Which is better raised foundation or slab

Which is better raised foundation or slab There are two types of foundations that you have to consider when building a home.  The first is the “raised” floor, a framework created around the exterior of the building on which it has a nailed sill or base plate, and then they build the house on top. Most older homes were constructed with crawl spaces and with elevated floors, up to the early 70s. For all but the oldest homes have large lag-bolts to hold the house firmly attached to the foundation. Today, however, it is very heavy and costly to excavate the space inside the footings, set forms for the footings, and create the raised bottom. Builders, therefore, favor the concrete slab foundation, which is both quicker to build and easier to build. Many developers are setting down “application lines,” such as water lines and cables, into the base. Most of the time, everything is good, but if the house is exposed to insufficient drainage and “heating” happens, all the pipes in the slab may be disabled, and the only way to fix it is to jackhammer through the paver section to get to the service line. It’s not always the case, but it can be really expensive to repair when it does. Homeowners with slab foundations must be vigilant in ensuring that water drainage in and around the home is always “good,” meaning it leads away from the house. Well-made raised stem floors, like those used for crawl spaces, tend to settle relatively uniformly over time, while slabs are prone to settling and cracking incoherently. It depends on where you live which form of base you need to decide. When you’re in an incredibly wet spot, slabs are safer, but they will lift the block on around one foot of fill. Slab base also offers greater house stability. If you see a slanted building, then there is a major problem with the base. When you preview houses, look at the structure and the foundation. Professionals should search for any cracks or inclined areas. Call in a consultant for testing if in doubt. Pros of a Raised Foundation Raised foundation homes can shift even with their deeper footings, so maintaining drainage around the raised foundation is equally critical. But, you will also have better access to all utilities— water pipes, electrical lines, and heating/ventilation. The only thing you’ll find in an older home is sometimes “expansion cracks” in the drywall across the door tops and at home corners. The explanation for this is, of course, that the building is shifting ever so slightly, and drywall cracks will appear over time. The elevated houses are evidently easier than concrete slabs to walk and stand on. Although it may be easier to clean a concrete slab in areas such as the kitchen, office, or bathroom, it is also tougher on the body. If you live in an environment prone to flooding, you will be paying less premiums for an elevated floor structure. The elevated floors are cooler than slabbed surfaces. Concrete appears to stay cold. When the concrete slab is on the ground, it will also continue to suck up moisture into the home and become a persistent mold source. This mildew, if unchecked, can be very dangerous and expensive. Raised floors make it much easier for the homeowners to move plumbing than with a concrete foundation. Pipes are in stone set into concrete slabs. Plumbing allows the concrete floor to be teared up and re-poured to move a kitchen sink or toilet. You’ll get quick access to all your pipes with a raised board. Pros of a Slab Some of a paving stone’s benefits include low maintenance. When a concrete floor is poured and completed it is practically trouble-free. If sealed, there is not a whole lot of stuff going to penetrate the lock. Dropping objects onto the concrete would damage the object even more. Don’t put your phone down on a concrete board! It’s a really easy repair if the concrete gets hurt. For a look like wood, brick or tile, you can paint or stain concrete. To protect your home from the winter months, heating elements may be built in concrete. Concrete may also be tiled, carpeted or even painted in a number of colors, once laid. A slab has options for style, for those who think this is significant. Conclusion There are many factors that need to be weighed when it comes to slab vs. raised foundations. One of the most significant factors is the environment in which you, for example, can do better in the way of safety if you live in an area vulnerable to earthquakes. That is the same explanation if you’ve lived in flood-prone areas. But if you’re in an environment that’s susceptible to molding, you may want to go for a dice. Need a Second Opinion on Your Concrete Foundation? We’re here to fix your home’s foundation, no matter what problem may exist. We have the specialized equipment, services and professional experience that you need to make permanent improvements to your building’s foundation. To get you started on the right foot, we would be happy to give you a free quote for the repair of the foundation. When you reach out by phone or email we will have one of our foundation experts answer any questions you have and explain how we can restore integrity and structural stability to your home or company building permanently. Successful concrete projects require careful planning and thorough preparation. Spaulding Concrete reviews the site and designs to ensure that the concrete and base structure follows the criteria for the planned use and that the layout and finishes are suitable for the project. The qualified concrete experts at Spaulding Concrete will be on schedule, on budget and meet or exceed standards by careful planning, professional execution, and strict quality control. To schedule your free quote, call or email us today! We are proud to serve Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Pleasant

Do Slab foundations on new homes settle

Do slab foundations on new homes settle Eventually, any homeowner in Florida will face the settlement of their base. Most homes and multi-story buildings in Florida are built on a concrete slab. This is due to the groundwater table, which is the water beneath the land. Setting is the product of the downward force of gravity on physical objects. A certain amount of movement and settlement is normal; however, if there is too much, severe fundamental problems which arise. What is Foundation Settling? As you can see, the warning signs listed above suggest that your concrete slab is experiencing something more than a normal settlement. While it’s necessary to keep up with minor cracks and home repairs due to normal sedation, if these symptoms start to get worse over time, it’s time to call a professional and have them access to your foundation damage. The best solution to the problems of foundation in the State of Florida is a soil remediation business. Soil remediation companies are specialized in the strengthening of the soil and in the repair of concrete slabs in secure and stable environments. The longer you wait to rebuild your base, the more issues you’re going to have, and there’s no doubt that it will cost you more in the end. Foundation Settlement is a term used to describe how the foundation naturally evolves over time. Climate and time are the two primary causes of settlement. If the year passes, new homes and multi-story buildings in Florida will slowly fall into the earth. How far a slab settles depends on the environment and the nature of the soil on which it is constructed. An engineer or concrete contractor familiar with local soil in different parts of Florida will reliably predict how much a concrete slab may settle in that specific area over time. Compensation ratios can then be applied to the slab construction. If some soil conditions require structural support before construction starts, the soil remediation company will be called upon to restore and improve the soil. In the other hand, if a new building is constructed in improper soil or under extreme weather conditions, a new house may be subject to significant settlement within five years or less. This usually happens when a new house is constructed during a drought, and heavy rainfall happens after the building has been constructed. When this happens, the clay soil will grow, and the buildings built on the slab will undergo some sort of settlement. If another drought soon occurs, the clay will recede; thus, it will trigger a few inches of settlement within weeks or months. It’s very natural to see some kind of settlement within a few years of building a home. A slab which settles a few inches is common as long as the settlement is evenly distributed. The reality is that soil contraction and expansion can not be controlled; however, the consistency of soil construction can be preserved in normal variations. Initial settlement is common, but continuing settlement can trigger problems with the base. What You Need to Know About Buying a House on a Concrete Slab? Some houses don’t have a basement or crawl space beneath them, instead they’re simply constructed on a concrete slab – either because the house sits on a bedrock or on a high water table. At one time, all the concrete is poured on the ground. Some foundations have post-tension cables or are strengthened with steel rods called rebars so that the slab can support the weight of the building. The house is then designed on top of this concrete foundation. Slab foundations are more common in southern states with warm climates, where the soil is less likely to freeze and the foundation cracks. Here’s a peek at the pros and cons that come with the base of the slab. Is Foundation Settling a Major Problem? For the average Florida homeowner, deciding if structural problems and fractures are a direct product of a foundation settlement or a foundation problem can be a lot harder than the untrained eye might seem. There are some circumstances where there is no need to be alarmed; however, there are circumstances where urgent action is required. In most cases , the average homeowner would not be able to notice the foundation’s settlement. Chances are, they’ll find tiny cracks that don’t expand over time and can be quickly fixed. If this is the case, there is no need to worry; however, if any of the following warning signs are present, you should contact the soil remediation company immediately to fix and strengthen your slab before major problems arise, such as total collapse of the base. Are You Looking for a Company to Build a Foundation for Your New Home? Spaulding Concrete has been the SF Bay Area’s top foundation builders for over 30 years.  We’re here to fix your home’s foundation, no matter what problem may exist. We have the specialized equipment, services and professional experience that you need to make permanent improvements to your building’s foundation. To get you started on the right foot, we would be happy to give you a free quote for the repair of the foundation. When you reach out by phone or email we will have one of our foundation experts answer any questions you have and explain how we can restore integrity and structural stability to your home or company building permanently. Successful concrete projects require careful planning and thorough preparation. Spaulding Concrete reviews the site and designs to ensure that the concrete and base structure follows the criteria for the planned use and that the layout and finishes are suitable for the project. The qualified concrete experts at Spaulding Concrete will be on schedule, on budget and meet or exceed standards by careful planning, professional execution, and strict quality control. To schedule your free quote, contact us today! We are proud to serve Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood and the surrounding areas. Articles you

How Many Types of Concrete Slab Foundations Are There?

How Many Types of Concrete Slab Foundations Are There? Have you ever had a home built or renovated? If so, you’re likely familiar with concrete slab foundations. Concrete slab foundations have been used for centuries as a sturdy, reliable way to support buildings. But did you know that there are several different types of concrete slab foundations? In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the different types of slabs and discuss their pros and cons. Stay tuned! The 4 Different Types of Concrete Slab Foundations 1. Monolithic Concrete Slab Foundation About the monolithic concrete slab foundation – it’s made from a single piece of concrete, poured all at once. The advantage of this type of foundation is that it’s very strong and stable. However, one potential downside is that if there are any cracks in the concrete, they can’t be easily repaired. Therefore, it’s important to make sure the concrete is properly mixed and poured so that there are no weak spots. Additionally, this type of foundation can be more expensive than other types, such as a pier and beam foundation. But overall, the monolithic concrete slab foundation is a great option for many homes. 2. Post-Tensioned Concrete Slab Foundation A post-tensioned concrete slab foundation is similar to a monolithic slab, except that it’s reinforced with steel cables or rods. These cables or rods are tensioned after the concrete has been poured, providing extra strength and stability. The use of post-tensioning dates back to the early 20th century, but it was not widely used until the 1950s. Post-tensioning offers many advantages over traditional reinforcement methods, including increased resistance to cracking, better load-bearing capacity, and reduced shrinkage. 3. Floating Concrete Slab Foundation Floating concrete slab foundations are a type of foundation that’s not attached to the ground. Instead, it rests on piers or posts, which provide support. This type of foundation is often used in areas where the soil is unstable or prone to shifting. Floating concrete slab foundations are also sometimes called “pier and beam” foundations. They’re made by pouring a concrete slab on top of piers or posts. The piers or posts can be made of wood, metal, or concrete. The main advantage of a floating concrete slab foundation is that it’s less likely to crack than a traditional foundation. That’s because it doesn’t have to bear the weight of the house. Instead, the weight is borne by the piers or posts. Floating concrete slab foundations are also easier to repair than traditional foundations. If one pier or post moves, it can be fixed without affecting the rest of the foundation. However, floating concrete slab foundations can be more expensive than traditional foundations because they require more materials and labor. But in the long run, they may be worth the investment. 4. Stem Wall Concrete Slab Foundation This type of foundation is built on top of a concrete stem wall, which helps to stabilize the structure and prevent shifting. This is especially important in areas where the soil is very unstable or there is a high water table. The concrete stem wall also helps to resist moisture and pests, making it an ideal choice for homes in these difficult climates. In addition, a stem wall concrete slab foundation provides excellent support for heavy loads, making it an ideal choice for homes with large families or for those who entertain frequently. With its many benefits, it’s no wonder that this type of foundation is becoming increasingly popular. So, how many types of concrete slab foundations are there? As you can see, the answer is a little more complicated than you might think. There are a few different types of foundation systems that use slabs of concrete as the main support structure. If you’re considering having a new home or commercial building built, it’s important to understand the differences between these systems so you can choose the right one for your needs. But don’t worry – we’re here to help. Give us a call today and let us walk you through your options. Are You Looking for a Company to Build a Foundation for Your New Home? Spaulding Concrete has been the SF Bay Area’s top foundation builders for over 30 years.  We’re here to fix your home’s foundation, no matter what problem may exist. We have the specialized equipment, services, and professional experience that you need to make permanent improvements to your building’s foundation. To get you started on the right foot, we would be happy to give you a free quote for the repair of the foundation. When you reach out by phone or email we will have one of our foundation experts answer any questions you have and explain how we can restore integrity and structural stability to your home or company building permanently. Successful concrete projects require careful planning and thorough preparation. Spaulding Concrete reviews the site and designs to ensure that the concrete and base structure follows the criteria for the planned use and that the layout and finishes are suitable for the project. The qualified concrete experts at Spaulding Concrete will be on schedule, on budget, and meet or exceed standards by careful planning, professional execution, and strict quality control. To schedule your free quote, contact us today! We are proud to serve Orinda, Lafayette, Moraga, Pleasant Hill, Concord, Martinez, Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, and the surrounding areas. 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