If you are in the planning process of building a new home you may be wondering about the relative benefits of a raised pier and beam floor compared to a concrete slab floor. Most prospective home owners and builders also have to be concerned with the relative costs of these two types of building systems.
Cost Considerations
The cost differential between these floors is minimal assuming industry design standards and local building codes are met. The location of the home site is normally the determining factor in the final cost as well as the selection of either system. Climatic conditions, slope of the property, base flood elevations and soil types are all factors in determining the costs and the benefits of each type of floor.
Climate Makes a Difference
Footings for floor foundations must be built below the frost line. This is the depth in the soil that groundwater will freeze. Foundations built above the frost line will experience heaving and thus damage to the foundation. In cold northern climates raised floor construction can utilize economical piers that are drilled below the frost line. Slabs require deep continuous footings or concrete walls which come at a higher cost.
Site Considerations
Sloping lots require a raised slab construction with increased labor and material costs. If your building site is located at an elevation close to the base flood elevation a raised wood floor may be the logical option. The Base Flood Elevation (BSE) is the computed elevation to which floodwater is anticipated to rise during a 100 year flood occurrence. Base Flood Elevations are shown on FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and on the flood profiles. The BFE is the regulatory requirement for the elevation or flood proofing of structures.Lending institutions and federal agencies use the FIRM to locate properties and buildings in relation to mapped flood hazards, and to determine whether flood insurance is required when making loans. You don't always have to be close to a river, lake or a coastal area to be located in a flood hazard zone.
If the soil structure contains a large percentage of clay or other types of materials that readily absorb water, the resulting soil movement will not allow you to build a slab floor without risking damage caused by movement in your slab. Resulting repairs are difficult to do and expensive.
Pesky Pests
Parts of the US with hot humid climates such as the southeast face an increased risk for termites. The raised floor properly supplied with insect shields will greatly reduce the possibility of termite damage. The crawl space under a raised floor can help with termite inspection as well as provide access to plumbing, hvac and electrical systems. Concrete slabs have no access to these systems so repairs can be a real headache. Plumbing leaks for instance can cause major damage and repair cost.
Curb Appeal
Many people feel the raised floor system provides more curb appeal and a more architectural attractive house. It allows for more design flexibility, porches and deck as well as future additions. This type of floor certain types of Architectural styles depend on the raised floor system to provide the necessary overall appearance of the desired design.
There are a lot of preconceived notions about the costs and merits of the two types of floor systems. The future homeowner and builder should carefully consider the particular circumstances involved in their individual project before making a decision on which way to go.
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