Concrete Foundations in Brookline, MA
Build Your Structure on Solid Ground
Each building requires a foundation that will never fail. At Brookline Concrete Services, we pour concrete foundations to support residential homes, residential additions, garages, and commercial buildings in Brookline. All our foundation work will meet engineering specifications and pass all necessary inspections, as well as provide the stability that you need for your project to be successful.
There are many examples I have personally observed of failed foundations that could end up costing property owners tens of thousands of dollars or even more to correct. Moisture intrusion into the building envelope due to poor drainage around the foundation, settling floors and cracked interior walls can all be prevented with a properly installed foundation. At Brookline Concrete Services, we do not cut corners when it comes to installing the foundations for new projects. Although the foundation work occurs underground where no one can see it, this is precisely the area where quality is paramount. Our concrete foundation work is designed to last for generations.
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What is a Concrete Foundation?
The concrete foundation of a building is the structural base of the building where all the building’s loads are transferred to the earth. The primary function of the foundation is to provide a level platform from which to build, as well as to resist the downward force exerted by the soil as well and stabilize the structure due to seasonal changes in the ground. A quality foundation requires proper excavation, sufficient footing, properly placed reinforcement, and correctly placed concrete.
Engineers use many variables when designing a foundation, including, but not limited to, soil conditions, building loads, frost depth, and compliance with local building codes. As such, we design each foundation to meet the requirements of Brookline and the specific needs of each project.
Concrete Foundation Design: Engineered for Your Structure
When we are designing a structure’s foundation, there is much that goes into it:
Soil Conditions: The soils in Brookline vary greatly; this allows us to assess the soils’ ability to bear weight and adjust our designs for the appropriate bearing capacities for those soil conditions.
Building Loads: Each structure has its own load-bearing characteristics; we need to consider how much of each load the structure will be subject to (dead-load, live-load, snow-load) to determine what the foundation needs to be capable of supporting.
Frost Depth: In Massachusetts, frost-depth requirements set the minimum depth at which footings must be placed; we dig below the frost line to eliminate the possibility of “heave” in the winter months.
Drainage: Good foundation design also considers proper drainage; we slope grades away from structures and incorporate drainage systems as necessary.
Brookline Building Code Requirements: Brookline building codes provide a minimum level of compliance; we always meet or exceed the code requirements that apply to each project.
Concrete Foundation Installation Process
Quality is built into every step of our installation process:
Site Preparation: First, we will remove all existing vegetation, topsoil, and create a solid grade that will serve as a base of operations for foundation construction.
Excavation: The excavation area must accommodate the height of the forms, the waterproofing system, and backfill material for both footings and foundation walls.
Footings: Digging and preparing the footprint area where the footing will sit at least to the depth of the frost line. Then install steel rebar (reinforcement) and lay down a footing that transfers load to the ground.
Forms: Install forms for the foundation wall or slab so they can be properly braced during the placement of the concrete. All forms must be plumb and true to ensure proper concrete placement and structural integrity.
Reinforcement: Install a reinforcing bar as per the engineer’s specification. Reinforcing bar (rebar) is essential to provide structural integrity to the poured concrete.
Concrete: Pour quality concrete and make sure it is fully consolidated to remove all air pockets. Make sure the entire form is filled with concrete and that the reinforcing bar is surrounded by the concrete.
Finish Work: Level and smooth out all exposed areas of the foundation. This includes positioning anchor bolts or other embedments in their correct positions.
Cure Time and Form Removal: Allow sufficient time to cure before removing the forms. Curing allows the concrete to reach its full strength potential.
Waterproofing: Apply a waterproof membrane or coating to all below-grade surfaces of the foundation. Waterproofing will help keep water from entering the structure through cracks or gaps.
Drainage: Install a perimeter drain if required. Installing a perimeter drain will help protect your foundation from water pressure and damage.
Backfill: Backfill the area surrounding the foundation, compacting the material in layers to prevent settlement.
Concrete Footings: The Base of Your Foundation
A footing is a wide section of concrete placed under foundation walls or columns. It helps to distribute the load of the building onto a greater area of soil so as to prevent excessive settlement. We design and install footings that:
Are placed below the frost depth
Have adequate width for the bearing capacity of soils
Contain proper reinforcement
Connect with the foundation walls or columns in an appropriate manner
We believe quality footings are essential to the performance of foundations. We do not compromise on footing design or installation.
Foundation Maintenance and Protection
Protect your foundation investment:
Use proper drainage around your home’s foundation
Clean your gutters and have the downspout extend 3 – 6 feet away from your home.
Grading of soil is important so that it slopes away from the home’s walls
Check for cracks regularly and fix them as quickly as possible.
Control moisture levels in both the crawl space and the basement areas of your home.
Planting trees or large plants near your home’s foundation could cause damage.
Specifically, we can offer you suggestions for your specific home style and site conditions.
Ready to Build Your Foundation?
Let’s discuss your foundation project. Whether you’re building a new home, adding a garage, or constructing a commercial building, we’ll provide the foundation expertise your project needs.
Contact Brookline Concrete Services today to schedule your consultation. Our concrete foundation specialists are ready to support your construction from the ground up.