Concrete Foundations & Footings

Why Foundation Quality Matters in Mount Vernon

Your foundation is literally what everything else sits on. A solid foundation keeps structures level, prevents settling, and protects against moisture damage. Whether you're building a new home addition, garage, shed, or retaining wall, the foundation determines how well that structure performs over time. Professional foundation work in Mount Vernon means your structure stays stable through our freeze-thaw cycles and weather extremes.

Poor foundation work leads to cracked walls, stuck doors, and water infiltration. These problems are expensive to fix and can compromise the entire structure. Doing it right the first time costs less than repairs later. That's why we focus on proper excavation, reinforcement, and concrete placement for every foundation project.

Benefits of Quality Concrete Foundations

Here's what proper foundation work provides:

• Prevents structural settling and movement
• Distributes building loads evenly across soil
• Keeps structures level and square
• Blocks moisture from entering buildings
• Resists frost heave and freeze-thaw damage
• Provides long-term structural stability
• Meets building codes and inspection requirements

How We Install Foundations and Footings

Site Survey and Planning

We start by surveying your site and understanding local soil conditions. Mount Vernon has varied soil types, and we adjust our approach based on what we find. We check for proper drainage, identify any underground utilities, and plan the foundation depth. In our area, footings must go below the frost line (typically 42 inches) to prevent frost heave.

Excavation

We excavate to the required depth, creating level trenches for footings. The bottom of the trench must be undisturbed soil or compacted fill. We remove any loose soil that could settle later. For areas with poor soil conditions, we might recommend deeper excavation and additional base preparation. The excavation width depends on the wall thickness and load requirements.

Forming and Reinforcement

We install forms for foundation walls and footings. Footings are typically twice as wide as the wall they support. We add rebar reinforcement according to building codes and engineering specifications. This steel reinforcement ties the concrete together and prevents cracking. For foundation walls, we install vertical rebar that extends from the footing up through the wall.

Concrete Placement

We pour footings first, allowing them to cure before building walls. The concrete mix is designed for foundation work, with proper strength and workability. We consolidate the concrete to eliminate voids and ensure good coverage around reinforcement. After pouring, we protect the concrete during curing. Foundation walls are poured next, creating a monolithic structure with the footings.

Waterproofing and Drainage

For below-grade foundations, we apply waterproofing to the exterior walls. We also install drainage systems to direct water away from the foundation. This includes perimeter drains and proper grading. Keeping water away from your foundation prevents moisture problems and extends the life of the structure.

Foundation Types We Install

Different structures need different foundation types. Slab-on-grade foundations work well for garages and single-story additions. They're cost-effective and quick to install. Stem wall foundations combine concrete footings with a short concrete wall, then a concrete slab on top. This design works for areas with moderate frost heave concerns.

Full basement foundations create usable below-grade space. They require deeper excavation and taller walls but add significant living or storage area. Pier and beam foundations use concrete footings to support individual posts or piers. This design works well on sloped sites or for elevated structures. We'll recommend the right foundation type based on your project, site conditions, and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions About Foundations