Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

Everything starts with the foundation. Whether you're building a new home, adding a room, or constructing a shed or garage, the concrete slab is what holds it all up. This isn't work you can cut corners on. A foundation needs to be level, properly reinforced, and built to handle the specific challenges of San Tan Valley's soil and climate.

We pour concrete slabs and foundations throughout San Tan Valley for residential and commercial projects. From simple shed pads to complex home foundations, we bring the expertise to do it right the first time. Because when it comes to foundations, there are no second chances.

Types of Concrete Slab Work We Do

Foundation work comes in different forms depending on what you're building and how the structure will be used. Here are the main types of slab work we handle.

Slab-on-Grade Foundations

This is the most common type of foundation in Arizona. We pour the concrete directly on the ground (after proper prep work, of course). The slab sits on a bed of compacted gravel for drainage and stability. Slab-on-grade foundations work well in our climate because we don't have to worry about frost heave like they do up north.

Monolithic Slabs

A monolithic slab combines the foundation and footing in one single pour. The edges are thicker to support the weight of the walls, while the center is thinner since it only needs to support the floor. This saves time and money compared to traditional foundations with separate footings. It's a great option for many residential projects.

Garage and Shop Slabs

Garage slabs need to be extra thick and well-reinforced to handle vehicle weight. We typically pour these 5-6 inches thick with proper steel reinforcement. The surface finish matters too. Too smooth and it's slippery when wet. Too rough and it's hard to keep clean. We get it just right.

Shed and Storage Building Pads

Even a simple shed needs a proper foundation. We can pour a simple slab to keep your storage building level and protected from ground moisture. These smaller projects still require proper site prep, grading, and finishing work.

Why Proper Foundation Work Matters

You might think a foundation is just concrete on the ground, but there's a lot more to it. Poor foundation work leads to problems that are expensive and sometimes impossible to fix later. Here's what can go wrong if the foundation isn't done right:

• Cracking: Improper base prep or reinforcement leads to cracks that get worse over time
• Settling: Inadequate compaction causes the slab to sink unevenly, creating dangerous slopes
• Water Intrusion: Poor drainage design allows water to pool against or under the foundation
• Structural Failure: Wrong thickness or missing reinforcement can't support the building weight
• Code Violations: Foundations must meet local building codes or you'll have problems when you try to sell

These problems are preventable with proper planning and execution. That's why hiring experienced professionals matters so much for foundation work.

Our Foundation Installation Process

Building a solid foundation requires careful planning and precise execution. Here's how we approach every foundation project.

Site Evaluation and Planning

We start by evaluating your site. What's the soil like? How does water drain? Are there any slopes or grade issues? We also review your building plans to determine the right slab thickness, reinforcement needs, and any special requirements. This planning phase prevents problems before they start.

Excavation and Grading

Next, we excavate to the proper depth and grade the site for proper drainage. Water needs to flow away from your foundation, not toward it or under it. We typically excavate 6-12 inches depending on the project, removing unstable soil and preparing for the base material.

Base Preparation

We install a compacted gravel base that provides stability and drainage. This base gets compacted in layers to prevent settling. We also install any required moisture barriers to protect the concrete from ground water. If your project needs plumbing under the slab, we coordinate that work at this stage.

Forming and Reinforcement

We build precise forms to contain the concrete and create straight, level edges. Then we install steel reinforcement (rebar or wire mesh) according to engineering specs and local codes. The reinforcement keeps the concrete from cracking and gives it tensile strength.

Concrete Placement and Finishing

We pour the concrete to the specified thickness and work it carefully to eliminate air pockets and voids. Our finishing work creates the proper surface texture and ensures the slab is perfectly level. For concrete driveways and other surfaces, we use similar techniques to ensure quality.

Curing and Protection

Proper curing is critical for foundation strength. We protect the fresh concrete from temperature extremes and keep it moist as needed. Concrete continues gaining strength for weeks after pouring, but the first few days are the most critical. We make sure it cures properly so you get the full strength you're paying for.

Why Local Knowledge Matters

San Tan Valley has specific soil conditions and climate factors that affect foundation work. Our expansive clay soils can shift with moisture changes. Summer temperatures over 110 degrees affect concrete curing. These conditions require specific techniques and materials.

We know what works here because we've been doing it here. We use concrete mixes designed for Arizona's heat. We understand local building codes and permit requirements. And we know how to protect fresh concrete during our extreme weather.

We're also equipped to handle related projects like retaining walls and concrete masonry work that might be needed around your new foundation. From excavation to final finishing, we have the equipment and expertise to handle your project completely.

Frequently Asked Questions