Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

The foundation is the most important part of any structure. Everything sits on it. If the foundation fails, the entire building suffers. Cracks in walls, sticking doors, uneven floors, and water intrusion all trace back to foundation problems. A properly built foundation prevents these issues. It distributes the weight of the structure evenly and keeps everything stable. This is not an area where you cut corners or hire the cheapest contractor. You need someone who understands soil conditions, drainage, and proper construction techniques.

In Dover, NH, we deal with soil that can shift and settle. We also face freeze-thaw cycles that put pressure on foundations. Water in the soil freezes in winter, expanding and pushing against the concrete. In spring, it thaws and the soil shifts. This cycle repeats every year. A well-built foundation accounts for these forces. It includes proper drainage to keep water away from the concrete. It uses the right thickness and reinforcement to handle the load. Cutting corners here leads to expensive repairs down the road.

At Brickhaven Dover Concrete, we have poured foundations for homes, garages, sheds, and commercial buildings. We follow building codes and best practices. Our crew understands the engineering behind foundation work. We do not guess. We calculate loads, plan drainage, and execute the pour correctly. When we finish, you have a foundation you can trust for the life of your building.

Whether you are building a new structure or replacing an old foundation, the process is similar. It starts with site evaluation and ends with a solid, level slab ready to support your building. We handle every step with care because we know how much depends on getting it right.

Building a foundation requires precision and attention to detail. Here is what happens during a typical project:

• •Site Evaluation: We assess the soil, drainage, and access to the site. If the soil is poor, we may need to excavate deeper or add extra base material. We also check for underground utilities and mark them to avoid damage.
• •Excavation: We dig out the area to the required depth. For a slab-on-grade, this might be 8 to 12 inches. For a frost wall, we dig down 4 feet or more. Precision matters here. The bottom needs to be level and compacted.
• •Base Preparation: A layer of crushed stone or gravel goes in next. This provides drainage and stability. We compact it thoroughly using heavy equipment. A weak base leads to settling, which causes cracks and structural issues.
• •Forms and Reinforcement: We set up forms to shape the concrete. For slabs, this includes edge forms and any interior forms for plumbing or electrical penetrations. We install rebar or wire mesh to reinforce the concrete. Reinforcement helps prevent cracking and adds strength.
• •Pouring the Concrete: We bring in concrete mixed to the right specifications. The mix includes the proper ratio of cement, aggregate, and water. We pour it carefully to avoid air pockets. Our crew works quickly because concrete starts to set within hours. We use tools to level and smooth the surface.
• •Finishing: Depending on the application, we apply the appropriate finish. For a garage floor, a smooth trowel finish works well. For outdoor slabs, a broom finish provides traction. We also cut control joints to manage where cracks form.
• •Curing: Concrete needs time to cure properly. We keep it moist during the first week to prevent rapid drying, which can cause cracks. It takes about 28 days to reach full strength. During this time, avoid placing heavy loads on the slab.

Throughout the process, we follow building codes and industry standards. Inspectors may visit the site to verify the work meets regulations. We coordinate with them to ensure everything passes inspection. This protects you and ensures the foundation is built correctly. If you need other concrete services like driveways or patios, we handle those too.