PlatinumPoint Salem Concrete logoPlatinumPoint Salem Concrete

Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

Structural concrete work built right the first time for your home or business in Salem, NH.

Professional concrete slab installation crew working in Salem, NH

Why Foundation Work Matters

Your foundation represents the most critical structural element of any building. Whether you are constructing a new home, adding a garage, or building a shed, the quality of the foundation determines how well the structure will perform for decades to come. Problems with foundations lead to cracked walls, stuck doors and windows, and costly repairs down the road. Here at PlatinumPoint Salem Concrete, we understand that cutting corners on foundation work creates problems that are expensive and difficult to fix later. That is why we focus on doing the job right from the start.

Concrete slabs serve as foundations for many residential and commercial buildings, especially in our region. A properly constructed slab distributes the building's weight evenly across the soil, prevents moisture from entering the structure, and provides a solid base for walls and floors. We have the experience and equipment to handle slab installations of all sizes, from small shed foundations to large commercial buildings. Our work meets or exceeds all local building codes, and we coordinate with inspectors to ensure your project passes all required inspections.

Types of Foundation Work We Perform

  • Slab-on-grade foundations for new construction
  • Garage and outbuilding foundation slabs
  • Basement floor slabs and foundation walls
  • Commercial building foundation systems
  • Foundation repairs and reinforcement
  • Frost wall foundations with concrete floors

Proper Site Preparation Makes the Difference

Foundation work starts well before we pour any concrete. The site preparation phase determines whether your foundation will perform properly or develop problems. We begin by carefully evaluating the soil conditions on your property. Different soil types have different load-bearing capacities and drainage characteristics. Understanding what we are working with helps us design the right foundation system for your specific site.

Excavation and Grading

Once we understand the site conditions, excavation begins. We dig to the proper depth based on local frost line requirements and engineering specifications. In New Hampshire, foundations must extend below the frost line to prevent frost heaving during winter freezes. The bottom of the excavation gets carefully graded to create a level surface. Any soft or unsuitable soil is removed and replaced with compacted fill material that provides stable support.

Base Material and Drainage

We install a layer of crushed stone or gravel that serves multiple purposes. This base provides additional load-bearing capacity, creates a capillary break that prevents moisture from wicking up into the concrete, and facilitates drainage around the foundation. The stone gets compacted in layers using professional equipment to achieve proper density. For most projects, we also install perimeter drainage systems that collect and direct water away from the foundation. Proper drainage is absolutely critical here in New England where we deal with spring runoff and heavy rains.

Professional Construction Techniques

Once site preparation is complete, we move to forming and reinforcement. The forms we build define the shape of your foundation and ensure the concrete reaches the proper thickness. We use sturdy form materials and check them carefully for level and alignment. Any mistakes at this stage will show up in the finished foundation, so we take time to get the forms right before proceeding.

Reinforcement is critical for foundation strength. We install steel rebar in a grid pattern throughout the slab, positioned at the proper height within the concrete thickness. This reinforcement gives the concrete tensile strength it would not otherwise have, helping it resist cracking from ground movement or temperature changes. For larger slabs or projects with special requirements, we may use wire mesh reinforcement or fiber reinforcement mixed into the concrete itself. The specific reinforcement strategy depends on the project requirements and engineering specifications.

Concrete Placement and Finishing

When we pour the concrete, we work systematically to place material throughout the forms while it is still workable. Professional vibration equipment removes air pockets and ensures the concrete fills completely around all reinforcement. We level and smooth the surface using specialized tools, creating the flatness and finish required for your project. For residential applications, we typically create a broom finish that provides good traction. Commercial projects may require different finishes based on how the space will be used. As the concrete cures, we apply curing compounds or cover it with plastic to maintain proper moisture levels that allow the concrete to reach full strength.

Quality Control and Code Compliance

Foundation work requires careful attention to building codes and engineering standards. We stay current with all local requirements and work closely with building inspectors throughout the process. Inspections typically occur after excavation, after reinforcement installation, and sometimes after the pour is complete. We schedule these inspections at the appropriate times and make sure everything is ready for the inspector to review. This coordination ensures your project stays on schedule while meeting all code requirements.

Material Quality Standards

  • Using concrete mix designs appropriate for foundation applications
  • Sourcing materials from reputable local suppliers
  • Verifying concrete strength through testing when required
  • Installing reinforcement that meets project specifications
  • Following proper curing procedures for full strength development

We also coordinate with other trades when necessary. If your project requires plumbing or electrical lines to run through the slab, we work with those contractors to ensure everything is properly placed before we pour. This coordination prevents costly mistakes and delays. Many foundation projects also involve masonry walls or other structural elements that need to integrate with the concrete work. Our experience helps us anticipate these connections and plan accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Need Foundation Work Done Right?

Contact us today for a free consultation on your concrete slab or foundation project.