Concrete Foundations & Slabs

The Foundation of Every Structure

Every building, shed, addition, or structure needs a solid foundation. Your foundation is literally what everything else rests on, so it must be built correctly from the start. A properly constructed concrete foundation or slab provides stable support, prevents settling, controls moisture, and lasts for the entire life of your structure. When you work with experienced concrete contractors, you get a foundation that meets building codes and performs reliably for decades.

Foundation work requires knowledge of soil conditions, drainage, structural requirements, and local building codes. Here in Bradenton, we deal with sandy soils, high water tables, and specific engineering requirements for Florida construction. We understand these challenges and have the experience to build foundations that stand up to our climate and soil conditions.

Whether you are building a new home, adding a room, constructing a garage or workshop, or installing a shed, the foundation determines how well that structure performs. A poorly built foundation leads to cracked walls, stuck doors and windows, uneven floors, and expensive repairs. Investing in quality foundation work from the beginning prevents these problems and gives you peace of mind.

Types of Concrete Foundations and Slabs

Different structures require different foundation types. We build all types of concrete foundations and slabs for residential and commercial projects throughout the Bradenton area.

Slab-on-Grade Foundations

This is the most common foundation type in Florida. A slab-on-grade is a single layer of concrete poured directly on prepared ground. It serves as both foundation and floor system. Slab-on-grade foundations are cost-effective, work well with our sandy soils, and resist moisture problems better than crawl spaces or basements. We typically use this type for homes, garages, sheds, and many commercial buildings.

Stem Wall Foundations

A stem wall foundation consists of concrete footings below grade with walls that rise above ground level. The floor slab is poured inside the stem walls. This type creates a small crawl space and raises the structure slightly above grade. Stem walls work well when you need to elevate a building for drainage or want access to plumbing and electrical systems underneath.

Grade Beams and Footings

Grade beams are reinforced concrete beams that distribute the weight of the structure to individual footings. This system works well for buildings on slopes, areas with poor soil conditions, or structures that need extra support. Engineers specify the size and placement of beams and footings based on soil conditions and building loads.

Monolithic Slabs

A monolithic slab combines the footing and slab into one continuous pour. The edges are thicker to provide support, and the center is thinner for the floor. This type saves time and labor since everything is poured at once. Monolithic slabs work well for smaller buildings like garages and sheds where simpler foundations are adequate.

Concrete Piers and Pilings

For areas with high water tables or unstable surface soil, we install concrete piers or pilings that extend down to stable soil or bedrock. The structure is supported on these deep foundations rather than resting directly on the ground. This approach is sometimes required by engineers for difficult soil conditions or coastal properties.

Our Foundation Installation Process

Building a solid foundation requires careful planning and execution. We follow proven processes and building codes to ensure your foundation performs as intended.

Site Evaluation and Preparation

Every project starts with evaluating the site. We assess soil conditions, drainage patterns, and elevation. If engineers have provided soil reports or foundation drawings, we review them carefully. We mark the foundation location and verify dimensions. Proper site preparation includes clearing vegetation, removing topsoil, and establishing proper grades for drainage.

Excavation and Base Work

We excavate to the required depth for footings or foundation walls. The bottom of excavations is leveled and compacted. For slab foundations, we typically place a layer of gravel base material and compact it thoroughly. This base provides support and allows water to drain away from the slab. A vapor barrier is usually installed to prevent moisture from rising through the concrete.

Reinforcement and Utilities

Steel reinforcing bars (rebar) or wire mesh strengthen the concrete. We place reinforcement according to engineering specifications or building code requirements. Plumbing and electrical lines that run under or through the slab are installed before pouring. These rough-ins must be positioned correctly because they cannot be changed after the concrete is poured.

Forming and Pouring

We build precise forms to contain the concrete and create the proper dimensions. Forms must be strong enough to hold the weight of wet concrete and maintain straight, level edges. We inspect everything one final time before the pour. Concrete is placed, consolidated to eliminate air pockets, and finished to the proper surface texture. Proper curing is critical for maximum strength, so we protect the new concrete and keep it moist during the curing period.

Inspection and Quality Control

Most foundation work requires building inspections at various stages. We coordinate with inspectors and ensure everything meets code requirements. After the concrete cures, we verify that dimensions are correct and the surface is level and ready for construction to proceed. We also work with other concrete services like driveways, walkways, and other site improvements to complete your entire project.

Foundation and Slab Questions