Just as the name implies, a slab foundation is a type of building foundation that is made of a concrete slab. It is different from the traditional types, and is mostly preferred for its solid, easy to prepare advantages. As explained by Total Foundation Repair San Antonio (slab foundation repair in San Antonio), a slab foundation is always a thick slab of about 5’’-6’’ thick around the middle and 24’’ at the edges.
The foundation is made to have a large, strong capacity, and is often prepared at poured at once, in a day to the subsequent days. This type of foundation is the commonly preferred type in warmer climates. It is also a foundation type known to be cheaper and very much suitable for structures that may still get altered or extended in the future.
There are several advantages to opting for a slab foundation in your constructions. However, despite the many benefits, a number of things can go wrong with one. But firstly, here are some more reasons why a slab foundation might be your most preferred choice.
Definitely a foundation of solid concrete offers such sturdy stability that has a very low tendency to give in or collapse. They are stable and very suitable in uneven landscape or geography. Such foundations are able to carry a lot of weight and usually show no threats over the years.
Knowing that slab foundations are laid directly on the ground surface, there is no crawling space for rodents such as chipmunks burrowing underneath. Also, moisture cannot seep underneath the structure to create mold or mildew which breeds unwanted insects and pests.
In buildings with slab foundations, air conditioning, wirings, heating and other fixtures are always easier to add. In fact, there is more flexibility in the flooring options that can be done. And as such, houses with this type of foundation are always relatively cheaper than other foundation types.
Now seeing these benefits, before you eagerly opt for this type of foundation, you should know the likely flaws and damages which can go wrong with it.
Firstly, the sturdy permanence of a slab is both an advantage and a disadvantage. This makes it very rigid in case there is a need for any adjustment. Ventilation and wirings and all internal fixtures that need to be made are done inside the walls or below the house.
This can make it very difficult to reach for adjustment if the need arises. Imagine what happens when there is a pipe leakage beneath the structure. This can go unnoticed for an extended period of time and do a lot of damage to the strength of the foundation.
When there is a need to make repairs beneath the foundation, it requires a task of hammering through the concrete mass. This can be really expensive and time-taking process. Electrical works are also really difficult to access due to the rigidity of the foundation because they are deep within the structure.
One other issue that can go wrong with a slab foundation is that it is easy to crack. Yes, concrete is a really strong material, but due to the dry hardness, it is very susceptible to cracks.
Thus, this type of foundation is mostly inadvisable in cold climates or harsh weather conditions. It is a well-known fact that slab foundations crack due to very cold temperatures or varied changes in the level of moisture around it.
Also, the natural ground layout can affect a slab foundation. If the ground level is uneven, it is usually advisable to have the area graded properly before construction begins.
In cases where a slab foundation is done in uneven or shifting ground, there is a high possibility of it sinking into the ground or tilting over time. In other words, poor soil compaction can do damage to a slab foundation.
Structures that have slab foundations tend to be cold and difficult to retain heat, especially in cold weather periods. Once dampened, it is really difficult to get internally warm.
Also, another potential ham to your slab foundation is the growth of a tree root that stretches towards the building. This growth can very easily displace the stability of the foundation.
Finally, having a need to maintain or check the foundation might be a really difficult process and almost impossible to fully assess. Of course, since foundations are permanent, it is highly advised that you know what you need before commencing work. If you want your house to have a basement or a crawl space underneath the building, then this might not be possible with a concrete slab foundation.
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