Concrete Slab & Foundation Work
Strong, reliable foundations built to support your structure for decades in Arizona's unique soil conditions.
Why Your Foundation Is the Most Important Part of Any Structure
Every building, addition, or structure begins with its foundation. The quality of that foundation determines how well the entire structure performs for its entire lifespan. A properly poured concrete slab distributes weight evenly, resists soil movement, and provides a stable base for everything built on top of it. Cutting corners on foundation work leads to expensive problems later, from cracking walls to misaligned doors and windows.
Arizona's desert soil presents unique challenges for foundation work. Expansive clay soils in many parts of Tempe and the surrounding valley swell when they absorb moisture and shrink when they dry out. This constant expansion and contraction puts tremendous pressure on concrete foundations. Without proper engineering and construction techniques, this soil movement causes cracking, heaving, and settlement that can damage the structure above.
At JJC Tempe Concrete, we understand the local soil conditions and build foundations designed to handle them. We use appropriate reinforcement, proper moisture barriers, and proven construction methods that prevent the most common foundation problems in our area. Our experience with Arizona conditions means your foundation is built right from the start.
Foundation Services We Provide
- •Slab on grade foundations for new home construction and additions
- •Concrete slabs for garages, workshops, and storage buildings
- •Equipment pads for HVAC systems, generators, and pool equipment
- •Shed and outbuilding foundations
- •Foundation repair and reinforcement for existing structures
Whether you need a foundation for a new home, a room addition, or a detached garage, we deliver work that meets or exceeds local building codes and stands up to Arizona conditions.
How We Build Your Foundation
Foundation construction follows a precise sequence of steps that each play a critical role in the final result. Skipping or rushing any step compromises the integrity of the entire foundation. We follow a disciplined process on every project, regardless of size.
Site Preparation and Excavation
We begin by clearing the site and excavating to the required depth. For slab on grade foundations, this typically means removing 6 to 12 inches of soil depending on the design specifications. We grade the excavated area carefully to create proper drainage slopes that direct water away from the foundation. In areas with expansive soil, we may need to dig deeper and add engineered fill material for additional stability.
Base Preparation and Moisture Control
A compacted gravel base goes down next, providing drainage underneath the slab and a stable surface for the concrete. We compact this base in layers using professional equipment to achieve the required density. A polyethylene moisture barrier is installed over the gravel to prevent ground moisture from migrating up through the concrete. This is especially important in Arizona where irrigation and occasional rain can create moisture issues even in our dry climate.
Reinforcement and Forming
We set forms around the perimeter of the foundation to contain the concrete and establish the correct dimensions and elevation. Rebar reinforcement is placed in a grid pattern within the forms, with spacing determined by the structural engineer's specifications. Thickened edges or footings are formed around the perimeter and at load-bearing points to carry the weight of walls and other structural elements.
Pouring and Finishing
On pour day, we coordinate concrete delivery and place the material quickly and efficiently. Vibrating tools remove air pockets that could weaken the slab. We screed the surface level and apply the appropriate finish. For interior slabs that will receive flooring, we create a smooth, flat surface. For garage floors or utility areas, a broom finish may be more practical. Proper curing follows, which is critical for achieving full concrete strength.
Foundation Work in Arizona's Climate
Building foundations in Arizona requires specific knowledge and techniques that contractors from other regions may not have. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 110 degrees, which dramatically affects how concrete cures and develops strength. We adjust our mix designs, pouring schedules, and curing methods to account for these extreme conditions.
During the hottest months, we often schedule pours for early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower. We use ice in the concrete mix to keep the temperature within acceptable ranges. Rapid moisture loss during curing is managed with curing compounds, wet blankets, or plastic sheeting that retains moisture in the concrete. These measures ensure your foundation develops full strength despite the heat.
Dealing with Expansive Soil
Many areas in Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and throughout the East Valley have expansive clay soils that can damage poorly designed foundations. These soils can exert thousands of pounds of pressure per square foot when they absorb water and swell. Our foundation designs account for this by using deeper footings, post-tension cables, or other engineering solutions that resist soil movement.
- •Post-tension slab systems that resist soil heaving and settlement
- •Thickened edge foundations that provide additional resistance to soil movement
- •Proper grading and drainage to minimize moisture changes around the foundation
- •Engineered fill material to replace problematic native soil
Getting these details right during initial construction prevents costly foundation repairs later. If you are building a new structure or adding to your home, investing in proper foundation design and construction pays for itself many times over during the life of the building.
Common Questions About Slab & Foundation Work
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