The Foundation of Every Good Build
If you are building new or adding to your home, the concrete pour is one of the most critical steps. Here is what happens and why each detail matters.
Preparation
Before concrete arrives, the formwork must be set, inspected, and braced. Rebar and mesh are placed for reinforcement. Utility penetrations are marked and sleeved. Everything needs to be right before the trucks show up because once concrete starts flowing, there is no pause button.
The Pour
Concrete is delivered in mixer trucks and placed into the forms using chutes, pumps, or wheelbarrows depending on access. The crew works quickly to spread, vibrate, and consolidate the concrete to remove air pockets.
Finishing
Once placed, the surface is screeded level, then floated and troweled to the desired finish. For foundations, the finish does not need to be perfect since it will be hidden. For exposed slabs, the crew takes extra care with the surface.
Curing
Concrete does not dry, it cures. The chemical reaction between cement and water needs time and moisture to reach full strength. In warm weather, the surface is kept damp or covered. In cold weather, blankets and heating may be needed. Full cure takes about 28 days.
Stripping Forms
Forms are typically removed after 24-48 hours. The concrete is strong enough to stand on its own but still needs protection from heavy loads and impacts during the curing period.
Quality Matters
A properly poured and cured foundation will last generations. It is not the place to cut corners. We take this phase seriously on every project.