Pier and Beam vs. Concrete Slab Foundation

 

A strong foundation makes a strong home. Building a house is exciting, but choosing between a concrete slab or a pier and beam foundation might seem like just another thing on the checklist of stuff you didn’t think about before. However, it’s essential to choose carefully, since this will be holding up your house forever. There are also critical differences between them, so you’ll need to carefully weigh the pros and cons in this article to decide which one is right for you.

 

What is Pier and Beam Foundation?

Pier and beam foundations, also known as crawl space foundations, are usually found in older structures. They’re most common for homes built on shifty soil and areas where flooding is expected. This type is elevated off the ground, making building houses on sloped terrain easier.

To create a pier and beam foundation, the piers are placed inside concrete footing that keeps it stable. Then, they’re lined up along beams that support the house. The crawl spaces make room for electrical, plumbing, and structural repairs.

 

Pros of a Pier and Beam Foundation

Since a pier and beam foundation is supported on individual beams, isolating damages to one area is easier than worrying about the entire foundation. Therefore, repairs are much easier and cheaper. Another benefit is the crawl space. If there are electrical or plumbing issues, you can handle them quickly. Plus, you can add more insulation with pier and beam foundations since you can work underneath the house.

 

Cons of a Pier and Beam Foundation

A downside of pier and beam foundations is that they’re intricate and time-consuming to construct, so they’re more expensive than a concrete slab. Also, since there’s a gap between the house and the ground, a draft can cause the floor can get cold during the winter months. Additionally, crawl spaces are susceptible to flooding, so they need to be drained at times. The amount of water that gathers underneath can cause mold to grow, leaving the house smelling musty.

On top of the mold, these spaces are the perfect home for insects and rodents. This makes it harder to find someone other than a professional willing to go under the house for repairs. With the risk, it’s better to hire Kgraberco, a concrete contractor in Kokomo, IN, to go under and fix the foundation safely.

 

What is Slab Foundation?

Slab foundations are made of concrete carefully poured into the ground, usually on a layer of sand, necessary for draining water. It’s then reinforced by steel tension rods. Slabs are more common in modern homes in areas with a warmer climate and low risk for flooding.

Since freezing water can cause cracks and damage concrete, slab foundations aren’t ideal for homes in cold regions. However, it takes a lot less time to lay down this type of foundation, which is why it is prevalent nowadays. So, if the land you’re building your house on is even or very low-sloped, it might be an excellent choice for you.

 

Pros of Slab Foundation

The most significant advantage of concrete slab foundations is their low-cost installation price. Plus, they don’t take as long to dry, reducing the overall time to build the house compared to those made on pier and beam.

Since there’s no crawl space, you’re also less likely to encounter pest infestations underneath. Additionally, with the sand underneath to properly drain water, you won’t have to worry about flooding or mold growth. And in the winter months, your floor won’t be as cold since there’s no draft underneath the house.

 

Cons of Slab Foundation

Slab foundations built on shifty soil are more prone to cracks than pier and beam. Cracked concrete is caused by freezing, growing roots, or soil with poor integrity. This can lead to shrinkage, leaks, and severe damage that is hard to fix because it lacks a crawl space. They also cause the house to sink when its structure is compromised.

So while the concrete slab is cheaper and faster to install, repairs down the line can be extremely costly. Additionally, since they don’t have a place to live under the house, you’ll have to put in extra money and effort to keep pests from coming in through the walls.

 

Your new home deserves the right kind of foundation to support it, especially for your peace of mind. If you’re struggling to choose between a pier and beam foundation or a concrete slab, you should consider the location of your home along with the climate in your region. In addition, you’ll have to do some research to determine if your area is prone to earthquakes since they can significantly damage the structural integrity of a concrete slab. If you’re still unsure, it may be best to connect with a contractor who can help you determine the best choice.