Concrete Foundations & Footings

Why Foundation Work Requires Expertise

Your foundation is literally what everything else sits on. A poorly installed foundation can lead to cracking walls, stuck doors and windows, moisture problems, and even structural failure. This isn't work you trust to just anyone. Foundation and footing installation requires knowledge of soil conditions, load calculations, drainage, and local building codes.

In Portland, foundations face challenging conditions. Freeze-thaw cycles, varying soil types, and groundwater all affect how foundations perform. We've seen too many foundation problems caused by shortcuts during installation. When we build your foundation, we follow engineering specifications, use proper reinforcement, and make sure drainage is handled correctly. These details prevent expensive problems down the road.

Foundation Services We Provide

We handle all types of foundation and footing work:

• •Full Basement Foundations: Excavation, footings, and poured concrete walls for new construction
• •Crawl Space Foundations: Shorter foundation walls with proper ventilation and moisture barriers
• •Slab-on-Grade: Integrated footings and floor slabs for efficient single-level construction
• •Addition Footings: Properly tied-in foundations for home additions and expansions
• •Garage Foundations: Structural support for attached and detached garages
• •Pier and Column Footings: Concentrated support points for posts and structural columns

Each project starts with understanding the soil conditions and engineering requirements. We work with structural engineers when needed to ensure everything is designed and built to code. We also handle concrete slabs and other structural concrete work for complete project solutions.

How We Build Foundations

Foundation work starts with proper excavation to below the frost line. In our area, that typically means digging down at least 4 feet to prevent frost heave. We excavate carefully to maintain stable soil and avoid over-digging that would require compacted fill.

Next, we pour the footings. These are wider concrete bases that spread the building's weight across more soil. Footings must be level, properly sized, and reinforced with rebar according to engineering specs. We install forms, place reinforcement steel, and pour concrete to create a solid base for the foundation walls.

For poured concrete walls, we set up forms and add vertical and horizontal rebar as specified. The concrete pour must be done carefully to avoid weak spots or voids. We also install any necessary anchor bolts, waterproofing, and drainage systems. Proper waterproofing and drainage prevent moisture problems that can affect the entire building.

After the concrete cures, we backfill carefully with proper compaction. Poor backfilling can cause foundation walls to crack or bow. Every step requires attention to detail and adherence to building codes. When you need reliable concrete work in Portland, foundation installation is where experience really matters.

Keeping Your Foundation Dry

A dry basement or crawl space starts with proper foundation waterproofing and drainage. We apply waterproof coatings to foundation walls and install drain tile systems that collect and direct water away from the foundation. This prevents moisture infiltration, mold growth, and structural damage from hydrostatic pressure.

If you have an existing foundation with water problems, we can also help with repair and waterproofing solutions. Don't ignore foundation moisture issues. They only get worse and more expensive to fix over time.

Foundation and Footing Questions