Raft slab / Discussions

How do you choose between a basement or slab on grade?

...raft slabs which are engineered to spread the weight evenly, so the are much more solid and not prone to structural cracking like standard concrete slab floors. So, you could pour the slab then seat an ICF Foundation wall on it, leaving you with  a basement thoroughly insulated with no thermal bridging and a reduced ch...

Posted by A. Delmas May 21, 2020 Foundation choices 1 response

Protection from Insects for Legalett Geo-passive super insulated slab on grade?

...slab is the possibility of insects, especially termites and/or carpenter ants infesting the EPS. Is that a danger? Among the many possible ways to protect against that doesn't involve insecticides that might leach into the soil is a copper foil sheath around the outside of the foundation. Are insect infestations in the...

Posted by James Burns April 30, 2020 Slab on Grade

How well does the Legalett air heated floor work when pouring concrete?

...Slab on Grade for LEED, Passive, ZNE Legalett monitors the process of installion for their raft slab kits, which includes a pre-pour inspection for warranty, they also send a construction heater to cure and dry the floor before the final heater unit is installed, they also send you a moisture test to perform to ensure ...

Posted by Israel Sword March 28, 2020 Slab on Grade 1 response

Should I build a basement or slab on grade?

...slab on grade mainly because of familiarity. Most don’t know how to build a slab on grade so they tend to steer you way from them simply for lack of knowledge and experience.  We have many pages on how to build a slab on grade, but these pages addresse your dilemma specifically-  Slab on Grade or Foundation and Basemen...

Posted by robert baker March 27, 2020 New foundations and slab-on-grade 10 responses

Do you have an engineer directory for slab on grade designers?

...slab, but the one lead I can give you would be Legalett that provides raft slabs across all North America. They deliver all over North America, and their kits come with stamped engineering drawings along with custom detailed strep by step instructions for assembly.

Posted by Paul Giusto Dec. 30, 2019 Slab on Grade 1 response

What's the difference between a slab on grade and a monolithic foundation?

...slab on grade and monolithic foundation styrofoam forms - is there a difference or are they the same thing?  A slab on grade literally means a slab of concrete on grade (ground level), as opposed to ‘below grade’ like a basement. And a slab on grade can be built in a variety of ways (monolithic or not), you can learn t...

Posted by Ronaldo Johnitas Dec. 10, 2019 Slab on Grade 4 responses

Slab on Grade for House in Grand Rapids MI - Can I get Prefab form kits & Assistance easily?

...slab on grade foundation is best suited. do you work here or can you supply a kit and assistance to a local builder? The house will probably have a partial basement but the slab section, ideally with your hot air radiant heat system, would be about 1000 square feet. There is only one manufacturer of slab on grade form ...

Posted by Greg Hooks Nov. 20, 2019 Slab on Grade 1 response

What is your opinion about building a garage on posts (screw piles)?

...slab floor (a raft-slab is also an option for softer soils).  The disadvantages of screw pile construction: A floor raised on screw piles leaves an additional building surface exposed to icy winter air, as opposed to a slab, which is in direct contact with the soil and therefore buffered somewhat from winter temperatur...

Posted by Les P Dec. 11, 2017 Foundations and Basements 1 response

Why do you say building on a slab is more ecological than starting with a basement?

...slab-on-grade construction over a basement are undeniable, you can read all the pros and cons here -  Slab on Grade or Foundation and Basement; Which is Best? And have a look at the Edelweiss House that we built a few years ago, it is a 4 bedroom home (or three and storage room). 

Posted by Geri P Dec. 11, 2017 Foundations and Basements 1 response

What is the best type of radiant floor heating for a garage?

...slab. Don’t go with the base requirements of Building Code, we would recommend at least 6 inches below a heated slab in most parts of Canada, and even more in the colder regions. Read more on sub-slab insulation here.

Posted by J.F. March 24, 2017 Delivery: radiant, forced-air and decentralized 1 response