Foundation Services We Provide
From single-family homes to commercial buildings, we have the expertise and equipment to handle foundation projects of various scales. Our team works with general contractors, builders, and homeowners throughout the Greater Huntsville Area to deliver foundations that meet or exceed local building codes and engineering specifications.
Slab-on-Grade Foundations
The most common residential foundation type in North Alabama. A concrete slab is poured directly on prepared ground with integrated footings.
Crawl Space Foundations
Elevated foundation with perimeter walls and footings. Provides access to utilities and is suitable for sloped lots.
Basement Foundations
Full basement walls with footings for additional living or storage space. Less common in our area but available for specific needs.
Footings & Grade Beams
Individual footings for columns, piers, or additions. Grade beams span between footings to support walls above.
Our Foundation Installation Process
A quality foundation requires careful attention to every step of the process. North Alabama's soil conditions, particularly the expansive clay common in much of the region, demand proper preparation and engineering to prevent future problems.
Foundation Construction Steps
- 1. Site Survey & Layout: We work from engineered plans to establish exact foundation dimensions and elevations.
- 2. Excavation: Proper depth and width are achieved, with attention to soil conditions and drainage requirements.
- 3. Soil Preparation: The subgrade is compacted and tested. Fill material is added and compacted as needed.
- 4. Formwork: Sturdy forms define the foundation shape, hold concrete in place, and ensure proper dimensions.
- 5. Reinforcement: Steel rebar is placed according to engineering specifications to provide tensile strength.
- 6. Utilities: Plumbing sleeves, electrical conduit, and other penetrations are positioned before pour.
- 7. Concrete Pour: High-strength concrete is placed, consolidated with vibration, and finished to proper elevation.
- 8. Curing & Inspection: Proper curing ensures maximum strength. Inspections verify code compliance before backfill.
Understanding North Alabama Soil Conditions
The Tennessee Valley region presents unique challenges for foundation construction. Much of the soil in Huntsville, Madison, and surrounding areas contains expansive clay that swells when wet and shrinks when dry. This movement can stress foundations and cause cracking if not properly addressed during construction.
Our experience working in this region has taught us the importance of proper site preparation, adequate drainage, and appropriate foundation design for local conditions. We work closely with engineers and builders to ensure foundations are designed to handle the specific soil conditions at each project site.
In areas like Monte Sano with rocky terrain or low-lying areas near the Tennessee River with different soil compositions, we adapt our approach accordingly. This local knowledge helps us anticipate potential issues and build foundations that perform well for decades.
Applications for Our Foundation Services
We provide foundation work for a wide range of construction projects throughout the Greater Huntsville Area:
- New home construction - Working with builders and homeowners on residential foundations
- Home additions - Matching new foundations to existing structures
- Detached garages and workshops - Slab foundations with proper thickness for vehicles
- Accessory structures - Pool houses, sheds, and outbuildings
- Commercial buildings - Foundations for retail, office, and industrial structures
- Equipment pads - Heavy-duty slabs for HVAC units, generators, and machinery
Whether you're building in an established Huntsville neighborhood, a new subdivision in Madison, or a rural property in Morgan County, we can provide the foundation services you need.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to pour a foundation?
The actual concrete pour typically takes one day for residential foundations. However, the complete process including excavation, formwork, and curing extends over several days to a couple of weeks depending on the project scope and complexity.
Do I need an engineer for my foundation?
Most new construction in North Alabama requires engineered foundation plans that account for local soil conditions and building loads. We work from these plans to ensure proper construction. For smaller projects like garage slabs, engineering may not be required.
What concrete strength is used for foundations?
Residential foundations typically use 3,000-4,000 PSI concrete, though engineering specifications may call for higher strengths in certain applications. We follow the specifications provided by the project engineer to ensure adequate strength.