Concrete slabs are renowned for their strength and durability, making them an ideal choice for a foundation. They are also effective in protecting against insects and can hold heavy furniture. Furthermore, they draw rainwater away from the home and reduce condensation, making them less prone to flooding. Slab built homes are sometimes considered cheap and can adversely affect the resale value of the home.
Additionally, it can be difficult to access heating, air conditioning and other systems with a slab. If repairs are needed under the house, gaining access can be a challenge, sometimes requiring the removal of tiles. In addition, termites can more easily access the wood, as the house is closer to the ground. Undoubtedly, slab foundations have both advantages and disadvantages.
Despite the fact that they can be damaged, they are very popular, especially in hot climates. Property owners in those parts of the county where it freezes for months usually opt for a different type of foundation. This is because concrete slabs would crack if they were continuously exposed to temperatures below 0 (and certainly as low as -15 or -30 degrees).Installation is simple compared to other types of house foundations, which makes slab foundations popular with homeowners for their relatively low price. In addition to being relatively inexpensive to install, a slab foundation also saves you money by reducing your energy bills in the long run.
This is because there is no space between the floor and the house, so you don't have to pay to heat or cool the “wasted space”, as long as the slab is insulated from the floor below. The foundations of concrete slabs are optimally designed to withstand force from above. They are extremely strong when it comes to supporting loads. However, they are extremely susceptible to foundation cracks if they are faced with lateral force. In seismic areas, therefore, a concrete slab can be a dangerous option. Its long-term performance is greatly affected by the critical aspects of the presence of an adequate lot classification, adequate drainage of the surface water of the site and a proper landscaping plan.
Despite having both advantages and disadvantages, concrete slabs remain popular due to their relatively low price and easy installation. If you care about your budget, a slab foundation can be a great option because it is often the least expensive foundation option. A concrete slab base is most commonly built on a property that has been leveled, as it should be. An access space base features exterior concrete walls that raise the bottom of the home 18 inches or more above ground level, providing an accessible area to reach pipes and wiring should you need maintenance in the future. There are a couple of reasons why a foundation may be weak or compromised, but a slab foundation manages to avoid them. Nowadays, and specifically at Reinbrecht Homes, they are all built with walls of poured concrete, which have practically eliminated most of the foundation problems of houses related to structural integrity and moisture permeation. The lack of space under a concrete slab means there is nowhere on the foundation to place utilities such as pipes, ducts, or the electrical panel or wiring.
Despite this limitation, if you want a reliable foundation without breaking the bank, you can't go wrong with a concrete slab.
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