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The Pros and Cons of Slab Foundations

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The Pros and Cons of Slab Foundations
The Pros and Cons of Slab Foundations

From the interior to the exterior, we’re certain you want the very best for your home. But don’t forget about your home’s foundation—it should be able to stand comfortably for 50 years. So, what foundation type should you consider? After reading about the pros and cons of slab foundations, we hope that you’ll have an easier time deciding if this foundation type is right for your home.

Pros

There are actually many advantages to building a house on a slab. A major benefit of a concrete slab foundation is that it dries quickly. Essentially, you can pour the slab in one day—you won’t have to wait numerous days for the concrete to cure. Concrete slabs are also incredibly strong and durable. Additionally, they effectively protect against insects and can hold heavy furniture.

If you choose a slab foundation over a crawl space foundation, your home will be less prone to flooding. The design directs rainwater away from your home and reduces condensation. There’s also less of a chance that mold and mildew will inhabit your living spaces, as you won’t have to deal with a moist basement or crawlspace.

It’s estimated that slab foundations cost between $10,000 and $20,000; In many cases, a concreate slab can be half the price of a basement or crawl space!

Cons

Concrete slabs can crack, especially when they’re exposed to freezing temperatures. While concrete is strong, even the smallest crack will let moisture into your living space. Plus, crack repairs can be costly. You’ll want to contact a professional for slab foundation repairs because this area of your home isn’t something you should try to fix on your own. Another downside is that concrete slabs don’t have a crawlspace, so they don’t give homeowners any extra storage space. Furthermore, utilities must be stored inside the walls, such as air conditioning, heating, and ventilation.

An improperly built slab is incredibly difficult to access. This can be a big issue if you need to examine ductwork. You’ll also notice that, due to shifting soil, your flooring will be uneven. Additionally, slab foundations tend to experience more damage from earthquakes because one’s home sits with a single layer of concrete between it and the ground.

WRITTEN BY

Austin Werner

Austin Werner is the Owner of The Real Seal LLC, a basement waterproofing and foundation repair company. Austin believes that having a highly trained and happy team is the key to success. This is reflected through hundreds of 5 star customer reviews his company has received online.

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