Concrete Slab & Foundation Work
Expert concrete foundation and slab installation that provides a solid base for your residential or commercial structure.
Why Your Foundation Matters Most
Your foundation is literally what everything else sits on. Get it wrong and you'll deal with problems for as long as the building stands. Doors that won't close, cracks in walls, uneven floors, moisture issues. All of these trace back to foundation problems. That's why foundation work isn't something you want to cheap out on or trust to just anyone.
In Weston and South Florida, we deal with unique soil conditions that make foundation work even more critical. The water table is high, soil can shift with seasonal rains, and we occasionally get tropical storms that test everything. A properly installed concrete slab foundation handles all of this without breaking a sweat. It stays level, keeps moisture out, and provides the stable platform your structure needs.
Whether you're building a new home, adding a room addition, putting up a garage, or constructing a commercial building, the foundation comes first. We've poured foundations for everything from small sheds to large commercial facilities. Every job gets the same attention to detail because we understand that quality foundation work protects your investment for decades.
Types of Foundation and Slab Work We Do
Different structures need different foundation solutions. Here's what we specialize in and when each type makes sense for your project.
Residential Slab Foundations
Slab on grade foundations are the most common choice for homes in Florida. We prepare the ground, install vapor barriers, add reinforcement, and pour a single concrete slab that serves as both the foundation and the floor of your home. These foundations work great in our climate, cost less than pier and beam systems, and resist moisture and pests better than other options. Most new homes in Weston sit on concrete slab foundations we've helped install.
Room Additions and Extensions
Adding onto your existing home requires matching the new foundation to what's already there. We carefully tie the new slab into your existing foundation, making sure everything is level and properly reinforced. The connection points are critical. Done right, you'll never know where the old ends and the new begins. Done wrong, you get cracks and settling.
Commercial and Industrial Slabs
Commercial buildings often need thicker slabs with heavier reinforcement to support equipment, inventory, and high traffic. We handle everything from small retail spaces to large warehouse floors. These jobs require precise grading, careful attention to drainage, and concrete mixes designed for the specific loads the slab will carry. We work with engineers and follow commercial building codes to ensure everything meets specifications.
Garage and Shed Foundations
A detached garage or storage shed needs a proper foundation just like any other structure. We'll pour a slab sized for your building with proper thickness and reinforcement. Good drainage is especially important for these structures since water needs to flow away from the building and not pool around the foundation edges.
Our Foundation Installation Process
Foundation work follows a specific sequence that can't be rushed or skipped. Here's how we do it right every time.
- •Site survey and soil testing: We evaluate your building site, check soil conditions, and identify any drainage concerns. If needed, we'll recommend soil testing to ensure the ground can support the structure.
- •Excavation and grading: We clear and level the building site, removing organic material and creating proper drainage slopes. The subgrade gets compacted to prevent future settling.
- •Base preparation: A layer of gravel or crushed stone provides drainage and a stable base. We compact this thoroughly because any settling here will cause problems later.
- •Vapor barrier and insulation: Plastic sheeting goes down to block moisture from wicking up through the concrete. If required, we install insulation board to meet energy codes.
- •Plumbing and utilities: Any pipes or conduits that need to run through the slab get installed and tested before we pour concrete. This is your only chance to get these right.
- •Reinforcement installation: Steel rebar gets placed in a grid pattern and tied securely. The amount and spacing of rebar depends on your building's requirements and local codes.
- •Concrete pour and finishing: Fresh concrete arrives and gets poured, spread, and vibrated to remove air pockets. We level, smooth, and finish the surface, then cut control joints to manage any future cracks.
- •Curing and protection: We protect the slab while it cures for at least a week, keeping it moist and covered. This curing period is when concrete gains its strength.
Foundation work typically takes 1 to 2 weeks depending on size and complexity. Weather can affect the schedule since we need dry conditions for most of the work. We'll coordinate with your builder or project manager to make sure everything stays on track.
What Can Go Wrong and How We Prevent It
Foundation problems usually come from cutting corners during installation. Here are the common issues we see and how our methods prevent them. Poor drainage causes many foundation failures. Water pools around the slab, seeps underneath, and erodes the base material. Eventually the slab settles unevenly. We grade everything to direct water away from the foundation and install proper drainage where needed. Your foundation should last as long as your building, and good drainage makes that possible.
Inadequate reinforcement leads to cracking. Some contractors use less rebar than they should to save money. When the slab experiences stress from loads or ground movement, cracks appear. We follow engineering specifications exactly and never skimp on reinforcement. The steel inside your concrete slab is what gives it strength. Settling happens when the base isn't properly compacted. Loose soil compresses under the weight of the concrete and structure, causing the slab to sink. We take time to compact the subgrade and base layers thoroughly. It takes extra time but prevents major problems.
Moisture issues develop when vapor barriers are missing or poorly installed. Ground moisture moves up through concrete by capillary action, causing dampness, mold, and flooring failures. We install quality vapor barriers under every slab and seal them properly at the edges. Quick or improper curing makes weak concrete. Concrete needs time and moisture to reach full strength. Contractors who rush to the next job often skip proper curing. We protect your slab and cure it correctly every time. It's not the exciting part of the job, but it's one of the most important.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions about concrete foundations and slabs.
Need Foundation or Slab Work?
Get expert advice and a detailed quote for your foundation project. We'll review your plans and provide recommendations.