Garage floors are commonly made with floating slabs.įloating slabs are also an inexpensive method of foundation but the repair bills can add up when the plumbing, which is laid beneath the foundation, requires work. The foundation literally floats on the earth, moving as temperatures cause the soil to expand and contract. Floating Concrete SlabsĪ floating slab doesn’t use footings. Furthermore, these slabs are more effective than joists when it comes to noise-reduction from the upper floors. They allow for access to under floor areas, too, and are pretty easy to install once the houses’ supports are in place. Suspended slabs are ideal where other slabs can’t be used, such as on sloping land. These slabs are used typically to create the upper storey of a home but they can be used on top of pre-constructed walls to create a ground floor. Suspended slabs are laid above ground level so they don’t come into direct contact with the earth. You don’t need subfloor joists to support the building. They’re the most inexpensive of foundations and also the quickest to install. One of the biggest advantages of concrete slab foundations is the cost. The slab is usually about 10 to 20 centimetres thick and has steel rods or mesh included in with the concrete to help prevent faulting and cracking.

This type of foundation is very common and straightforward – a slab of concrete is poured to create the foundation of your new home. The slab is a critical part of your new home as it is the foundation upon which the house will be built. Let’s look at the three most common types of foundations.

If the soil is poor quality or you are building a big house, you’re going to need a deep foundation, but most sites only really need a shallow foundation. Choosing a foundation for your new home is going to depend on the type of soil you are building on and the type of home you are constructing.

What is a floating slab foundation