Concrete Foundations in Quincy, MA
Strong & Reliable Concrete Foundations in Quincy, MA
As solid as the walls are, a home or business is only as strong as the footing it was poured. Quincy Solid Concrete pours the bases that will hold up to anything you build from: residential houses, commercial buildings, small sheds, large garages, etc., of all shapes and sizes.
Our ability to construct a concrete foundation for any project will give you the confidence knowing your building is being built on a base that has been designed with weight, water, and the weather in mind. We can design and build foundations for anything from a small shed to large commercial jobs, and they will be long-lasting.
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Types of Concrete Foundations
Different structures require different foundation types. We design and install:
Slab-on-Grade Foundation
A cost-effective option, this is a combination of your foundation and floor as one pour; a common solution in areas with no basements. Slab-on-grade foundations will perform very well in Quincy’s climate. Our process includes careful preparation of the site, installation of a vapor barrier, adding insulation (as needed), and making sure the concrete is reinforced. A benefit of this foundation is eliminating the possibility of basement moisture problems while still having a stable, flat base to construct from.
Pier and Beam Foundation
Pier and beam foundations can keep your home elevated above grade level. The pier and beam system uses concrete piers, which support horizontal beams that, in turn, support the floor system. Pier and beam foundations provide good ventilation, easier access to plumbing and electrical components, and may be beneficial in areas with expansive soils or flood concerns. We determine the placement and sizing of our piers according to both the structural requirements of your project and the characteristics of the soil you’re working with.
Full Basement Foundation
Full basement foundations create usable space below grade. We pour the walls of the basement on the footing, install waterproofing, and make sure we have an appropriate method for draining water out of the basement. Although full basement foundations are used somewhat infrequently in Quincy due to high water tables, they can provide a lot of additional living or storage space in the area where the site allows for this.
Crawl Space Foundation
This middle-of-the-road alternative to a slab and a basement gives you limited space beneath the floor. Crawl spaces are short wall foundations that give you room to put utility lines, but at a lower price than a full basement. Ventilation and moisture management are critical to crawl space performance.
Concrete Foundation Design
Each of our custom-designed foundations is built using a variety of factors in mind:
Soil analysis: Knowing how much weight the ground can bear (bearing capacity) & what type of soil you have helps to determine how large your footers will be, as well as how deep they need to be.
Load calculations: We figure out how heavy everything is that your foundation has to hold (structure, contents, snow).
Building codes: Mass building codes outline the minimum amount of space between footings, how far down they need to be, how much reinforcement needs to be done to them, and which types of materials should be used during construction.
Climate considerations: How often it freezes/thaws, how wet/dry your climate is, & extreme temperatures all play a role when we are designing foundations.
Drainage planning: Properly draining your property helps protect your foundation from damage due to water & extends its life many years.
Concrete Foundation Installation Process
The process of installing foundations as professionals is based on a well-established series of steps:
Site Assessment: Prior to beginning the installation, we will identify and evaluate the site’s soil conditions, drainage, and access so that we can properly prepare and install the foundation.
Excavation: The excavation process is completed in such a way as to precisely dig to the necessary depth(s), which allows us to create the area where the footings and the foundation walls will be located.
Preparation of Base: A layer of compacted gravel will provide both drainage and a solid base for the footings.
Installation of Footings: We will complete the formation and pouring of concrete footings that include all required reinforcement.
Forming of Wall: The formwork used to construct the foundation wall will be installed accurately to ensure that it meets all specifications of the project.
Placement of Reinforcement: We will place the rebar in the foundation to add strength to the structure and prevent cracking in the future.
Placing of Concrete: We will pour a high-quality concrete mixture into the footings and foundation walls, then vibrate the material to remove air pockets and complete finishing work on the surface.
Proper Curing: We will properly cure the concrete to ensure it has reached its full potential strength.
Waterproofing & Drainage: Finally, we will apply the waterproofing materials and install the drainage system to protect your new foundation from water damage.
Concrete Foundations for Sheds
Sheds, too, have their own value in having good foundations; even smaller structures can be greatly improved by having the right type of foundations for them. In addition to the prevention of settlement, keeping the floor level, protecting against moisture damage, and extending the overall life of the shed’s concrete foundations for sheds are beneficial. Our typical slab for the foundation of a shed is 4 inches thick, and we thicken the edges of the slab so that it will have enough strength to support the shed. The foundation extends slightly beyond the footprint of the shed so as to protect the shed itself and to allow for a small working space on the perimeter.
Concrete Foundations for Houses
The residential concrete foundations of homes need careful planning and construction. We collaborate with structural engineers to make sure that our engineered solutions are in compliance with the design specifications. The type of foundation will be determined by your house design, site conditions, and budget. Slab-on-grade foundations are economical and fast. Full basements add square footage for living areas. Crawl spaces offer a compromise between cost and access for utilities. We help guide you as to which is the right choice for your project.
Ready to Build on Solid Ground?
Contact Quincy Solid Concrete today for a free consultation about your foundation project. Whether you’re building a new home, adding a garage, or constructing a commercial building, we provide the expertise and quality workmanship your project deserves. Let’s create a foundation that supports your structure for generations.