The foundation for your new home in Berwyn, Illinois supports the entire structure and its contents. Most builders agree that a foundation is the most critical aspect of constructing a high-quality, trouble-free structure. Because of the high tensile strength, low cost, and ease of installing concrete, poured concrete foundations have become the de facto standard for many new homes in the Berwyn area. However, as a concrete contractor with over 30 years of experience in the industry, we have seen entire sections of concrete foundation walls collapse due to subpar installation techniques.

So, what should you look for when installing a poured concrete foundation to ensure quality? This Berwyn, Illinois concrete and cement contractor is going to explain everything you’ll need to know.

Cure Time

Hydration is one of the most crucial aspects of a successful concrete foundation installation. Hydration refers to a chemical reaction in which the ingredients react, emit heat, and get reinforced. The rate of hydration is influenced by environmental factors such as temperature and humidity. It is critical to allow ample time for the concrete to cure/strengthen before applying heavy loads. So, it is recommended that you let a poured concrete foundation wall sit for at least a week before backfilling. It is worth noting that in colder temperatures, the poured concrete wall can take up to two weeks to cure to the point when you can place soil back up against the wall. While admixtures can be used to shorten the hydration process, you may want to consult with your local Berwyn, Illinois concrete contractor to find out if doing so would impact cure times on your particular concrete project.

Bracing for Backfill

The soil and moisture outside a concrete foundation can put the walls under a tremendous amount of pressure. The foundation wall needs some help to counteract these lateral loads. When your home in Berwyn is built, this help can be provided by the basement slab and the floor joists above. However, until then, temporary bracing will need to be provided before backfilling. This will help prevent cracking and sudden catastrophic collapse of the walls before they reach the appropriate strength. 

Heavy Equipment

Heavy machinery, such as bulldozers and front-end loaders, can weigh tens of thousands of pounds. When this machinery is operated near a foundation wall, the soil beneath the machinery exerts extreme pressure against the wall. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that heavy machinery does not enter the over-dig area — this is the over-excavated area from the foundation’s initial hole. Most machine operators know this, but it never hurts to remind them before beginning the backfill process.

These are only a handful of the fundamental quality control techniques that will help prevent unnecessary cracks and failures in poured concrete foundation walls. Keep in mind that the actual process of pouring a concrete foundation is a lot more complex than this, which is why it is best left to professional concrete contractors to ensure quality results.

Looking for a Concrete Contractor in Berwyn, Illinois?

Via Galante Cement Contractors is a fully insured and bonded Berwyn, Illinois concrete contractor with the knowledge and expertise to establish any type of concrete foundation, regardless of size. For over 30 years, we have delivered a wide range of quality and cost-effective concrete solutions to home and business owners in the Berwyn area thanks to our team of highly trained concrete experts, the best materials, and impeccable customer service.

If you are looking for a concrete foundation installation, or any other type of concrete-related work, call us at (773) 589-9893 or contact us online to request a quote.