ABOUT WADDELL FLOATING SLAB DESIGNS
Waddell Engineers have been specializing in floating slab design for 10 years. We focus on providing economical and practical solutions to construction. Our engineers are licensed in Ontario, Alberta, Saskatchewan & Prince Edward Island.
Need engineered stamped drawings for a floating slab? Check out floatingslab.com by Waddell Engineering Ltd. Just click the "Get Yours Now" button below, fill out the details for your building and site in the form and click the submit button.
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WHAT IS A FLOATING SLAB?
Floating slabs are used as the foundations for a variety of structures, including sheds, car garages, additions, cottages and much more.
The slabs have a thickened reinforced perimeter but no frost footings. They are called "floating" because they are allowed to move above the frost line as a monolithic unit. Insulation can also be added to minimize movement due to frost, depending on the project requirements.
The slabs have a thickened reinforced perimeter but no frost footings. They are called "floating" because they are allowed to move above the frost line as a monolithic unit. Insulation can also be added to minimize movement due to frost, depending on the project requirements.
WHY USE A FLOATING SLAB?
Building a floating slab is one of the most economical methods of constructing a foundation. Traditional foundations include a strip footing with a frost wall above. The strip footing is installed below the frost level, usually 4'-0" below grade. The cost of a strip footing and frost wall is higher because there is more excavation, concrete and labour required.
For sheds, our opinion is that floating slab foundations are usually the best option.
For houses, there are some disadvantages to think about that should be weighted against the advantages.
The benefits of floating slab construction for houses are:
Some of the disadvantages of floating slab construction for houses are:
For houses, there are some disadvantages to think about that should be weighted against the advantages.
The benefits of floating slab construction for houses are:
- Don't require a 8'-0" basement wall
- Don't require a wood flooring system
- Less concrete and forming is required making for a more economical and ecological construction
- Cheaper house insurance because there is no basement to flood or chance of Radon gas infiltration.
- Floating slabs can be heated with radiant floor heat which provides a comfortable and balanced heat.
Some of the disadvantages of floating slab construction for houses are:
- Loss of storage space
- Sometimes decreased resale for the house because of the missing basement.
PROJECTS: A VARIETY OF USES
Floating slab construction is a versatile foundation type. Floating slabs can be installed many different ways.
Floating slabs are typically used for the following buildings:
Floating slabs are typically used for the following buildings:
- Accessory buildings
- Garages
- Drive sheds
- Houses & cottages
- Barns
SERVICES: FLOATING SLAB AND SHED DRAWINGS
We can provide stamped floating slab drawings that you can use to build from and get building department approval.
Canadian building codes make it necessary to get engineered stamped drawings for floating slab foundations more than 592 sq.ft. in building area.
We can also provide drawings for the wood framed building to be constructed on the slab. If you are interested in pre-engineered steel buildings, please let us know and we can direct you to a number of pre-eng design/build companies we work with.
Drawings for wood-framed buildings that sit on floating slabs are very similar to those that would be constructed on top of frost walls. The point loads from the building have to be supported by the foundation, either the thickened edge, or a thickened pad in the interior of the slab. The drawings should also show how the installation of services such as plumbing and electrical account for the movement of the slab as it floats on the soil.
Canadian building codes make it necessary to get engineered stamped drawings for floating slab foundations more than 592 sq.ft. in building area.
We can also provide drawings for the wood framed building to be constructed on the slab. If you are interested in pre-engineered steel buildings, please let us know and we can direct you to a number of pre-eng design/build companies we work with.
Drawings for wood-framed buildings that sit on floating slabs are very similar to those that would be constructed on top of frost walls. The point loads from the building have to be supported by the foundation, either the thickened edge, or a thickened pad in the interior of the slab. The drawings should also show how the installation of services such as plumbing and electrical account for the movement of the slab as it floats on the soil.