Block And Slab Foundations

Michael Holigan : Now there's one more type of foundation that's available to us if your dream home has to be on the side of the hill and that's a combination block and concrete slab foundation.

Al Carrell : Now we've already built the perimeter wall out of block and we're in the process of putting an inert gravel in here. That's very important because you don't want to have something that's not going to be stable. This has got to be built on stable ground and you got to have a stable medium in under there so that you don't have any stress or strain on the slab.

M.H.: We don't ever want to crack that concrete and we go ahead and we level up the gravel to where we're going to get a full four (4) inches of concrete, the same as we would on any other slab.

A.C.: And also, when we pour this, we're going to also have the anchor bolts sticking up all along here, so that we'll be able to anchor the framing. You probably noticed that this is a little bit different, this top course of brick, or block, and the reason is because we want the slab, when it's poured, to be anchored into these gaps that are in here, and this really will make for a great foundation.

M.H.: Now the question on how do you decide whether you go with a pier and a beam or a slab and block is really up to you. Now if you're on a very steep hill, you're probably going to want to go with a pier and beam because all that additional weight of concrete and rock can blow out the back block wall and you definitely don't want that, for the whole house to come tumbling down, but the other decision is, do you want a crawl space. If you want a crawl space, you go with a pier and beam. If you want a concrete slab, a floor that never squeaks, then it's best to go with a block and concrete slab foundation.

Episode 002 1995 - 96 Season

| Post Tension II | Regular Slab | Pier and Beam | Block and Slab | Watering Foundation | Basements | Radon Gas | How Much Down? | Faucet Replacement |

To order a Video Tape, call 1-800-TO-BUILD and ask for Episode #002.