Concrete Foundations 101: Building Strong in Tracy’s Climate

Even when you hire a professional to pour your concrete foundation, you should know the best practices involved in this process. If you’re not familiar with the use of concrete, you could make mistakes that could adversely affect the strength and durability of the concrete. 

Familiarizing yourself with concrete helps you do your part to create a strong foundation that will last a lifetime.

Avoid the Use of Non-Porous Backfill

When seeking expert advice on concrete foundations in Tracy, CA, you should evaluate the soil on your property. If the soil has large amounts of clay and other non-porous materials, you might deal with future moisture problems. That’s because these materials will retain the moisture instead of letting it seep deeper into the earth.

Coarse-grained soil is most recommended by concrete contractors. This type of soil is a mixture of sand and gravel. The mixture creates a backfill that absorbs moisture and compacts easily. Good compacting is important because it will help avoid settling once the foundation is complete.

Expert Advice on Concrete Foundations in Tracy, CA: Don’t Rush Curing

Although it can take up to 28 days to fully cure the foundation, the first three days are the most important. Keep people and pets from walking on the surface throughout this period. 

Proper curing will give you a surface that can withstand up to 3,000 PSI or more. During the first 72 hours, your contractor might wrap the concrete in plastic, spray the concrete with misty water, or provide other services for proper curing.

Never Interrupt the Pouring Process

Expert advice on concrete foundations in Tracy, CA, includes ensuring that the concrete gets poured from a single batch. Using a different mixture or allowing one layer to partly cure before pouring another layer will create a cold joint between the layers. The cold joint will eventually crack or leak.

Start With Our Concrete Foundation Services

Form to Finish Concrete provides concrete services for projects of any size. Whether you need a full basement or a small slab foundation, we’re ready to build it for your residential or commercial project. To discuss your project with our team, contact us today!