Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

Your Foundation Is Everything

Everything you build sits on the foundation. If the foundation fails, everything above it has problems. Whether you are building a new home, adding a garage, or constructing a storage building, your project needs a solid concrete foundation that will not settle, crack, or shift over time.

We specialize in concrete slab and foundation work for residential and commercial projects throughout Fond du Lac. Our team understands the engineering requirements, soil conditions, and building codes that govern foundation work in Wisconsin. We do not guess or cut corners. We build foundations that meet or exceed code requirements and provide the stable base your structure needs.

Foundation work is not glamorous. No one sees it once the building is complete. But it is the most important part of any construction project. A properly built foundation prevents problems for decades. A poorly built foundation causes expensive issues that are difficult to fix. We make sure your foundation is done right the first time.

Types of Foundations and Slabs We Install

Different projects need different types of foundations. Here are the most common types we install and when each one makes sense for your project:

• Slab-on-grade foundations: This is a single layer of concrete poured directly on prepared soil. It is common for homes in our area because it works well with Wisconsin soil conditions and is cost-effective. The slab serves as both the foundation and the floor of the lowest level.
• Basement foundations: These include concrete walls poured on footings, with a separate floor slab inside. Basements add living space and storage but require more excavation and concrete work than slab foundations.
• Garage and outbuilding slabs: These are typically 4 to 6 inches thick with a gravel base underneath. They need to support vehicle weight and equipment without cracking or settling.
• Commercial slabs: Commercial buildings often need thicker slabs, more reinforcement, and specific engineering to handle heavier loads. We work with engineers to meet commercial building requirements.
• Pole barn foundations: For pole barn construction, we install concrete footings or piers for the posts, plus a floor slab if needed. This provides stability without the expense of a full perimeter foundation.

How We Build Foundations That Last

Foundation work requires precision and attention to detail. Here is what goes into every foundation we build:

Site evaluation and soil testing: We start by evaluating your soil conditions. Different soils require different approaches. Clay soil behaves differently than sandy soil. We need to understand what we are working with before we start digging.

Excavation and grading: We excavate to the proper depth based on local frost depth requirements and your project specifications. In Wisconsin, footings must go below the frost line to prevent heaving. We grade the site for proper drainage away from the foundation.

Base preparation: For slab foundations, we install a compacted gravel base underneath. This provides drainage and prevents settling. The base must be level and properly compacted. Poor base preparation causes slabs to crack and settle.

Forms and reinforcement: We build forms to the exact dimensions specified in your plans. We install steel reinforcement according to engineering requirements. This includes rebar for strength and wire mesh to control cracking. Proper reinforcement makes the difference between a foundation that lasts decades and one that develops problems.

Concrete placement: We use concrete mixes appropriate for foundation work. The concrete must have the right strength rating for your project. We pour, consolidate, and finish the concrete properly to eliminate air pockets and ensure full strength. We create proper slopes for drainage where needed.

Curing and protection: Foundation concrete needs proper curing time to reach full strength. We protect the concrete from temperature extremes, rapid drying, and damage during the curing process. This step cannot be rushed.

Preventing Common Foundation Problems

Foundation problems are expensive to fix. The best approach is preventing them in the first place. Here are the most common foundation issues we see and how we prevent them:

Settlement and sinking: This happens when the soil underneath compresses over time. We prevent it by properly preparing and compacting the base, removing unstable soil, and using adequate thickness for the loads your foundation will carry.

Cracking from shrinkage: All concrete shrinks slightly as it cures. We control this with proper water-cement ratios, adequate curing time, and control joints placed strategically to direct cracks where they will not cause structural problems.

Water damage and erosion: Water is concrete's enemy. We ensure proper drainage away from foundations. For basement foundations, we apply waterproofing and install drainage systems to keep water away from walls. Good drainage prevents most foundation water problems.

Frost heaving: In Wisconsin, this is a real concern. When soil freezes, it expands and pushes up on foundations. We prevent this by building below the frost line and using proper base materials that drain well and do not hold water.

If you already have foundation issues, we also handle concrete repair and replacement. Sometimes repairs work, but other times replacement is the better option. We will be honest about what your situation needs.

Commercial Foundation Work

Commercial projects have different requirements than residential work. Buildings designed for heavy equipment, multiple stories, or specific uses need engineered foundations that meet commercial building codes.

We work with architects and engineers to build foundations according to their specifications. We understand load requirements, reinforcement schedules, and the documentation needed for commercial projects. We coordinate with inspectors to ensure everything meets code before proceeding to the next phase.

Our commercial concrete services extend beyond foundations to include all types of flatwork and structural concrete. Whether you need a warehouse slab, office building foundation, or retail space concrete work, we have the experience and equipment to handle it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Concrete Slabs and Foundations