Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

Why Foundation Work Matters

The foundation supports everything above it. Whether you are building a new home, adding a garage, or constructing a shed, the quality of the foundation determines how well the structure performs over time. Professional concrete foundation work ensures your building starts on solid ground and stays level for decades.

A concrete slab provides a stable, level base that does not shift or settle when properly installed. It resists moisture better than other foundation types and creates a solid floor system. Slab foundations work well in our North Carolina climate and soil conditions. They cost less than other foundation types while providing excellent performance for most applications.

Foundation problems are expensive to fix. Cracks, settling, and moisture issues can damage your structure and reduce its value. Starting with a quality foundation prevents these problems. We follow building codes and engineering specifications to ensure your foundation meets all requirements. Our experience with local soil conditions helps us design foundations that perform well in Wake Forest.

We handle both residential and commercial foundation work. New construction, additions, garages, sheds, and accessory buildings all need proper foundations. We work with builders, contractors, and property owners to deliver foundations that meet project requirements and timelines.

Our Foundation Installation Process

Site Preparation and Excavation

Foundation work starts with proper site preparation. We excavate to the depth specified in your plans, ensuring the bottom is level and stable. Soft spots are identified and addressed. We compact the subgrade to create a firm base. A gravel layer provides additional stability and helps with drainage.

Proper drainage is critical. We make sure water flows away from the foundation. This might include installing gravel around the perimeter or adding drainage pipe. Poor drainage causes foundation problems, so we take this seriously. We also install moisture barriers under the slab to prevent ground moisture from migrating up through the concrete.

Forms, Reinforcement, and Utilities

We build forms that define the edges of your foundation. These must be level, straight, and properly braced to handle the weight of wet concrete. For residential work, we typically install steel rebar in a grid pattern. This reinforcement helps the concrete resist cracking and provides tensile strength.

Before pouring, we coordinate with plumbers and electricians to install any pipes or conduits that run under or through the slab. Getting these utilities in the right location before the pour is essential. Once the concrete is placed, changes become very difficult and expensive. We inspect everything carefully before proceeding with the pour.

The Pour and Finishing

Foundation pours require coordination and timing. We use concrete mixes specified by your engineer or building code. The concrete is placed, spread, and leveled to create a flat, smooth surface. For floors that will be exposed, we apply a smooth trowel finish. For slabs that will be covered with flooring, a rougher finish is acceptable.

Proper curing is essential for foundation strength. We apply curing compound and protect the fresh concrete from rapid drying. The slab needs at least seven days to cure before framing can begin. Just like driveway installations, proper curing prevents surface defects and ensures full strength. We also handle any required testing or inspections to verify the work meets code requirements. Foundation repairs are much more expensive than doing the job right the first time.