Concrete Foundations & Footings

The Foundation of Every Strong Structure

Your foundation is the most critical component of any building. It transfers the weight of the entire structure to the ground, resists settling and movement, and protects against moisture damage. A properly designed and installed foundation determines whether your building stays level, secure, and problem-free for decades or develops cracks, settling issues, and structural damage within years.

At RightOnTime Sunrise Concrete, we specialize in residential and commercial foundation work throughout Sunrise and South Florida. We understand local soil conditions, building codes, and the unique challenges of constructing foundations in Florida's climate. Our team has the experience and equipment to handle projects from small additions to large new construction, ensuring your building starts with a solid base. Learn about all our professional concrete services and how we can support your construction projects.

Foundation Types We Install

Different buildings require different foundation systems. We work with architects, engineers, and builders to install the right foundation for each project:

• Slab-on-grade foundations: The most common type in Florida, where a concrete slab serves as both foundation and floor. These work well in areas with stable soil and where basements aren't needed. They're cost-effective and quick to install.
• Stem wall foundations: A system that combines footings, vertical concrete walls, and a slab. This approach provides better drainage and allows for crawl spaces or elevated floors. It's ideal for uneven terrain or where you need access beneath the building.
• Pier and beam foundations: Individual concrete piers support beams that carry the building's weight. This design works well for areas with poor soil, flood-prone locations, or when you need ventilation beneath the structure.
• Monolithic slabs: The footing and slab are poured together in one continuous piece. This efficient design reduces labor costs and speeds up construction while providing a strong foundation for lighter structures.
• Addition and extension footings: When adding onto existing structures, we carefully integrate new footings with your current foundation to ensure proper support and prevent differential settling.

Understanding Footings

Footings are the enlarged base sections of your foundation that distribute the building's weight over a larger soil area. Think of them as the shoes of your foundation. Without proper footings, even the strongest foundation walls can crack and settle as concentrated weight pushes into the ground.

Footing Design Considerations

Footing size depends on your building's weight and your soil's bearing capacity. Sandy Florida soils often require wider footings to spread the load. We work with engineers to determine the correct footing dimensions, depth, and reinforcement for your specific site. Building codes set minimum standards, but we often exceed these minimums to ensure long-term stability. Proper footing placement below the frost line (though less critical in Florida) and adequate drainage prevents movement and settling.

Reinforcement Requirements

Steel reinforcement is essential for foundation and footing strength. We install rebar in patterns specified by engineering plans, ensuring proper spacing, overlap, and placement within the concrete. The reinforcement handles tensile forces that concrete alone cannot resist, preventing cracks from spreading and adding structural integrity. For related foundation work, we also provide slab and flatwork services for complete foundation systems.

Our Foundation Installation Process

Foundation work requires precision, careful planning, and attention to detail at every stage. We begin by reviewing engineering plans and obtaining necessary permits. Our crew then excavates to the specified depth, ensuring the bottom is level and compacted. We install forms to shape the concrete and position reinforcement according to engineering specifications.

Before pouring, we verify all measurements, elevations, and reinforcement placement. We coordinate concrete delivery to ensure continuous pouring, which eliminates weak cold joints. Our team carefully places the concrete, vibrates it to remove air pockets, and finishes the surface as specified. We install anchor bolts for attaching framing and ensure all embedded items are properly positioned. After pouring, we protect the concrete during curing to develop full strength. If your project also needs retaining walls or other structural elements, we can coordinate these as part of your foundation project.

Frequently Asked Questions