Solid foundations and footings that support your structures for the long haul.
Foundations and footings are the unseen parts of any structure, but they're the most important. A solid foundation keeps your building level, prevents settling, and distributes weight safely into the ground. Whether you're adding a room, building a garage, or constructing a retaining wall, the foundation determines how long your project lasts.
A foundation is the concrete structure that supports a building or structure from below. It transfers the weight of the structure to the ground and keeps it stable. Footings are the widened base sections at the bottom of a foundation that spread the load over a larger area to prevent sinking.
Think of footings as the feet of your structure. Just like you sink into soft ground if your feet are too small, a structure will sink without wide enough footings. The footing size and depth depend on the weight of the structure and the soil conditions.
In residential construction, you typically see slab foundations, stem wall foundations, or pier and beam foundations. Each type works for different situations. We assess your project, the soil, and local codes to recommend the right foundation type and design.
Each foundation type has specific requirements for depth, width, and reinforcement. We follow local building codes and engineering standards to make sure your foundation is safe and up to code. If you're also planning retaining walls, the footings for those need special attention to handle lateral pressure from the soil.
The soil under your foundation determines how deep and wide your footings need to be. Stable soil like sand or gravel can support more weight with smaller footings. Soft or expansive clay soil needs wider footings and sometimes deeper excavation to reach more stable layers.
In Pomona, we deal with a mix of soil types. Some areas have stable decomposed granite. Others have clay that expands when wet and shrinks when dry. That movement can crack foundations if they're not designed properly. We account for local soil conditions and may recommend a soil test for larger projects.
Drainage is also critical. Water pooling around a foundation can erode the soil, cause settling, and lead to structural problems. We grade the area to direct water away and may add drainage systems if needed. Taking care of these details at the beginning saves you from expensive repairs later.
Foundation work starts with accurate measurements and layout. We mark the exact location and dimensions according to your plans or engineered drawings. Then we excavate trenches or holes for the footings, making sure they're level and at the right depth.
Next, we build forms to hold the concrete in place. For footings, the forms define the width and height. For stem walls, we build taller forms and add bracing. We place rebar inside the forms according to the structural plans. The rebar adds tensile strength and ties the foundation together.
We pour the concrete in stages if needed, making sure there are no voids or weak spots. After the pour, we vibrate the concrete to remove air pockets and smooth the top surface. Control joints or expansion joints are added where needed to handle movement.
Once the concrete cures, we strip the forms and backfill around the foundation. The concrete needs at least 7 days to gain enough strength before you build on it, and full strength takes 28 days. Rushing this process risks cracking or failure under load. For more general concrete work around your property, you might also need slabs and flatwork services.
Start with a solid foundation. We'll work with your plans, handle permits, and build a foundation that meets all codes and engineering requirements.
Call (909) 868-1669