repair it without breaking the concrete floor that is now part of the interior of your home. Leaks are difficult to detect because they are below the slab and in many cases go undetected for years. An unusually high water bill is the first indication that you may have an underground leak.
THE SECOND OF THE THREE TYPES OF HOUSING FOUNDATIONS-DRAWING SPACE
The base of the driveway consists of a perimeter concrete wall and concrete columns that will support the floor joists of your home. The distance between the ground and the first floor of your home is known as the crawl space and this foundation is built at ground level or over a shallow excavation depth of 3 to 4 feet. The exterior walls of the foundation will support the load of the building and several concrete piers will be constructed in the access space to provide additional support. In the past, foundations for driveways have been built using the original soil as the flooring, and recent changes to building codes now insist that a concrete floor of at least two inches be used to help control any moisture problem.
ADVANTAGES OF CRAWLSPACE
A Crawlspace base elevates the home 3-4 feet above ground level. This has many advantages, all plumbing and wiring and vents can be easily maintained and repaired. In addition to providing access under the house, access spaces allow airflow under the house. This will help cool you down in the summer, driveways are usually cool when properly ventilated.
Access space house foundations in flooded areas
If you live in an area prone to flooding, having a crawl space base is a blessing. By installing ventilation grilles in the foundation, you can reduce the possibility of structural damage to the foundation. Vents, when installed properly, will allow water to flow under the house, reducing the amount of pressure a normal foundation would experience in a flood. The vents are designed to allow water in and water out without damaging the foundation. Flood vents are so important that the Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) has made the installation of flood vents mandatory in Type A flood areas.
DISADVANTAGES OF CRAWLSPACE
The cooling effect that the house experiences during the summer can freeze the house in the winter. The floor joists in the access space must be strongly insulated, which will increase the cost of construction. Water can collect under your house and provide an ideal area for insects to nest. The most worrisome downside occurs only if these foundations are not properly maintained or built without proper ventilation. Fortunately, flood and ventilation technology has eliminated many of the moisture and mold concerns of the past.
THIRD TYPE OF HOUSING FOUNDATIONS – BASEMENT
The basement is a typical foundation for a home that includes a full living space under the first floor of your home. In addition to providing additional living space, the basement provides easy access to all of the home’s utilities. Basement base starts with footing below frost line and then concrete walls are erected approximately 8 feet above footing, concrete slab is used for basement floor. Basement foundations have the advantage of providing excellent storage space and a clean, dry space for all utilities. Often times, full basements have been converted into apartments that can be rented and provide additional income to the owner. Whenever a basement is converted into an apartment, at least one exit window must be provided.
Disadvantages of the basement house foundation
The main disadvantage of the basement is that because much of it is below ground level, they are susceptible to leaks and mold. In areas with a high water table, a secondary pump can be installed to combat flooding. Basement house foundations are the most expensive to build due to all the extra material needed and the time to build it. However, this additional expense during construction will make your home easier to maintain. A home with a full basement generally has a higher resale value than any of the previous types of home foundation mentioned.