If you are planning on investing in a new foundation in Texas, you have come to the right place. Innovative Foundation Repair will run you through the two most popular options in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The DFW area is known for its thunderstorms and rainy months during March through August, and there are quite a bit of flood zones too. If your home or business is located here, you might want to weigh out your foundation options and pick one that works best for your location. Slab foundations and pier & beam foundations are used widely in the DFW metroplex. Let’s help you find the right one for your property.
What Is a Slab Foundation?
Slab foundations are thick slabs of concrete that Innovative Foundation Repair pours directly onto the ground. The edges of the slab are thicker than the center, in order to provide extra support to the perimeter of the property. To ensure that the slab foundation is capable of bearing all the weight of your property, we reinforce it with steel rods or tension cables.
Slab foundations are popular in warmer climates, which is why they are so common in North Texas. They are also used on flat lots.
What Is a Pier & Beam Foundation?
This type of foundation is usually found in older homes, usually prior to the 1960s. It’s not commonly used as much in modern construction because it’s more expensive than a slab foundation. However, it works great for areas that experience lots of soil expansion, that are prone to flooding, and where the area isn’t flat.
Pier & beam foundations are built by driving concrete beams and rebar deep into the ground until they reach bedrock. Then, beams are added that extend from one pier to another. This provides support for the joists and flooring of your property. If you have ever heard of the term “house on stilts,” pier & beam foundations are what create this image. Your property is raised above the ground.
What to Consider When Choosing Between the Two Foundations
There are pros and cons to both types of foundations. Here are a couple of things to consider when trying to determine the best fit for your property.
Cost
Slab foundations are less expensive than pier & beam foundations. Hence, the latter is a little outdated. However, if you live on a hill or slope, or anywhere that is prone to flooding, you may want to invest in a pier & beam solution.
Access to Plumbing
If your plumbing system has issues, pier & beam foundations provide a crawl space that gives easy access to the pipes and system. As for a slab foundation, we will need to drill through the concrete to reach the plumbing system for repairs.
Location
If you are located in a flat lot, a slab foundation is the affordable solution. However, if your property is located in a flooding zone or on a hill, then it’s best to invest in a pier & beam foundation.
Innovative Foundation Repair Is Here for You
If you would like to learn more about your options, get in touch with Innovative Foundation Repair today. We can inspect your property or lot, and discuss a solution that is affordable, convenient, and effective. Our expert crew can also repair and maintain your foundation. All you need to do is call!