Monolithic Slab: Pros, Cons, and Comparison to Stem Wall
Did you know over 1.4 million new homes were built (and completed) last year? That’s a whole lot of land cleared, a ton of foundations laid, and countless walls erected.
Of course, few homes are truly cookie cutter homes. Each one comes with a different set of permits, a different set of mountains to climb, and a different type of finished product.
Yet, one thing remains. Nothing goes well if it doesn’t stand on solid ground. And, in the home construction business, that includes the right foundation.
Like anything else in the building process, laying a home’s foundations isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” affair. There are a few different methods that will help create a sturdy skeleton, and the monolithic slab is certainly one approach.
Below, we’re going to break down this manner of foundation, outline its pros and cons, and compare it to, perhaps, the second most common foundation – the stern wall. Get ready to look at the lay of the land a whole lot closer and see which one might be right for your project.
What Is a Monolithic Slab?
The word monolithic is an adjective. It means, “formed of a single, large block of stone.” In the construction industry, we define it as, “all in one pour.”
So, a monolithic slab is a giant block of cement that’s poured in one, fell swoop. While it may be poured all at once, it’s not necessarily a uniform slab.
It’s made to be thicker in areas where there will be a load-bearing wall and in all perimeter areas (in place of footers). This provides added support in the most crucial positions.
Pros of a Monolithic Slab
There are many benefits to single-pour foundational work. Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent perks.
It’s Fast
The first and most notable benefit of a monolithic slab is the fact that it can be laid much faster than other foundations. Because it’s a single pour, a monolithic foundation goes down quicker than other common methods, including stem walls.
It’s Affordable
In nearly every industry, time is money. Given the ease that comes with a single pour, this makes the construction project more affordable.
Right from the start, labor costs are reduced, saving on some of the finances required in a major home-building project.
It’s Sturdy
Under the right conditions, a monolithic slab can be just as sturdy as any other form of foundation. The main thing you want to be on the lookout for is level ground.
If the land has been cleared and very little fill dirt is required, you may be looking at prime conditions for a monolithic slab. A nice, level ground poses very little difficulty for this type of foundation.
Cons of a Monolithic Slab
The last “pro” we just listed segways neatly into one of the cons of this foundation. So, let’s dive right into that.
It Can Crack Easily
Monolithic slabs can crack easily if they’re not set on level ground. So, areas that require a lot of fill dirt should raise some eyebrows.
If the ground is neatly (and fully) compacted, these foundations run a major risk of cracking over time. And, of course, once the foundation cracks, other structural damage ensues, including cracked walls.
It’s Not Great in Flood Zones
If the home that’s being built needs to rise above a flood plain, most builders will not recommend a monolithic slab.
It will put too much of a strain on those load-bearing walls and perimeter walls. And a cracked foundation isn’t merely a nuisance.
As we just hinted, those cracks can travel up to the flooring and drywall, creating detrimental damage. This is, to no surprise, a long-term recipe for disaster.
Enter the Stem Wall
So, if a monolithic slab isn’t recommended, what’s the next best option? A stem wall is a great alternative, albeit a more time-consuming (and labor-intensive) process. Here’s how stem walls work.
First, a footer is poured at the ground level. This is why it’s okay to work with unlevel ground in a stem wall fooundation. Once the footer is poured, cement blocks are laid, creating a wall that will rise up to the finished slab elevation.
When a lot of fill dirt is required, stem walls level everything out, achieving an even elevation. Of course, this is more labor-intensive, but you can see how it will have long-term benefits. A house without cracking walls pretty much says it all.
A Monolithic Slab for an Even Surface
One of the primary determining factors for a monolithic slab is the existence of level ground that doesn’t need to rise above a flood plain.
If your future home meets these conditions, then you may be able to speed up the construction process and reduce your budget.
If you live in Southwest Florida and are looking to step into the excitement of a new build, we hope you’ll reach out today. Here at Coral Isle Builders, we create personalized oases for our clients.
From the first time we meet, we tailor the building process to your standards. That means you’ll have a say from the foundation to the ceiling of your future home.
And don’t forget the joys that come with selecting the right carpet, tiles, and amenities for your coastal oasis. Come explore all of our floor plans to see which one calls out your name.
Currently, we build in Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Pine Island, Estero, and Bonita Springs. If you have land in any of these areas, we’d be more than happy to build on your lot and hand-deliver the custom home of your dreams.