Slab vs. Crawl Space

[Regalcock]

Our neighbors have a slab and their house flooded twice last summer alone. I had to loan them my shop vac so they could use two at once. Nightmare for them.

[Metalrush24]

I just came to the realization that I've lived in a slab house all my life(hadn't really thought about it previously)

To my recollection, we've never had any issues directly correlated with it being a slab. The house was built in the mid 70's so I'm not sure it's even remotely close to what they're doing now, though. I'm kind of surprised at how bad a rep slab has, but the reasons mentioned make sense.

Heating isn't much of an issue for my house, though. I think most of the reason for that is because it's not usually very cold for long and also we have carpet which , I assume, helps.

[ccured]

Slab housing is actually less risk of flooding than a crawl space house. The water may get in because it isnt elevated but it doesnt stall in like a crawl space. Also they are less likely to have gas leaks because the stuff being under concrete. If a leak does occur than yes it's a bitch to get to the leak. A properly insulated floor and attic line in a slab house is actually more energy efficient than a crawl space. Howver slabs are at risk to invasive tree roots and shifting soil which can cause major damage. Also as mentioned cracks in slab can lead to insect infestation. If it is crawl space make sure it is a sealed vented crawl space. Ones that arent sealed properly are at risk for mold, mouisture, and rodent and less energy efficient. I go to slab because less health risk due to mold or gas leak problems and they are more energy efficient

[Natalie83]

Crawl space, for sure!

[Flameout12]

Just went from crawl to slab....pros and cons.
First slab...new construction puts everything above the slab except the sewer lines. The water lines are in the walls...just like my crawl space home. The condensing unit is in the attic...just like my crawl space house...and they both had drains plus a drip pan for potential overflows.
HW heaters were both in the garage...almost exact same spot.

I had several rounds of termite sprayings with the crawlspace house...they had to drill into the the cinder blocks and concrete front porch. Had a lot more issues with bugs in the crawl space...moisture and a place to live.

There were more problems with getting hot water to the living spaces with the crawl space house as it got cold under there where the lines ran under the floor joices (sp).

However, the crawl space house had storage underneath and was easy to get to things if you wanted. I had a few areas where the floor buckled...maybe some slight warping?


I think the biggest issue is the slab is right on the ground and things like front porches or decks are not....they have to be elevated to enjoy...of course you don't have to climb steps if it's on flat land...but it also puts your windows at eye level on your 1st floor which makes it easier to come in and out through the windows. I had one house that was an elevated slab....they poured about 2' of concrete and it was 2 story...that's an option...but probably pricey.

Bear in mind, if you go 2 story...the 2nd story is not a slab.

Overall, I'm Ok with the slab and can live with it...I wanted something simpler and less expensive as I was downsizing. Crawl space may be noticeably more expensive.

[Dietz]

We moved from a "stoop" space to a ****ing slab, and let me tell you, there is no comparison, especially if you have a leaky toilet on the ground floor and the hardwood flooring starts to buckle....started out with an AWFUL earthy smell in the downstairs 1/2 bath, took a plumber 8 hours of work to fix a leak under the wax seal to take care of the problem... long stroy short, if you have a crawl, you can actually "see" the leak and pinpoint the source...

VERDICT: Crawl!

[CaptainCock91]

Crawl space. You will never have to store dead hookers under your bed again.

[SwampFox]

A crawlspace is fine on a lot with good drainage, but on a flat lot, they suck.

[Flameout12]

Originally Posted by SwampFox

A crawlspace is fine on a lot with good drainage, but on a flat lot, they suck.

Even on lots with a slope...have to watch the drainage and make sure it does not collect under the house.

You can have bad construction on a crawl space house and good on a slab...there are lots of other variables....but I do miss my house being up off the ground...but it's not that big of a deal.

[uscgmck]

Moved from SC to MS 15 years ago and slab houses were a no no in SC back then but when I arrived here in MS slabs are everwhere. MS-LA-TX-AK mostly have slabs. In Madison there are 25 homes priced from 1M to 7M all are on slabs. It's the dirt or ground water levels along with something called "Yazoo Clay". Nasty stuff swells up when wet and shrinks when dry. Will lift anything several feet up of drop it several feet down. When riding on the roads or interstates you have to pick and choose carefully if you are going to put your finger around your eyes or nose, one wrong move and the road with drive your finger through your brain.

Here the good builders are pushing digging down the foundation and replacing dirt, then putting in a special slab that can be adjusted at any point along the foundation.

Not sure any of this helps.

[Dantes]

Basement. If not possible, crawl I guess.