Pier and Beam vs Slab Foundations | Which one should you choose?
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Published 2022-03-31
Two popular types of foundations are pier and beam and slab foundations. In this video, we’re going to look at how they are made, their upfront costs, long term costs, protection from the elements, where they should be used and whether one is better than the other.
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Chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:54 Pier and Beam
2:05 Slab-on-grade
3:15 Upfront costs
3:46 Long term costs
6:22 Sponsorship
7:13 Protection
8:30 Where to use
9:06 Conclusion
Pier and Beam: A series of holes are dug in the ground, 5 to 10 feet apart. These holes must hit bedrock, which can be 4 feet below the surface or 50 feet. Large cardboard tubes are sunk into the soil. Plastic bases can be added to the bottom to increase the size and carrying capacity of the piers. This helps to ensure the piers won’t shift. Circular rebar cages are placed in the middle of the voids. These tubes must be perfectly straight and level. Next, the voids are filled with concrete and a base connection is embedded in the top of the pier. Beams are extended from one pier to another. These will support the joists and flooring of the home.
Slab on grade or monolithic slab foundations are a newer construction method. First, the surface is leveled and a perimeter form is created for the foundation. 4 to 6 inches of gravel is spread inside. A layer of plastic sheathing is laid down to act as a moisture barrier. Engineered steel rebar reinforces the concrete foundation. Concrete is poured over the gravel and plastic sheathing and allowed to cure.
Pier and beam and slab on grade foundations are mainly found in the southern parts of the US. Northern states have conditioned crawl spaces and foundations with basements. The reason slab on grade foundations are so popular nowadays is because it is easier to construct and it has a lower upfront cost compared to pier and beam foundations.
But the lower upfront costs of slab foundations means higher long term costs, like foundation repair. Pier and beam foundations have individual piers and beam members, so it is easier to isolate foundation problems and it’s cheaper to repair. Slab on grade foundations can shrink, crack and even sink. They are more difficult and expensive to repair.
Repairing electrical and plumbing issues is also easier and cheaper when you have a pier and beam foundations, thanks to the crawl space underneath. With a slab foundation, repairing any electrical and plumbing issues is a messy, destructive and expensive process. You have to jackhammer the slab and cut steel rebar to access any pipes. The lifespan on the concrete slab is lowered to get to the utilities underneath.
Another feature to consider is the ability to add levels or stories to your homes. You could technically add additional piers and beams to support another level. You could also detach your pier and beam home from the foundation and move it to a completely different site.
Unvented pier and beam foundations can be insulated with fiberglass or spray foam. This can help lower your energy bill and make your home feel more comfortable. Slab on grade foundations don’t have this problem. However, if you don’t use a vapor barrier underneath, moisture from the ground can seep through the concrete.
Pests and rodents often seek shelter in crawl spaces and can build nests beneath your home. Slab on grade foundations don’t have this issue, but termites can enter through any cracks or openings. In terms of comfort, floors on pier and beam foundations sound hollow and squeaky. But, they are easier on your feet because they can flex. Concrete slab foundations are solid and quiet, but standing on them all day long can be tough on your feet.
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SOURCES:
• How to Build a Garage #1 - Layout and...
• Pro Tips: How to Build Deck Footings ...
• How To Partially Encapsulate a Crawls...
• DIY Concrete Foundation for a Room Ad...
• Post-tensioned slab procedure
• Historic Six Bedroom Victorian House ...
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