Pier Foundation
Pier foundation if you do not know is a collection of individual posts which dig into the ground to support large loads. A crawlspace is created beneath the floor for easy access to electrical and plumbing lines. So if there is anything happening with the electricity in your commercial building, an electrician can access the space to find and fix the issue. Same thing with plumbing.
Concrete slab foundation which is also known as a “slab-on-grade” foundation, is most common in new homes, and those built after 1970. Generally, these types of slabs are reinforced with steel beams known as tension rods.
Pier foundation is almost always the best option, especially if the soil has clay. When the clay is exposed to water it expands which then moves the soil which then damages the foundation.
Since the foundation has individual piers, it is easier to isolate specific foundation problems. This comes in handy when there are problems with the foundation, it avoids costly repairs.
Concrete Slab Foundation
When it comes to slab foundation, they are generally less expensive to construct and can be erected quickly. The big problem is that slab leaks can cause major damage to your home’s foundation and repair, in general, are more difficult to access without the crawlspace. They can also shrink, crack and even sink. Because it’s a full sized slab, it limits access to any of the heating, ventilating, or air conditioning (HVAC) systems or ductwork. Same thing with any plumbing and electricity because there is no crawlspace and the slab needs to be broken.
Those are the differences between pier foundation and concrete slab foundation. Choosing a foundation might be a preference but pier foundation is the way to go. If you need concrete foundation repair, M3 Construction Solutions can provide the services and more. Reach us at 815-363-8493.
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