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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?

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
cracking slab floor

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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Most recently I worked with Chris S. As with other times I worked with Foundation Repair Systems, he was on time, efficient, spoke clearly…

Most recently I worked with Chris S. As with other times I worked with Foundation Repair Systems, he was on time, efficient, spoke clearly in real people talk about the products and services offered. His work in my home met my expectations, by far.

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Great staff from Moberly. Jared, Chad, Matt and Tanner did a great job on my old house foundation. Very friendly and efficient

Great staff from Moberly. Jared, Chad, Matt and Tanner did a great job on my old house foundation. Very friendly and efficient

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These young men Ryan Dean the foreman and Alrx Zike co fireman and Kyler Berrey installer did a wonderful job Would highly recommend this …

These young men Ryan Dean the foreman and Alrx Zike co fireman and Kyler Berrey installer did a wonderful job Would highly recommend this company and these fine young men They were very courteous and worked hard and did a great job and explained everything

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Excellent service. Very informative. Ed Macdonald from Foundation Recovery Systems was the best.

Excellent service. Very informative. Ed Macdonald from Foundation Recovery Systems was the best.

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Zach Sanders was awesome with helping me with my home. Super honest, helpful and knowledgeable. Highly recommend! 😊

Zach Sanders was awesome with helping me with my home. Super honest, helpful and knowledgeable. Highly recommend! 😊

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Kevin Estes came out to the house for a crack in the foundation , and did an excellent job in advising me on what steps to take. While…

Kevin Estes came out to the house for a crack in the foundation , and did an excellent job in advising me on what steps to take. While there he also pointed out a few things the home inspector missed while doing his inspection. Kevin did a great job and I would definitely refer him to anyone need assistance.

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I appreciate a business that responds in a timely fashion, shows up when they say they will, and has excellent communication. Foundation…

I appreciate a business that responds in a timely fashion, shows up when they say they will, and has excellent communication. Foundation Recovery Systems has all of that. From the initial consultation with Jeremy White to the actual repair, every step of the way, the technicians contacted me en route to give an arrival time, made sure I knew what work was being done and why, and afterwards, we walked through and they explained everything clearly. The repairs were executed professionally by Chris Meyer and Brandon Saunders. They were very careful to keep my house in order during the work, they used drop clothes, they swept up, hauled off construction materials, and the trench in the yard was dug in very tidy. They didn’t leave a pile of excavated soil or anything for me to clean up after. I would recommend this company in a heartbeat. You get the quality you pay for.

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Really good and efficient flooring feels level and solid after they fixed our foundation.

Really good and efficient flooring feels level and solid after they fixed our foundation.

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Elliot arrived on time and was easy to talk to and understand. He went right to work checking out my crawl space on a freezing cold day….

Elliot arrived on time and was easy to talk to and understand. He went right to work checking out my crawl space on a freezing cold day. When he was done he shared his findings with me and drew up a foot print of the house and the work he recommended. It was all well explained and understandable me. He also gave me a quote for the work. It took about 2-3 hours and I'm confident he did a quality job.

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Kevin Estes was our saleperson/inspector and very professional,knowledgeable and courteous. We are happy with the experience and…

Kevin Estes was our saleperson/inspector and very professional,knowledgeable and courteous. We are happy with the experience and anticipating the project.

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Foundation Recovery Systems quickly resolved my issue with water ingress to my garage by professionally installing a system to redirect the …

Foundation Recovery Systems quickly resolved my issue with water ingress to my garage by professionally installing a system to redirect the water to keep it from entering my garage. Josh Eaton, Mason Tinney, and Lueck Wright performed the work quickly and politely, and expertly addressed all my concerns. They did a great job cleaning up after the work was concluded, and walked me through what was done.

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Elliot was very respectful of my home as he did his inspection and made sure to include me in pieces that was informative and helpful with…

Elliot was very respectful of my home as he did his inspection and made sure to include me in pieces that was informative and helpful with why things are happening.

Matthew Christopher

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Tyler did a great job . He took the time to explain everything in a very understandable way. He had a great demeanor about him….seems like…

Tyler did a great job . He took the time to explain everything in a very understandable way. He had a great demeanor about him….seems like someone I could genuinely trust

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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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Travis Drake did an inspection on my home. He was great at understanding my concern with the foundation and was very thorough when…

Travis Drake did an inspection on my home. He was great at understanding my concern with the foundation and was very thorough when explaining the solution to me. I would defiantly recommend FRS to others.

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The crew at 5 Melody court in Keokuk ia did a wonderful job. Very professional. We greatly appreciated team of Tanner Austin and Alex….

The crew at 5 Melody court in Keokuk ia did a wonderful job. Very professional. We greatly appreciated team of Tanner Austin and Alex. Once again Thank you

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Zach Sanders just helped us with our foundation issues and he was very knowledgeable and polite as he could be! Sure solidifies are…

Zach Sanders just helped us with our foundation issues and he was very knowledgeable and polite as he could be! Sure solidifies are thoughts on hiring the right company! He's a great asset to your company!

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Nathan Hill of FRS is honest and transparent, call no one else.

Nathan Hill of FRS is honest and transparent, call no one else.

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Timber came over to evaluate my situation. He was professional and direct. He showed me all the options to pay for the services needed. In…

Timber came over to evaluate my situation. He was professional and direct. He showed me all the options to pay for the services needed. In the end Foundation Recovery Systems have a new customer.

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Zach Sanders was very courteous, gave me a lot of information and was very thorough.

Zach Sanders was very courteous, gave me a lot of information and was very thorough.

Leah Leitow

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with nearly ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.

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Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
(319) 220-5034

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Bloomington, IL 61705

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2401 SE Creekview Dr.
Ankeny, IA 50021
(515) 373-8491

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Kansas City, MO 64153
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211 SE State Route 150
Lee's Summit, MO 64082
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Moberly

1872 State Hwy M
Moberly, MO 65270
(660) 202-8662

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3020 N. Martin Ave.
Springfield, MO 65803
(417) 612-8286

St. Louis

1625 Larkin Williams rd.
Fenton, MO 63026
(314) 207-9995