3 Types of Concrete Slab Floors. Which One is Right For You?

When designing a home with concrete floors, you are in for the treat with great thermal performance, durability and lifestyle advantages unparalleled by other construction materials. That said, a lot goes into deciding whether a concrete slab floor is ideal for your home, depending on geography and weather conditions. Seeing that your floor is the load-bearing portion of the entire structure, you want to make sure you make the best decision to protect your investment. Here are three types of concrete slab floors installed by contractors today. 

Slab-On-Ground Floors

This type of floor features a shallow foundation where the concrete slab rests directly on the ground below. For the best results with this type of floor, you must pay proper attention to moisture control, adequate control of surface runoff and insulation to achieve comfort. Another great advantage of this floor is that it is relatively affordable, quick and easy to install. Make sure to hire a qualified contractor with this type of floor because when installed incorrectly, it could lead to problems such as cracking foundation or drainage issues that could seriously damage your home.  

Suspended Concrete Floors

These are slabs of upper floors that do not come into contact with the earth. With this install, your floor will span between supports and form above the ground level. This means you will have a void beneath your floor with a beam system composed of either timber joists or concrete blocks. With a suspended floor, your home will have better ventilation, hence highly suitable in damp areas prone to mould and dry rot. That said, it is important to consider that the constant air floor can leave you with a cold home if you fail to insulate properly. Ensure your concrete contractor insulates your slab with thermofloor panels to maintain airtightness and reduce reliance on artificial heating.

Precast Concrete Floors

Precast slabs for your flooring offer the same durability and versatility of a poured-in concrete floor, but with the added advantage of speedy construction, especially in areas that need to keep up with the weather. The slabs are manufactured offsite and installed in place in finished form. Such factory production allows for customisation in surface finishing, colour range and special shapes. Precast concrete floors also have the added advantage of mimicking other materials such as weathered stone. 

For the perfect flooring solution, talk to a concrete contractor near you. They will determine the best concrete floor for your needs for greater strength and durability. 


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