Is a concrete slab a permanent foundation?

Author: Amari Beer  |  Last update: Tuesday, September 9, 2025

There are three main ways code allows you to build a prescriptive permanent foundation for manufactured homes. Here they are: Concrete slabs of either 4” or 6” thickness. Additionally, securing the home using metal tie-down straps to the steel beams and slab at intervals established by the manufacturer's manual.

Is a concrete slab considered a foundation?

A concrete slab is not a foundation. Basketball courts, patios, driveways and spa pads are all examples of slabs.

What counts as a permanent foundation?

What is considered a permanent foundation? A permanent foundation means permanent masonry, concrete, or locally approved footing or foundation, to which a manufactured or more home may be affixed.

Is a concrete slab considered a permanent structure?

What Qualifies As A Permanent Structure? A permanent structure, as the name implies, is designed to last for years. It's fixed to a solid foundation, often with concrete footings or slabs, and built with durable materials like wood, brick, or metal.

How long does a concrete slab foundation last?

On average, a concrete foundation lasts 100-200 years.

However, an extremely well-built foundation could last 400+ years, and a poorly-built foundation might start to deteriorate after only 25 years.

What is a Permanent Foundation? Mobile Home Investment Development Project

What are the disadvantages of a slab foundation?

Make sure to consider these downsides when making your decision.
  • Prone to Ice and Freezing Damage: ...
  • Gas and Water Line Construction: ...
  • Difficult Access: ...
  • Susceptibility to Moisture Problems:

Can you pour new concrete over old concrete slab?

You can pour concrete on top of an existing slab as long as it's still in reasonably good condition and structurally sound. This means the concrete should be free of cracks, buckling, and breaks. If you notice any small cracks or minor issues, it's in your best interest to repair them before you pour the new concrete.

Can a house be built on a concrete slab?

More than two-thirds of new single-family homes built in the U.S. in 2021 were constructed on concrete slab foundations, according to analysis from the National Association of Home Builders.

What does FHA consider a permanent foundation for a manufactured home?

A permanent foundation is one that is “constructed of durable materials (concrete, mortared masonry, treated wood) and be site built”. Since the manufactured home isn't site built, it's important that the foundation be certified to be site built.

What is the life expectancy of a concrete slab?

Generally, for large infrastructures, the lifespan of modern concrete is about 100 years if properly maintained.

Can you put a mobile home on a concrete slab?

Manufactured homes can also be designed to be placed on basements, crawl spaces, or slabs. Slabs must be designed by an engineer to match specifications. Basements require special framing, and quite often if you are looking for a basement we recommend modular home options as a best fit.

What type of house foundation lasts the longest?

Poured concrete is the strongest type of foundation for a house. Concrete is incredibly strong and durable, and it can be poured into any shape.

How much does a permanent foundation cost?

A foundation costs $6 to $50 per square foot, depending on the type. A standard 2,000-square-foot concrete slab foundation costs $12,000 to $28,000, while a basement foundation costs $70,000 to $100,000+. The best foundation for your home depends on the soil conditions, water level, and frost line in your area.

Is buying a house on a slab bad?

One of the most significant potential disadvantages is if the slab cracks. This can substantially compromise the structural integrity of the house and be difficult and expensive to repair. Among the factors that can result in a slab cracking are tree roots, soil displacement, earthquakes, or frozen ground.

Is concrete slab structural?

A concrete slab is a structural feature, usually of constant thickness, that can be used as a floor or a roof. A slab-on-ground is supported on the subsoil and is usually reinforced with reinforcing bars or welded wire mesh.

How thick does a concrete slab need to be for a foundation?

Generally, the concrete slab should be up to 8 to 12 inches thick. Likewise, it must be 2 feet wide or more to accommodate the footings. If the ground freezes (or could), the footings should be 12 or more inches beneath the frost line.

What is classified as a permanent foundation?

What Is a Permanent Foundation. A permanent foundation refers to a system designed to transfer the weight of the manufactured home to the ground permanently. This type of foundation is constructed to meet or exceed federal and state guidelines and often involves the use of poured concrete or concrete blocks.

Will FHA finance a home with foundation issues?

If you are trying to get a loan through the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) then you will have a much harder time securing a mortgage on a home that needs foundation repairs.

What is concrete slab foundation?

A slab foundation is any type of foundation made up of a flat poured concrete surface, usually sitting directly on prepared soil and creating the floor of the structure it supports. Slab foundations are durable and have a life expectancy of 80 to 100 years or more when properly built and maintained.

What is the life expectancy of a slab foundation?

A foundation can maintain its integrity through timely repairs, soil compaction, and protection. For the average home, foundation should last about 80-100 years before needing to be replaced. But not repairing your foundation will make that number of years a lot smaller for your home.

Is it cheaper to build a house on a concrete slab?

Not only are slab foundations the least expensive to construct, but there also can be more long-term savings because of the low-maintenance needs and general durability.

Can a concrete slab house be raised?

In these houses, the slab forms both the floor of the house and either all or a major part of the foundation. Elevating these houses is easier if the house is left attached to the slab and both are lifted together. After the house and slab are lifted, a new foundation is constructed below the slab.

Can I put Quikrete over existing concrete?

QUIKRETE® Concrete Bonding Adhesive (No. 9902) permanently bonds new concrete, plaster, and stucco to existing concrete, plaster, and stucco. Eliminates the need for roughing the surface before the application.

How much is a yard of concrete?

Concrete prices usually range between $120 and $150 per cubic yard depending on your distance from the supplier, the volume needed, and the type of concrete. Concrete costs fall between $120 and $150 per cubic yard, including material and delivery within 20 miles.

What is the difference between cement and concrete?

In short, the difference between cement vs concrete is easy to clear once we know all the basics of their compositions. Cement is a binding agent made from limestone and clay; whereas concrete is a building material created through the proper mixing of cement, water, sand, and rock.

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