Concrete Slab & Foundation Work
Your foundation is the most important part of any structure, and we build them right the first time so your investment stays solid for decades.
Why Your Foundation Matters So Much
Every building starts with its foundation. Get this wrong and you will face expensive problems for years. Cracks in walls, doors that stick, uneven floors, and water intrusion all trace back to foundation issues. That is why we take foundation work seriously and never rush through the critical preparation steps that determine long-term performance.
Here in Vero Beach, we deal with sandy soil, high water tables, and seasonal weather changes that put extra demands on foundations. A properly designed and installed concrete slab handles these challenges without settling or cracking. We have poured hundreds of residential and commercial foundations throughout Vero Beach that continue performing perfectly decades later.
Types of Foundation Work We Do
We handle all types of concrete slab and foundation projects. New home construction requires full foundation slabs engineered to local building codes. Home additions need foundations that tie properly into existing structures without creating weak points. Garage slabs, shed foundations, and workshop floors all get the same careful attention to drainage, reinforcement, and proper thickness.
For commercial projects, we work with engineers to pour slabs that support heavy equipment and constant traffic. These industrial-grade slabs need extra reinforcement and precise leveling. Whether you are building a small storage building or a large commercial facility, we have the experience and equipment to handle foundations of any size.
How We Build Foundations That Last
Foundation work follows strict procedures because there is no room for error. Here is our step-by-step process that ensures your slab stays level and crack-free.
Site Analysis and Soil Testing
We start by evaluating your site conditions. Soil composition, drainage patterns, and water table depth all affect foundation design. For larger projects, we recommend soil testing to determine bearing capacity. This information guides decisions about slab thickness, reinforcement, and base preparation.
Excavation and Grading
Proper grading prevents water from pooling near your foundation. We excavate to the correct depth and create slopes that direct water away from the building. The ground must be level and properly compacted before we add base materials. Skipping this step leads to settling problems later.
Base Preparation and Compaction
A stable base prevents your slab from settling unevenly. We install layers of gravel or crushed stone, compacting each layer thoroughly. For foundations in areas with poor soil, we increase base thickness and use specialized materials. This creates a solid platform that distributes weight evenly.
Reinforcement and Moisture Barriers
Steel rebar or wire mesh reinforces the concrete to prevent cracking under stress. We place reinforcement at the proper height within the slab for maximum effectiveness. A vapor barrier goes down before the pour to block moisture from rising through the concrete, which is especially important in Florida.
The Pour and Finishing
Foundation pours happen quickly with our full crew on site. We pour to exact specifications for thickness and levelness, using laser levels to ensure accuracy. The concrete is finished smooth and allowed to cure properly. Control joints are cut to manage natural expansion and contraction.
What Makes Our Foundations Superior
Not all foundation work is equal. We include specific features that other contractors sometimes skip to save money or time. These details make the difference between a foundation that lasts 20 years and one that lasts 50 years.
Foundation Features We Always Include
- •Proper thickness based on building requirements and soil conditions
- •Steel reinforcement placed correctly for maximum strength
- •Vapor barriers to prevent moisture problems
- •Proper drainage design to direct water away from the slab
- •Compacted base materials that prevent settling
- •Control joints placed strategically to manage cracking
- •Compliance with all local building codes and engineering specifications
We also coordinate with plumbers and electricians when foundation work includes embedded utilities. Plumbing lines, electrical conduits, and HVAC connections need to be positioned correctly before the pour. Getting this coordination right prevents expensive problems down the road.
Commercial and Specialty Slabs
Commercial foundation work demands higher standards and heavier construction. Warehouses, retail buildings, and manufacturing facilities need slabs that support forklifts, heavy shelving, and constant foot traffic. We pour these slabs thicker with closer-spaced reinforcement and premium concrete mixes.
For specialty applications like garage floors and workshop slabs, we create surfaces that stay level and resist oil staining. Machine rooms and equipment pads require extra attention to levelness and vibration resistance. We have poured slabs for generators, HVAC units, pool equipment, and heavy machinery that continue performing flawlessly.
Agricultural buildings and storage facilities also need properly designed slabs. These often cover large areas and must handle point loads from stored materials. We engineer these slabs to prevent cracking from uneven weight distribution and include proper drainage to keep interior spaces dry.
Foundation and Slab Questions
Need a Solid Foundation?
Whether you are building new or adding on, we pour foundations that provide a lifetime of reliable performance. Get in touch for a detailed estimate.
(772) 365-9320