Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

The Foundation of Every Strong Structure

Everything built on top of a foundation is only as good as the foundation itself. A poorly poured slab can lead to cracked walls, sticking doors, uneven floors, and structural problems that cost far more to fix than doing it right the first time. In the Fort Pierce area, our unique soil conditions and high water table make proper foundation work especially critical.

Florida's sandy soils and occasional clay layers require specific engineering approaches that differ from foundations built in other parts of the country. We understand the local geology and design every foundation to handle the conditions present on your specific site. This includes managing moisture, accounting for soil bearing capacity, and engineering the slab to distribute loads evenly across the entire surface.

Whether you are building a new home, adding a room, constructing a detached garage, or pouring a slab for a shed or workshop, the fundamentals are the same. The ground must be properly prepared, the reinforcement must be correctly placed, and the concrete must be poured and finished to precise specifications. Our team at FP Fort Pierce Concrete has the experience and equipment to handle residential and commercial foundation projects of all sizes.

Types of Slab and Foundation Work We Perform

• Monolithic slab foundations for new residential construction
• Stem wall foundations with separate footings for elevated structures
• Equipment pads for HVAC units, generators, and pool equipment
• Garage and workshop slabs with proper thickness and reinforcement
• Room additions and home extensions requiring structural slabs

Our Foundation Installation Process

Foundation work starts with understanding what the slab needs to support. We review the building plans, conduct soil evaluation, and determine the engineering requirements for your specific project. This information dictates the slab thickness, reinforcement type and spacing, edge thickening, and any special details required by the building code.

Site preparation is the most labor-intensive part of the process. We clear the area, excavate to the required depth, and grade the subsoil to establish proper drainage. A layer of compacted fill material creates the base, and a moisture barrier is installed to prevent water from wicking up through the slab. Plumbing rough-ins are positioned before the pour, since they will be encased in the concrete.

Steel reinforcement is installed according to the engineering plans. For most residential foundations, this means a grid of rebar tied together and elevated on chairs to ensure proper positioning within the slab. The concrete is then placed using pumps or direct discharge, vibrated to eliminate air pockets, and finished to the required level and smoothness. Everything must be done within a specific time window while the concrete is workable.

Quality Control and Inspections

Foundation work requires multiple inspections from the building department. We coordinate all inspections and ensure everything passes on the first attempt. This includes pre-pour inspections of the forms, reinforcement, and plumbing, as well as concrete testing to verify the mix meets the required strength specifications. Our attention to detail at every stage means fewer delays and a foundation that meets or exceeds code requirements.

Foundation Problems and Solutions

Existing foundations can develop problems over time, especially in Florida where soil conditions and moisture levels fluctuate. Common issues include cracking from soil settlement, moisture intrusion through the slab, and edge damage from erosion or root growth. These problems do not always require complete replacement. Many can be addressed through targeted concrete repair techniques.

Hairline cracks in a slab are normal and usually not a structural concern. They result from concrete's natural curing process and minor soil movement. However, cracks that are wider than a quarter inch, show vertical displacement, or continue to grow may indicate a more serious issue that needs professional evaluation. We can assess the severity and recommend the most cost-effective solution.

For foundations that have settled unevenly, concrete leveling techniques can sometimes restore the slab to its original position without complete replacement. This involves injecting material beneath the slab to lift it back into place and fill any voids that caused the settling. It is significantly less expensive and disruptive than tearing out and replacing the entire foundation.

Moisture Management for Florida Foundations

With our high water table and frequent heavy rains, moisture management is a top priority for any foundation work in the Fort Pierce area. We install proper vapor barriers, ensure adequate drainage around the perimeter, and specify concrete mixes designed to resist moisture penetration. These measures protect both the foundation and whatever structure sits on top of it.

Common Questions About Foundation Work