8/2/2023 0 Comments Cmu stem wall foundationIn addition to higher excavation costs for crawl space walls, additional digging is required in order to bury water and sewer lines below the frost level. While the final cost of any foundation depends on the size and complexity of the home’s floor plan and the average cost of construction in a specific community, an average slab foundation runs approximately $7,500 to $12,000, while a crawl space foundation will cost approximately $8,000 to $21,000. Photo: Slabs are less expensive to build. Fortunately, most communities enact strict building regulations that do not allow the construction of homes within designated flood plains. In that case, a home on slab foundation has a greater chance of taking on water when floodwaters rise than a house that is elevated at least 18 inches on a crawl space. The exception is if the house lies in a flood plain. Vapor barriers make slab foundations a better option in damp climates where the ground is often saturated. This is important because while concrete can’t be damaged by water, without a barrier it can absorb and transfer moisture through the slab, which could then affect the flooring above. Additionally, during construction, a vapor barrier (typically polyethylene or polyolefin sheeting) is placed beneath the slab to prevent the concrete from absorbing ground moisture and becoming damp. Being constructed from solid concrete, slab foundations are impervious to moisture. In regions that see a lot of rain, the area within a crawl space can retain a measure of water, creating a moist, soggy environment that leads to mold growth and increased the risk of wood rot in floor joists and subflooring. In a state such as Kansas, however, where the frost level is 34 inches below grade, a crawl space foundation is more suitable, and its support walls will have footings constructed below the 34-inch mark to stabilize the foundation.Ĭrawl space foundations are better suited to dry climates. ![]() In southern states like Florida, the ground rarely freezes, and if it does, it’s only to a depth of an inch or two, so a slab foundation with typical footings 24 inches below grade is sufficient for stability. In order to stabilize any foundation, its footings must lie beneath the frost level: the depth to which the ground will freeze in any given region. When soil freezes (due to its moisture contents), it can expand and heave, putting pressure on a foundation, which can cause it to crack or shift. Slab foundations are not suitable in cold regions. For example, on the low side of the lot, a two-foot deep trench might be needed, while on the high side, a four- or five-foot trench might be necessary, but the trench need only be two feet wide (standard foundation wall trench width). ![]() Crawlspace foundations are a better choice for slopes because less excavation is necessary (digging only for walls, not for an entire slab). ![]() When a lot is sloped, however, a slab would require extensive excavation because the high side of the lot would have to be dug out and made level with the low side. Slab foundations with shallow footings (steel-reinforced concrete pads that support a foundation) are limited to flat or nearly flat lots where only minimum excavation is required to pour the concrete slab. ![]() Crawl space foundations are better for sloped lots. crawl space-so you can make the best decision when you have a new home built. Keep reading to find out the seven biggest differences between two popular foundation types-slab vs. While both foundation types are used extensively, each one is best suited to specific situations and conditions. Crawl space foundations usually require additional support walls beneath the interior of the house as well. A crawl space foundation features exterior concrete walls that elevate the bottom of the house 18 inches or higher above grade (ground level), providing an accessible area to reach plumbing and wiring should it need maintenance in the future. As the term implies, a slab foundation is a thick concrete slab on top of which a house is built.
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