Concrete Foundations & Footings

The Foundation of Everything

Your foundation literally holds up everything else. Whether you're building a new home, adding a garage, or constructing a pole barn, the foundation needs to be right. There's no room for shortcuts or guesswork when the entire structure depends on what's below ground.

In Crown Point, we deal with soil conditions that can be challenging. Clay soils expand and contract with moisture changes. Frost lines reach 36 inches deep, meaning footings must extend below this depth to prevent heaving. These factors require experience and knowledge to handle properly. We've poured foundations throughout Lake County for years and understand what local conditions demand.

A foundation is more than just concrete. It's a system that includes proper excavation, compacted base, drainage considerations, reinforcement placement, and correct concrete mix design. Each element matters. Miss one, and you risk settling, cracking, water infiltration, or worse. Our foundation work follows best practices and local building codes to ensure your structure starts on solid footing.

Types of Foundations We Install

Different structures need different foundation types. Here's what we commonly install for residential and light commercial projects:

• Poured concrete footings for walls and columns
• Slab-on-grade foundations for garages and additions
• Crawl space foundations with perimeter footings
• Pier and beam foundations for raised structures
• Frost walls for unheated buildings
• Monolithic slabs that combine footing and floor

The choice depends on your building type, budget, site conditions, and local code requirements. We'll review your plans and site to recommend the best foundation type for your project. Each has advantages and appropriate applications. What works for a detached garage might not be right for a home addition.

Our Foundation Installation Process

Foundation work starts with accurate layout and excavation. We stake out the building location, verify measurements, and dig to the proper depth. For footings, this means getting below the frost line. We create a level base and compact the soil to provide stable support.

Next comes formwork. We build strong, straight forms that will hold the concrete in the correct position until it cures. Form alignment is critical because any errors here translate directly to issues with the building above. We install reinforcing steel according to engineering specifications, ensuring proper placement and support.

When we pour, we use concrete specified for foundation work with appropriate strength ratings. The pour must be continuous to avoid cold joints that create weak spots. We vibrate the concrete to eliminate air pockets and work it into all the form spaces. After screeding level, we protect the concrete during curing. Similar attention to detail goes into all our concrete work, from foundations to driveways and patios.

Why Drainage Matters

Water is a foundation's worst enemy. Proper drainage planning during installation prevents problems later. We slope the grade away from the foundation so surface water flows away from the building. For basement and crawl space foundations, we often install perimeter drains that collect and redirect groundwater.

Without good drainage, water can accumulate against foundation walls, causing hydrostatic pressure that leads to cracks and leaks. In winter, this water can freeze and create even more pressure. Drainage issues also lead to damp basements, mold growth, and deterioration of the concrete itself over time.

When you work with Built4You Crown Point Concrete, drainage isn't an afterthought. We plan for it from the beginning and make sure your foundation has the protection it needs. This same philosophy applies to all our work, including slab installations where drainage is equally important.

Frequently Asked Questions