Slab Foundations Explained
Is your home built on a slab foundation?
A slab foundation is a single layer of concrete that is placed beneath the property to support a structure. The concrete of a slab foundation is typically several inches thick, and relatively inexpensive to build.
These sturdy structures are typically used in warm climates that are more prone to clay soil.
There are many different types of slab foundations that can be used in a home structure. Most are built to support load-bearing walls, which is the structure that holds up the property.
Foundation footings are used in a slab foundation to transfer the load of the building to the foundation, which helps evenly distribute the weight of the building.
Typically, in warmer locations, like California, a slab-on-grade foundation is used. This is when the slab rests directly on the gravel, and there is no space between the slab and the ground.
Before a slab foundation can be put into place, the ground should be graded. Grading helps create a level base and can also be used to create a slope that will help drain water away from the structure. This is important because pooling water can damage a foundation, which weakens the structure.
Oftentimes, slab foundations will double as the building’s floor. These foundations help to prevent pests from getting under and into the house.
While slab foundations work well for homes built in California, they do come with a few drawbacks. Slab foundations are more prone to flood damage, and don’t hold heat in very well.
And like any man-made structure, these foundations do degrade over time. Most houses will settle, however too much settlement can cause foundation issues like cracks in the floors and walls, and other structural weaknesses. This is especially problematic if the soil beneath the home hasn’t been properly compacted.
Homes built on slab foundations should be regularly inspected by a foundation contractor — especially when there are visible signs of damage such as cracks, uneven or slopped floors, or doors or windows that stick.
At Julian Construction, we’ll conduct a free home inspection for you, complete with a quote for repair.
We have extensive experience serving our Los Angeles community and nearby regions. In fact, Julian Construction has inspected over 30,000 structures in the area!
Julian Construction was formed in 1994 and our focus has always been on building foundations, doing foundation repair and replacement, earthquake retrofitting, and house leveling.
When you work with Julian Construction, you get the principles of the company and the workers of Julian Construction under your home.
And in order to keep foundation repair affordable for our customers, we offer a price guarantee — because we know our quote for repair will represent your very best value.
Give us a call at call (323) 733-3377 to schedule your free inspection or complete the inspection request form.
