Build on a solid foundation with expert concrete slab and foundation services designed for Maryland's unique soil conditions.

Foundation Work That Lasts Generations

Your foundation is literally what everything else rests on. Whether you're building a new home, adding a garage, or constructing a shed, the concrete slab or foundation work needs to be done right the first time. Here in Wheaton and throughout Montgomery County, we understand the soil conditions and local building requirements that make foundation work successful.

Maryland's clay-heavy soil presents unique challenges. Clay expands when wet and contracts when dry, creating movement that can damage poorly constructed foundations. We've spent years perfecting our techniques to account for these conditions. That's why our foundation work stays level and crack-free while others struggle with settlement issues.

We handle everything from residential foundation slabs to commercial applications. Each project gets the same attention to detail, proper engineering, and quality materials. When you work with us, you're getting foundation experts who know local soil conditions, understand building codes, and take pride in work that will support structures for decades to come.

Types of Foundation Work We Provide

Slab on Grade Foundations

Slab on grade foundations are the most common type we install around Wheaton. These single-layer concrete slabs sit directly on prepared ground and serve as both the foundation and the floor. They're economical, quick to install, and work great for garages, sheds, workshops, and single-story additions. We excavate to the proper depth, create a stable gravel base, install vapor barriers and insulation when needed, and pour a reinforced concrete slab engineered for your specific use.

Crawl Space Foundations

Crawl space foundations create an elevated floor system with concrete footings and walls that raise the structure above ground level. This approach works well on sloped lots and provides access to plumbing and utilities. We pour frost-protected footings below the freeze line, build foundation walls to the right height, and ensure proper ventilation and drainage. Many homes in Rockville and surrounding areas use this foundation style effectively.

Basement Foundations

Full basement foundations provide valuable living or storage space below grade. We excavate to the required depth, pour footings, construct foundation walls, and install proper waterproofing and drainage systems. Basement foundations require careful attention to water management, which is critical in our area's soil conditions. We make sure your basement stays dry and usable.

Garage and Shed Slabs

Garage and shed slabs are specialized applications that need to support vehicle weight or heavy equipment. We thicken the slab edges, add proper reinforcement, and ensure the surface is level and properly sloped for drainage. Whether you're parking cars, storing equipment, or setting up a workshop, your slab will handle the load. If you're also planning a new driveway to match, our concrete driveway services can create a seamless connection to your garage.

Our Foundation Installation Process

Quality foundation work follows a proven process. We've refined these steps over years of experience to ensure consistent results:

Site evaluation and soil testing to understand ground conditions
Precise excavation to proper depth and dimensions
Subgrade preparation and compaction for stability
Installation of drainage systems and vapor barriers
Placement of reinforcement steel or wire mesh
Concrete pouring with proper mix design for local conditions
Professional finishing and curing procedures
Final inspection and quality verification

Each step matters. Skip or rush one, and you risk future problems. We never cut corners because we know foundation work needs to be done right. Many of our customers come to us after having issues with other contractors who didn't follow proper procedures. We fix those problems and do the job correctly.

Timing matters too. We monitor weather conditions carefully and won't pour concrete when temperatures are too cold or if heavy rain is forecast. Proper curing takes time, and we protect fresh concrete to ensure it reaches full strength. Your foundation work is an investment that deserves patience and attention to detail.

Dealing with Maryland Soil Challenges

Let's talk about what makes foundation work around here different from other regions. Maryland soil contains a lot of clay, particularly in Montgomery County. Clay soil holds water, expands, and puts pressure on foundations. When it dries out, it shrinks and can leave voids under slabs. This cycle repeats every season and causes many foundation problems.

We combat these issues through proper site preparation and drainage. First, we excavate deep enough to reach stable soil or create a stable base layer. Then we install a thick gravel base that allows water to drain away instead of pooling under your slab. Proper grading around the foundation directs surface water away from the structure. We also install perimeter drains when needed to handle groundwater.

Reinforcement is another critical factor. We use the right combination of rebar or wire mesh to give your concrete slab internal strength. This reinforcement helps the slab act as a single unit instead of cracking into separate pieces. For larger slabs, we strategically place control joints to manage where any cracking occurs. These details make the difference between a foundation that lasts and one that develops problems.

Our Wheaton concrete expertise includes understanding local building codes and frost depth requirements. Footings need to extend below the frost line to prevent heaving during winter freezes. We know the local requirements and build to code every time. That protects you from inspection failures and ensures your foundation performs properly year-round.

Maintenance and Long-Term Performance

Once your foundation is complete, it should provide decades of trouble-free service with minimal maintenance. The key to long-term performance is managing water. Keep gutters clean and downspouts directed away from the foundation. Maintain proper grading so surface water flows away from the structure. Fix any drainage issues promptly before they become serious problems.

Watch for warning signs that might indicate settling or other issues. Small hairline cracks are normal and usually not concerning. However, if you notice cracks growing, doors sticking, or uneven floors, have a professional evaluate the situation. Early intervention prevents small issues from becoming expensive repairs.

For basement foundations, monitor for any moisture or water intrusion. Even with proper waterproofing, heavy rains or changing conditions can sometimes allow water to find a way in. Address moisture problems quickly to prevent damage to your foundation and the structure above. A dehumidifier and good ventilation help maintain dry conditions.

Your foundation is one of the most important investments in any structure. Taking care of it ensures everything built on top stays safe and functional. We're always available to answer questions or evaluate any concerns that come up over the years. Many of our customers become long-term clients because we stand behind our work and provide ongoing support.

Frequently Asked Questions

For a standard residential garage, we typically pour a slab that is four to six inches thick. If you plan to park heavier vehicles like trucks or RVs, we recommend going with six inches for extra strength. The slab edges are usually thickened to eight or twelve inches to provide additional support where the walls rest. We also include wire mesh or rebar reinforcement in every garage slab. The exact thickness depends on your soil conditions, intended use, and local building codes. We evaluate each project individually to determine the right specifications for your situation.

Concrete reaches sufficient strength for light foot traffic in about 24 to 48 hours under normal conditions. However, for foundation work where you will build a structure on top, we recommend waiting at least seven days before beginning construction. Concrete continues gaining strength for 28 days as it cures, reaching about 70 percent of its final strength after seven days. For best results, especially in cooler weather, waiting the full 28 days is ideal. We protect and monitor the curing process to ensure your foundation develops maximum strength and durability.

Foundation cracks typically result from soil movement, poor drainage, inadequate reinforcement, or improper curing. In Maryland, expansive clay soil is the biggest culprit, expanding when wet and shrinking when dry. We prevent most cracking through proper site preparation including adequate excavation, stable base materials, and good drainage systems. Using the right concrete mix with proper reinforcement helps the foundation resist stress. Control joints direct any minor cracking to planned locations where it is less visible and structurally insignificant. While no one can guarantee a crack-free foundation forever, following proven construction methods dramatically reduces the likelihood and severity of any cracking.

Concrete Slab & Foundation Work