Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

Understanding Concrete Slabs and Foundations

Your foundation is literally what your entire building sits on. Whether you are constructing a new home, adding a garage, or building a shed, the concrete slab or foundation needs to be done right the first time. There is no such thing as minor foundation problems. Small issues become big problems fast, and fixing foundation mistakes after the fact costs way more than doing it correctly from the start.

Here in Thornton, we work with expansive clay soils that shift with moisture changes. This makes proper site prep and foundation design even more critical. We know the local soil conditions and building codes. When we pour a slab or foundation, we account for drainage, frost depth, soil type, and load requirements. This is structural concrete work where experience and precision matter more than anywhere else in construction.

We handle everything from simple shed slabs to full basement foundations for new homes. Residential garage slabs, pole barn foundations, equipment pads, and commercial building foundations are all in our wheelhouse. Each project gets engineered properly, permitted correctly, and built to last. You get a level, solid foundation that will support your structure for the life of the building.

Types of Foundation Work We Provide

• Slab-on-grade foundations: Single-level concrete slabs for homes, garages, and commercial buildings
• Basement foundations: Full and partial basement walls and floors
• Garage slabs: Reinforced concrete floors designed for vehicle loads
• Shed and pole barn pads: Level concrete bases for outdoor structures
• Equipment pads: Heavy-duty slabs for HVAC units, generators, and machinery
• Commercial foundations: Engineered slabs for retail, warehouse, and office buildings

The Foundation Installation Process

Foundation work starts with proper excavation and site preparation. We dig to the required depth based on frost lines and building codes. In Colorado, that typically means going down at least 36 inches below grade for footings. We establish grade and drainage so water flows away from your foundation rather than pooling against it or under it.

Next comes compaction of the sub-grade soil and installation of a gravel base. This base provides drainage and prevents the slab from settling unevenly. For slabs, we install vapor barriers to keep ground moisture from wicking up through the concrete. Reinforcement is critical. We use rebar grids or wire mesh positioned properly in the slab thickness to resist cracking and provide structural strength. Edge forms are set level and square to the exact dimensions required.

The concrete pour for foundation work requires coordination and speed. We use the proper concrete mix for structural applications, place it carefully, consolidate it to eliminate voids, and finish it to the required flatness and levelness. For slab-on-grade foundations, we typically pour 4 to 6 inches thick depending on load requirements. Garage slabs often need 5 to 6 inches. Equipment pads might go even thicker. Everything is done according to engineered plans and local building codes, with inspections at key stages to verify compliance.

Why Proper Foundation Work Matters

A foundation that settles unevenly causes cracks in walls, doors that will not close, and floors that slope. These are not cosmetic issues. They are structural problems that reduce your property value and can make your building unsafe. Fixing settled foundations is expensive and disruptive. The work involves lifting the structure, stabilizing the soil, and potentially replacing sections of the foundation.

Proper drainage is just as important as the concrete itself. Water is the enemy of foundations. When water pools around your slab or seeps under it, you get settlement, heaving, and cracking. We grade your site to direct water away from your foundation. We install proper base materials that allow water to drain rather than puddle. If your project needs it, we coordinate with plumbers for under-slab plumbing and with electricians for conduit runs before we pour.

Building codes exist for good reasons, especially for foundation work. We pull the required permits, schedule inspections, and make sure everything meets code. This protects you legally and ensures your foundation is built to minimum safety standards. When you need to sell your property, you will have documentation that the foundation work was done properly and inspected. That peace of mind is worth a lot. If you are also planning driveway installation, we can coordinate both projects for efficiency.

Frequently Asked Questions