Boston Stamped Concrete Experts
Concrete Foundations in Boston, MA
Precision Concrete Foundations for Every Project
Boston Stamped Concrete Experts recognizes that the foundation of your home is the key to what you build on top of it. The foundation of your house should be laid with an understanding of the overall structural integrity of your entire property. Whether you are building a brand-new home, expanding by adding a garage, building a commercial property or developing any other type of structure that demands solid footing, a well-laid concrete foundation will provide the stable base required for your construction project.
We bring precision, expertise and local knowledge of Boston to each of our foundation projects. Our experienced team has completed numerous concrete foundation projects in the Greater Boston Area. We have experience working through the problems of soil conditions in New England, as well as the frost depth and the Massachusetts building codes. In addition to the installation of residential home foundations, we also specialize in the installation of commercial construction foundations; all designed and engineered for long-lasting stability and performance.
Request a Free Quote
What is a Concrete Foundation?
The concrete foundation is the structural base that transfers the weight of the building to the ground; it has to be able to support vertical loads from the structure above as well as lateral forces from soil pressure and moisture. If the foundation is properly designed, it will prevent settling and cracking as well as structural damage to the building, which can cause damage to the integrity of the building.
The concrete foundations include a footing that distributes the weight of the building over a larger area than the footing, thus precluding the sinking of the structure into the soil. The design of the foundation system must account for local conditions in the area of Boston; therefore, frost depth requirements, levels of groundwater, and variations in types of soil must be considered.
Concrete Foundation Design
We custom-design each concrete foundation based on several factors:
Bearing Capacity From Soil Testing
We evaluate the load-bearing strength of the soil to ensure the ground can support the weight of the structure without shifting.
Building Size And Weight
Our designs account for the total dimensions and weight of the building along with its planned function, to ensure long-term stability.
Local Frost Depth Requirements
The local frost depth requirement in Boston is 42 inches, and we ensure every foundation is deep enough to prevent damage from ground freezing.
Ground Water And Drainage
We analyze groundwater elevations and drainage characteristics surrounding the building site to prevent moisture infiltration and hydrostatic pressure.
Building Code And Engineering Specifications
All work is performed in strict accordance with local building codes and specific engineering requirements to ensure safety and compliance.
Budgetary Constraints
We work to find the most cost-effective foundation solutions that never compromise on structural integrity or quality.
When necessary, we will collaborate with a structural engineer to ensure that the foundation meets the appropriate technical requirements as well as provides the level of support required by your building.
Concrete Foundation Installation Process
We follow a systematic approach to foundation installation:
Site Preparation
Before we can begin to install the foundation of our building, the area will need to be cleared to allow us to determine where the reference points are located (so as to be able to lay out the foundation) and also to get ready for the excavation work that is about to take place. In order to build the foundation correctly, it is essential that the layout be correct.
Excavation
Once the area has been prepared, we then excavate to the depth that was required by the drawings. It is important that the excavation is done with precision, as this will affect how deep and wide the foundation will have to be constructed to accommodate the frost line and/or the properties of the soil. The width and height of the excavation will determine how well the walls will be supported by the footings and what type of footing system will be used to support the weight of the structure.
Forming
After the excavation is complete, we then construct the formwork for the foundation. This will define the shape and size of the foundation and will provide the mold into which the concrete will be poured. As with all structural elements, the forms must be straight, level, and plumb, and they must be properly braced to keep them upright while the concrete is being poured.
Reinforcement Installation
Next, we will install the rebar (or other reinforcing steel), as per the specifications and drawings provided by the engineer. Without adequate reinforcement, the concrete will crack under load and will lack tensile strength, causing it to break when subjected to forces such as wind loads, dead loads, live loads, etc.
Concrete Pouring
When the rebar is in place, we then pour the concrete into the formwork in stages to prevent the concrete from overflowing. After each stage of pouring, we then use various tools and equipment to consolidate the concrete and remove any air pockets that may be present. Once the last stage of pouring is complete, the entire volume of concrete must be filled to ensure that there are no voids within the concrete.
Finishing & Leveling
After the concrete has had time to finish setting, we will then level and smooth the surface of the foundation to create the necessary grade for water to drain off and to provide a solid base for the construction of the building above.
Curing and Protection
Finally, we will cure the freshly placed concrete to develop its compressive strength. The newly laid concrete will be protected from extreme temperatures, as well as moisture loss (which could lead to early aging of the concrete). When the concrete has reached its designed strength, the protection of the surface will cease, and the final touches on the foundation will be completed.
Concrete Footings
The base of your foundation system is the concrete footings. They allow the building’s weight to be distributed across a wider area of soil so that it does not settle and will provide stability. There are many different footing types we design and install:
Spread Footings
These are individual footings that support columns or posts. They are often used with pier and beam foundation systems or for supporting isolated loads.
Continuous Strip Footings
These are long footings that run underneath load-bearing walls. The continuous strip footing distributes the weight along the entire length of the wall.
Raft or Mat Foundations
A large slab that covers the entire building footprint. Raft and mat foundations are most beneficial in poor soil conditions or when you have heavy structures.
Concrete Foundation Applications
Foundations For Houses Made From Concrete
You should have a house with a solid, long-lasting foundation. The way we build concrete foundations for houses will be in accordance with residential building code requirements and can endure for many years, providing a solid base for your family’s needs. If you are either building a new construction home or making additions to an existing home, we will make sure that your foundation has been properly designed and constructed.
Concrete Foundations For Sheds
Just as larger homes require foundations, smaller structures (such as sheds) also require a foundation. We pour concrete foundations for sheds, which keep them level and protect them from settling. A well-designed and constructed foundation for your shed will protect your investment and help ensure it continues to remain square and operational.
Concrete Foundations For Commercial/Industrial Buildings
When it comes to commercial and industrial buildings, the foundations need to be specifically engineered to meet the load-bearing requirements and use of each building. We pour concrete foundations for large commercial and industrial buildings of every size. In addition, we collaborate with the contractors and engineers involved in the project to meet the project specifications and timeline.
Concrete Foundations For Construction Projects
We team up with general construction companies and contractors on construction projects throughout the city of Boston. The way we build concrete foundations for construction projects will meet the industry standard for quality and stay on time; this will allow your project to continue moving forward.
Ready to Build on Solid Ground?
Whether you’re building a new home, adding a garage, or developing commercial property, your project deserves a foundation built right. Let’s discuss your concrete foundation needs and ensure your structure starts with the solid support it requires.
Contact Boston Stamped Concrete Experts today for a free consultation. We’ll assess your site, review your plans, and provide expert recommendations for your foundation project. Let’s build something that lasts.