Concrete Slab Foundations 101

When you are building or restoring a home, it is critical to start with a solid foundation. Concrete slabs are among the most popular foundation materials for houses around the country. With services from a qualified concrete contractor serving Murfreesboro, you can build a durable concrete foundation that is ready to support the levels of your new home. Before you embark on a concrete foundation project, it is helpful to understand the basics about how concrete slabs are poured and maintained. Let’s review some essential information that every homeowner should know about concrete slabs.

One of the main advantages of a concrete slab foundation is that this option is very easy to install. In order to prepare for your concrete slab foundation, you will simply need to make sure that your home’s plumbing and electrical systems have been put into place. After functional plumbing and electrical lines have been installed, your contractors will be able to easily pour your concrete slab on your home site.

In order to support the levels of a home, a concrete slab needs to be very structurally stable. Before the concrete slab is poured, your contractors will typically lay an even layer of gravel over the foundation site. Next, a plastic moisture barrier will be placed on top of the gravel. Finally, liquid concrete will be poured into a thick concrete mold. Before the concrete sets, your contractors may incorporate reinforcing beams or other supportive materials.

Keeping a concrete slab properly maintained is fairly simple for any homeowner. To preserve the structural integrity of your concrete slab, you will need to monitor the moisture levels in the soil around your foundation. If the soil is too wet, additional drainage may need to be installed. In the event of a drought, it may also be necessary to moisten the soil that sits along your foundation. Finally, it is also important to protect your foundation from liquid pesticides, tree roots, and broken plumbing pipes.