A Guide to Slab Foundations
Homes come in all shapes and sizes and can be built in many ways. In a previous article, we explained what a basement is.
In this article, we explore another foundation type: a slab or slab-on-grade foundation. We’ll also examine its pros and cons. Let’s jump right in!
What Is a Slab Foundation?
A slab, often referred to as a slab-on-grade foundation, is a solid concrete slab usually 4 to 6 inches thick in the center and rests on the ground. The edges are generally thicker, about 24” wide, to allow for extra strength around the perimeter. A slab foundation is suitable for areas with flat ground, fewer freeze-thaw cycles, and high water tables.
Slab foundations are placed on a layer of sand or crushed gravel to improve drainage conditions or to act as a cushion. But before laying the concrete slab, the property has to be graded. If not, the foundation could settle or sink due to poor soil compaction. Some contractors use post-tension beams or steel rods to reinforce the beams. These materials strengthen the concrete and increase its load-bearing capacity.
What are the Pros and Cons of Slab Foundations?
Slab foundations have many advantages and their share of downsides. Some of the most common include:
Benefits
- Less expensive to build
- Relatively easy to build
- Requires less maintenance
- Energy-efficient
- Less risk of mold, mildew, or insect infestations
Disadvantages
- Prone to cracking
- Plumbing inaccessibility
- Often poorly insulated
- No extra storage (in a basement or crawl space)
- Fewer possibilities for design
Trust FRS for Slab Repair and Protection
Slab foundations can work in many areas and situations but are not always the best option. They can experience many problems with foundation stability and water management.
However, all is not lost. You can rely on local waterproofing and foundation repair experts like our team at Foundation Recovery Systems for customized repair solutions. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection and obtain a free estimate.
FAQs
Slab piers are typically needed when a concrete slab starts to sink or settle due to soil instability, changes in soil moisture, or other underlying issues. Symptoms may include visible cracks in the slab or adjacent walls, uneven floors, or difficulty opening and closing doors and windows.
Yes, slab piers are considered a permanent solution for stabilizing a sinking slab. However, the effectiveness can be influenced by factors like installation quality, so make sure you choose a reputable company with a proven track record.
Our skilled teams generally complete slab pier installations within 1 to 2 days, although the exact time can vary based on the number of piers needed. Reach out for a free inspection and more details about the installation timeline.
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CALLED TRAVIS SMOTHERS WITH ISSUES WE HAD WITH OUR HOME AND DRIVEWAY. HOUSE HAD SETTELING ISSUES AND DRIVEWAY NEEDED HELP. HOUSE NEEDED…
CALLED TRAVIS SMOTHERS WITH ISSUES WE HAD WITH OUR HOME AND DRIVEWAY. HOUSE HAD SETTELING ISSUES AND DRIVEWAY NEEDED HELP. HOUSE NEEDED PIERS ETC. AND DRIVEWAY NEEDED POLY. TRAVIS WAS PROMPT, EXPLAINED ALL TO US AND WAS ON TOP OF IT. I FELT HE WAS VERY TRUSTWORTHY! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND
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5-star service! Nathan Smith-Bright helped us with our crawl space encapsulation needs. Very professional and answered all our questions!
5-star service! Nathan Smith-Bright helped us with our crawl space encapsulation needs. Very professional and answered all our questions!
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Awesome work! They did a amazing job and my driveway looks completely different and brand new! The guys were very thorough and informative…
Awesome work! They did a amazing job and my driveway looks completely different and brand new! The guys were very thorough and informative and made it look like a million bucks! Would recommend them to anyone needing work done! Cannot beat their prices and their service is hands down the best anyone can ask for! Wish I would have taken before pictures, the driveway was about 3-4" dropped by the garage, the pictures attached are of the job completed.
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We can’t say enough good things about this company. First, I’d like to start off with how Ed Macdonald (salesman) handled selling to us…
We can’t say enough good things about this company. First, I’d like to start off with how Ed Macdonald (salesman) handled selling to us their product and plan. He took the time to answer all questions and concerns. He was professional but still personable. He gave us a timeline of what to expect and all came out as planned. Second, I’d like to thank Daryn Holder (foreman) for a job well done. He was able to lift our patios (front and back) though we had our doubts. He was thorough in explaining what he would be doing and gave periodic updates as he continued to work. He even asked if we were satisfied, which most companies do not bother to take the time to ask, they just take their payment and move on. Although our job took longer than planned or scheduled for, Daryn did not show he was frustrated, he was determined to ensure the job was completed to the best of his abilities. So thankful we found this company and had the opportunity to work with these two outstanding gentlemen.
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Matt came out this morning to do an inspection and give a project quote. He was very professional and explained every very well. Would…
Matt came out this morning to do an inspection and give a project quote. He was very professional and explained every very well. Would definitely recommend!
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The crew arrived on time after calling me as they left Springfield. They were friendly and polite and very personable. Their work was neat…
The crew arrived on time after calling me as they left Springfield. They were friendly and polite and very personable. Their work was neat and clean. Our floor had begun to sag and squeak over the 43 years we’ve lived in the house. Today, the squeak is gone! I have used this company before, and I will most definitely use them again. Thank you Foundation Recovery Systems, and most especially Mason H.,Mason T., and Logan R Sincerely,Beverly M.Harrison, Arkansas
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We’ve used foundation repair system with repairs on 3/4 of our foundation walls.Just had Dalton Campbell out to inspect the system. and…
We’ve used foundation repair system with repairs on 3/4 of our foundation walls.Just had Dalton Campbell out to inspect the system. and we’ll be hiring them to repair the 4th.Every time we’ve used them they have been professional and completed high quality work. The walls they have repaired are stabilized and have remained stabilized.
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Sale man inspector so helpful Travis smothers was so very nice told me several things to do on my own explain everything very thorough-…
Sale man inspector so helpful Travis smothers was so very nice told me several things to do on my own explain everything very thorough- super pleasure to have him
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Had Travis Smothers come out to look at water in our basement. He explained what was happening and how it could be fixed. I appreciate the…
Had Travis Smothers come out to look at water in our basement. He explained what was happening and how it could be fixed. I appreciate the time he spent with us and how thorough he was. I would definitely recommend him for your water proofing needs.
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Corey was honest. He did a full engineer inspection.
Corey was honest. He did a full engineer inspection.
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The guys were great they were respectful and well mannered they were here on time did quality work and anwsered all my questions. Not in…
The guys were great they were respectful and well mannered they were here on time did quality work and anwsered all my questions. Not in Bentonville house is in Brighton MO
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Foundation Revovery Systems has reached out and is assisting me with my issues. It was quick to act on my concerns, so I've adjusted this…
Foundation Revovery Systems has reached out and is assisting me with my issues. It was quick to act on my concerns, so I've adjusted this and will adjust reflect more positively if things are remedied as indicated.***UPDATE: The company has gone above and beyond to remedy the situation. I would recommend this company.****PROS:>> Company itself is responsive (but not always its employees, such as the salesman)>> Quick scheduling (but they did delay a work or so, but they refunded me $100 after asking)>> Did installation correctly to my knowledge (but grading outside house should have been mentioned before offering the $6,000 fix)>> Individuals working the project (and those who followed up) were pleasant
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Corey was honest. Drove 2 hours and gave a thorough inspection. And determinedthat we do not need foundation repair. And took the time to …
Corey was honest. Drove 2 hours and gave a thorough inspection. And determinedthat we do not need foundation repair. And took the time to explain the best options for our situation.
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Great team. Bryce and Brandon were quick and professional.
Great team. Bryce and Brandon were quick and professional.
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We had our crawl spaces and basement foundation work completed by Luis, Donavan and Billy. They did excellent work, very professional,…
We had our crawl spaces and basement foundation work completed by Luis, Donavan and Billy. They did excellent work, very professional, answered all questions and cleaned up after they were finished. I would recommend this company and their crew to others.
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Corey was professional and personable. He was knowledgeable and explained everything thing very well.
Corey was professional and personable. He was knowledgeable and explained everything thing very well.
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Foundation problems suck, let's be honest. Cody Shipley walked us through the options and helped us find something that worked with…
Foundation problems suck, let's be honest. Cody Shipley walked us through the options and helped us find something that worked with us.Furthermore, I'm impressed at the hoops the crew installing it had to go through. Our neighborhood streets are being worked on by the city and they had to deal with our street potentially getting closed without notice. They had a plan if it came to that, but thankfully it didn't.
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Good crew. On time. Very easy to talk to and work with.
Good crew. On time. Very easy to talk to and work with.
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Came on time. Very professional and courteous. Did not leave a mess. Was meticulous about making sure my sidewalk sections were level….
Came on time. Very professional and courteous. Did not leave a mess. Was meticulous about making sure my sidewalk sections were level. Did a great job sealing each sidewalk section. Thank you Todd and Randy
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The Foundation Recovery team did a great job in my basement. Trenton M, Matthew B, and Kinkade D were all very professional. The team lead, …
The Foundation Recovery team did a great job in my basement. Trenton M, Matthew B, and Kinkade D were all very professional. The team lead, Trenton, kept me informed throughout the construction and installation and took time to explain how the system would work as well as gave details about each step of the process and patiently answered all my questions. I highly recommend their service.
Leah Leitow
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