Slab Homes

[Rob Tucker]

The problem, in my opinion, with that history of swaying is that over time the thousands of nails get wiggled and loosened bit by bit. It can be cumulative and gradually weaken the structure and leave it vulnerable to a future large quake.

I am not trying to worry you unnecessarily... but over time nails can lose their grip. One reason I prefer steel framing. Screws do not wiggle loose.

[sputnut]

The biggest downside of steel framing is that everything else in the world is designed for wood framing.

comin' your way soon!

[Rob Tucker]

Not sure what you mean sputnut. Every steel framed home I know has every feature any wood frame has, except termites.

Back in the 1970s when I was a young carpenter's helper I remember one of the master carpenters telling me.... "Robert, the only good thing about a nail is its cheap."

[Vickichen]

quote:

---

Originally posted by gogould

I like the slab on grade for a ground cap poured around concrete pilings that hold the concrete first floor up off the slab a good eight feet or more. Kind of post and beams with reinforced concrete
and then fill in with wood if desired up there. Keep the bottom area open and airy. Or just build with wood on the concrete platform up there in the air.
I like the idea of wood on the concrete floors up in the house a nice springy feeling wood.

---

[]It is a good advice. I am agreed with you. Especially, i love to keep the bottom area open and airy.

construction materials manufacturers

[scott]

I live on a slab, and we have area rugs in the living room, and rubber or coir mats at kitchen workstations. In my life experience, people tend to cover their floors of wood or concrete with other things to make them soft, warm, and decorated. If so, the base material matters less.

[DanielP]

Screws do not wiggle loose.
[/quote]
Oh yes they do, and I am proof of it