Raft slabs are a better way of building concrete slabs for new homes, extensions and light commercial buildings.

They create an on-ground reinforced slab, rather than traditional in-ground slab. The techniques simplifies the process of getting the project out of the ground. By starting with a simple levelled building surface removing the need for excavation or trenching.

Raft slabs use polystyrene "pods", placed within the constructed form work. They are evenly spaced with plastic spacers and reinforced using steel mesh and then covered with concrete. Placing the pods in the center of the form removes the need for hard fill and reduces the volume of concrete needed.

On sites with highly reactive soils, traditional concrete slabs need a series of excavated footings, and deeper trenches into which concrete is poured. This is to stabilise the slab beneath the building. This results in more concrete being used, as well as an increase in labour to prepare the site for the concrete pour. By sitting on the ground rather than in it, raft slabs provides a way to save cost on construction while still maintaining strength.

So, the construction of waffle raft slabs is quicker and more cost effective than traditional concrete slabs because less concrete and labour are required.

There are a number of Raft Slab systems approved by the NZ Building Code and available in the New Zealand market, Tidy Slabs Ltd is able to work with which ever system is specified by your architect or engineer. We are also able to assist with the process of re-engineering a slab which has already being designed for a traditional foundations.

To Learn more about how Tidy Slabs can save your next project time and money please contact us