The purpose of having a solid foundation is much more than just holding up the entire structure above it. A house or building constructed on an adequately installed foundation is less likely to become damaged over time by the Chicago elements, including moisture, ground shifting, extreme temperatures, etc.

The process of pouring a concrete foundation is complicated, and it is best left to the experts to ensure professional results. We are going to explain the steps below.

Investigate the Condition of the Soil

This is the first and most crucial step before laying the foundation. It’s important to gauge the strength and condition of the soil so that it’s easy to decide what (if any) special arrangements are needed to create a sturdy foundation. We recommend having the ground surveyed by the builder to determine the best option.

Form the Footing

Decide on the foundation’s depth — ideally, it’ll be around 3 feet deep into the soil, but this can vary depending on moisture levels.

Next, clear the surroundings and level off the spot. After this, the digging will begin — but it’s important to be aware of the underground wiring or pipework to increase the project’s safety. After you’re done carving out the building’s perimeter, clear the debris and prepare to set rebar for your footings so the concrete doesn’t crumble.

Attach grade pins to lift the rebar, and make sure it’s equidistant from the base to form rigid sides. Finally, add the initial layer of concrete, which must at least come up to a foot. The concrete composition is extremely important here in order for the structure to set well and have a smooth finish. A hand float can also be used to level the base.

Build Walls

Set up wooden frames with the help of metal bars or duplex nails on the initial concrete layer to help them stand upright and firm. The goal is to ensure the stacking is sturdy, or else you’ll risk blowing out the concrete.

Next, pour the well-mixed concrete all at once, and smooth the top and use an edger to even out the sides. Let the concrete dry, remove the wooden frame, and spray a waterproofing coat to prevent the foundation from degrading due to moisture or other harmful elements.

Pour Concrete

Now is the time to work on the foundation space that’s within the newly poured walls. Dump crushed rocks, gravel, and/or sand to fill the foundation. Then, install a precisely customized polyethylene sheet on top of the gravel layer to create a barrier between the foundation and soil.

The next step is to fit a wire mesh over the sheet to allow the concrete to stay together and avoid cracking, then add the drainage pipes on the outside of the foundation’s edges.

Now comes the final layer of concrete that’ll form the foundation. With a bull float, smooth the upper surface, use an edger to flatten the edges, and work out any smaller holes or fine cracks with a hand float. Make sure to add anchor bolts before drying the concrete to secure the foundation to the slab. Ultimately, you’ll wait for 7 to 15 days for the concrete to cure before you start building.

There are more than a few important things to keep in mind while installing a concrete foundation in Chicago. At Via Galante Cement Contractors, we have the knowledge and expertise to help establish any type of foundation, regardless of size.

Concrete Foundation Installation Services in Chicago and the Chicagoland Suburbs

If you are looking for concrete foundation installation services in the Chicagoland area, we are the team to call. You can reach us at (773) 589-9893 or fill in this contact form to get more information on your particular project needs. You can also write to us at [email protected], and our representatives will get back to you with the best possible solution.