Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

Your foundation supports everything above it. Whether you are building a new home, adding a garage, or constructing a shed, the foundation determines the stability and longevity of the entire structure. A poorly installed foundation leads to cracks in walls, doors that will not close properly, and serious structural problems that cost tens of thousands of dollars to fix. Getting it right from the start prevents these nightmares.

Foundation work requires specialized knowledge that most general contractors do not have. Soil conditions, water tables, building loads, and local climate all affect how a foundation should be designed and built. We analyze these factors for every project before we start digging. The wrong approach for your specific site conditions results in settling, cracking, or even complete foundation failure within a few years.

In La Porte, our soil contains clay that expands when wet and shrinks when dry. This movement exerts tremendous pressure on foundations and causes cracking if not properly addressed. We account for this soil behavior in our foundation designs. Proper drainage, adequate depth, and correct reinforcement prevent the problems that plague many homes in our area. Your foundation needs to be engineered for local conditions, not just built to minimum code requirements.

The cost of foundation work is significant, but it is also the most important investment in any building project. Trying to save money on your foundation by using inexperienced contractors or cutting corners on materials almost always costs more in the long run. Foundation repairs are expensive, disruptive, and sometimes impossible to fully correct. Spending the money to do it right the first time protects your investment and gives you peace of mind.

Foundation work starts with thorough site evaluation and planning. We review building plans, perform soil tests if needed, and verify property boundaries and setbacks. Local building departments require permits for foundation work, and we handle all the paperwork. Our team marks utility lines to avoid damage during excavation. This planning stage prevents costly mistakes and delays once work begins.

Excavation and site preparation require precision and attention to drainage. We dig to the depths specified in the building plans, creating level surfaces for the concrete. The excavated area extends beyond the foundation footprint to provide working room. We grade the site so water flows away from the foundation in all directions. Poor drainage is the leading cause of foundation problems, so we take this step seriously.

Building a Foundation That Lasts

The gravel base provides stability and drainage under the concrete. We install 4 to 6 inches of crushed stone and compact it thoroughly with heavy equipment. This base prevents settling and allows groundwater to drain away instead of pooling under the slab. In areas with poor soil, we may install additional base material or use ground stabilization techniques. The base must be level and properly compacted before we move to the next step.

Vapor barriers and insulation go on top of the gravel base before concrete placement. The vapor barrier is a thick plastic sheet that prevents ground moisture from wicking up into the concrete. This protection stops moisture problems that cause mold and damage to flooring. In some cases, we install rigid foam insulation under the slab for energy efficiency. These materials must be installed carefully without tears or gaps.

Steel reinforcement is critical for preventing cracks and handling tension forces. We install rebar in a grid pattern with bars running both directions. The spacing and size of rebar depends on building loads and foundation design. We use chairs and supports to position the rebar at the correct height within the concrete thickness. All reinforcement gets inspected before the concrete pour to ensure it meets specifications.

The concrete pour must happen quickly and correctly. We order concrete from a reputable supplier with the right mix design for foundation work. Multiple trucks may be needed for large slabs to complete the pour before the first concrete starts setting. Our crew places the concrete evenly and works it around the reinforcement. We use vibrators to eliminate air pockets and ensure proper density. The surface gets screeded level and finished according to the building requirements.

Curing is the final critical step that determines long-term strength. Concrete continues hardening for weeks after placement, but the first few days are most important. We protect the slab from drying too quickly by applying curing compounds or covering it with plastic sheeting. Proper curing develops maximum strength and resistance to cracking. We wait for the concrete to reach adequate strength before allowing construction to proceed on top of the foundation.