Concrete Foundations & Footings

Every building, shed, fence, or structure needs a solid foundation to stand on. Your foundation supports everything above it and protects against settling, shifting, and structural damage. When foundations are built right, they last for generations. When they are not, you face expensive repairs and safety issues down the road.

Why Foundations and Footings Matter

Foundations distribute the weight of your structure evenly into the ground. Footings are the wider base at the bottom of the foundation that spread the load even further. Together, they prevent your building from sinking or cracking due to soil movement. In Porterville, where soil conditions vary and we experience both dry summers and occasional heavy rain, proper foundation work is critical.

We build foundations and footings for:

• New home construction: Full perimeter foundations designed to code and engineered for your soil type
• Room additions: Matching foundations that integrate with your existing structure
• Garages and workshops: Strong foundations that support heavy loads and equipment
• Retaining walls: Deep footings that anchor walls and prevent tipping or movement
• Fences and posts: Secure footings that keep structures upright in all weather conditions

Our Foundation Installation Process

Foundation work starts with understanding your soil. We assess drainage, soil composition, and any potential issues like expansive clay or poor compaction. Then we excavate to the required depth, usually below the frost line to prevent heaving. For most residential projects in Porterville, this means digging 12 to 18 inches deep or more.

Next, we build forms to shape the footings and foundation walls. We install rebar reinforcement in a grid pattern to add tensile strength. Concrete is strong in compression but weak in tension, so rebar prevents cracking when the ground shifts. We pour high-strength concrete mix, vibrate it to remove air pockets, and finish it smooth. Finally, we allow proper curing time before any construction continues.

Types of Foundations We Build

The most common foundation types include slab-on-grade, where the concrete slab sits directly on the ground. We also build stem wall foundations with footings at the base and short walls that support the structure above. For hillside or uneven lots, we may recommend pier and beam foundations. Each type has advantages depending on your site and building needs.

Frequently Asked Questions