December 12th, 2017
SLAB-ON-GRADE FLOORS PROVIDEAN INEXPENSIVEAND VERSATILE FOUNDATION Slab-on-grade floors are often the least expensive foundation system and can expedite the construction process. The foundation consists of a concrete slab poured over at least 4 inches of gravel and a layer of 10-mil polyethylene. Virtually any floor covering works well with a slab, although wood flooring systems may require installation of wooden furring strips prior to attaching the wood flooring material. Homes use slab-on-grade floors in two ways: either as the bottom floor of a home or as the floor in a daylight basement—where the floor level is about even with outside earth.Areas with mild winters do not require a deep foundation. In these regions, slab-on-grade foundations may prove an ideal choice for flat lots. Care must be taken in designing a home with a slab foundation to avoid a “squat” appearance. For example, porches are at grade level in houses with a slab foundation, rather than being elevated above the yard. The hard surface of the slab foundation may cause injuries, more frequent breakage of dropped objects, and tired feet unless it is covered with carpeting or other softer floor finishes. Use of slab foundations can also make it more difficult to install wiring, plumbing, and ductwork, so the design of these systems into the construction plans and process is essential.