Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

Why Foundation Quality Matters

Your foundation is literally what your entire structure sits on. Whether you are building a new home, adding a garage, or constructing a shed, the concrete slab or foundation determines how well that structure performs for years to come. Poor foundation work leads to cracks, settling, moisture problems, and costly repairs down the road.

In Westfield, we deal with freeze-thaw cycles, varying soil conditions, and groundwater that can all affect foundation performance. That is why proper design and installation are so important. We take the time to assess your site conditions, prepare the ground correctly, and build foundations that meet or exceed local building codes.

Foundation work is not something you want to cut corners on. The money you save by hiring the cheapest contractor can easily turn into thousands in repair costs later. We price our work fairly while using the right materials, proper techniques, and quality workmanship that stands the test of time.

• Thorough site evaluation and soil testing when needed
• Proper excavation depth and base preparation
• Correct concrete thickness and reinforcement
• Moisture barriers and drainage solutions included
• Full compliance with local building codes and permits

Types of Foundation Work We Do

Different projects require different foundation approaches. We handle all types of concrete foundation work for residential and commercial projects throughout Westfield. Our experience ranges from simple shed pads to complex commercial foundations.

Residential Slab Foundations

Slab on grade foundations are common for homes in our area. These foundations combine the floor system and foundation in one continuous concrete pour. We start by excavating to the proper depth, then install a gravel base and vapor barrier to prevent moisture from wicking up through the concrete.

Perimeter footings provide extra support around the edges where walls will sit. We place rebar or wire mesh throughout the slab for reinforcement. Plumbing and electrical lines that run under the slab are installed before the pour, so careful coordination is essential. The slab is typically four to six inches thick in the main areas, with thicker sections at load bearing points.

Garage and Outbuilding Foundations

Detached garages, workshops, and storage buildings need solid foundations too. For these structures, we usually install a thickened edge slab that provides both the floor and foundation in one piece. The perimeter is thicker and reinforced to support the walls, while the interior floor section can be slightly thinner.

Proper grading around the foundation is important to direct water away from the structure. We also make sure the slab is slightly elevated above the surrounding grade to prevent water from pooling against the building. If you are planning a new garage, you will probably also want a quality concrete driveway leading to it.

Commercial and Industrial Slabs

Commercial projects often have more demanding requirements. Warehouses need thicker slabs to handle forklift traffic and heavy storage loads. Retail spaces might need specific floor flatness specifications. We work from engineered plans to ensure every aspect meets the design requirements.

These projects often involve larger pours that require coordination with concrete suppliers and careful scheduling. We have the equipment and experience to handle commercial scale work efficiently. You can learn more about our concrete services in Westfield for commercial applications.

Our Foundation Installation Process

Building a quality foundation involves multiple steps that all need to be done right. We follow a proven process that has served us well on hundreds of projects. Every step matters, from the initial site work to the final finishing.

Site Preparation and Excavation

We start by marking out the exact location and dimensions of your foundation. Then we excavate to the required depth, removing topsoil and organic material that could compress over time. The depth depends on your local frost line and soil conditions. In our area, we typically excavate 12 to 18 inches below finished grade for most residential foundations.

After excavation, we inspect the soil conditions. If we find soft spots or unsuitable soil, we address those issues before proceeding. This might involve removing additional soil and backfilling with compacted gravel, or other stabilization methods. Skipping this step is how foundations end up settling unevenly.

Base and Moisture Protection

We install a thick base layer of crushed gravel or stone. This layer serves multiple purposes. It provides a stable, uniform surface for the concrete. It allows water to drain away instead of pooling under your slab. And it helps prevent frost heave in winter. We compact this base thoroughly using mechanical compactors.

On top of the base, we install a polyethylene vapor barrier. This plastic sheet prevents ground moisture from moving up through the concrete, which could cause dampness issues inside your building. We overlap the seams and seal them to create a continuous moisture barrier.

Reinforcement and Pouring

Before pouring, we place steel reinforcement according to the project specifications. This might be wire mesh, rebar grids, or both. The reinforcement helps the concrete resist cracking and adds structural strength. We use chairs or supports to hold the steel at the proper height within the slab.

Pour day requires careful attention and teamwork. We place the concrete systematically, working it into all areas and around any embedded items. Vibrators help remove air pockets. We screed the surface level and use floats and trowels to create the desired finish. For foundations that will be covered by flooring, a rougher finish is fine. For exposed slabs like garages, we create a smooth, durable surface. If you need additional concrete work like sidewalks or flatwork, we can coordinate that to follow your foundation work.

Common Questions About Foundation Work