Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

Why Your Foundation Matters

Everything starts with the foundation. Whether you're building a new home, adding a room, constructing a garage, or installing a shed, the quality of your concrete slab or foundation determines how well the structure performs over time.

In Louisiana, we deal with unique soil conditions, high water tables, and significant seasonal moisture changes. These factors can cause poorly installed foundations to settle, crack, or shift. That's why proper site preparation, grading, and reinforcement are critical to a foundation that lasts.

At PCT Metairie Concrete, we specialize in concrete slabs and foundations for residential and commercial projects. We understand local soil conditions and building codes, and we follow best practices to ensure your foundation is built right the first time. From small storage sheds to complete house foundations, we have the experience and equipment to handle your project.

Foundation Services We Provide

We handle a wide range of concrete slab and foundation work:

• •Slab-on-grade foundations: The most common foundation type in our area, ideal for homes, garages, and buildings where a basement isn't needed.
• •Garage and shop slabs: Heavy-duty slabs designed to support vehicles, equipment, and storage without cracking or settling.
• •Home addition foundations: Properly tie new foundations into your existing structure for a seamless, stable addition.
• •Shed and outbuilding slabs: Create a level, durable base for storage sheds, workshops, or garden buildings.
• •Equipment pads: Solid concrete pads for AC units, generators, pool equipment, or other heavy machinery.
• •Stem wall foundations: Raised foundations that elevate the structure above grade for better drainage and pest control.

Our Foundation Installation Process

Building a proper foundation requires attention to detail at every step. Here's how we ensure your foundation is built to last:

Site Assessment and Preparation

We start by evaluating your site's soil conditions, drainage patterns, and grade. We'll clear and level the area, ensuring proper slope for water runoff. If needed, we bring in compacted fill to create a stable building platform. This groundwork is critical and cannot be skipped or rushed.

Grading and Drainage

In our area, managing water is essential. We grade the site to direct water away from the foundation and install proper drainage systems when needed. This prevents water from pooling under your slab, which can lead to settlement and structural issues.

Base Preparation

We install a compacted gravel base that provides stability and allows for drainage. The base thickness varies depending on soil conditions and the intended use of the structure. For residential foundations, we typically use 4 to 6 inches of compacted base material.

Forming and Reinforcement

We set accurate forms to define the slab dimensions and install steel reinforcement to prevent cracking and add structural strength. The type and placement of reinforcement depends on the size of the slab and what it needs to support. For larger slabs or areas with poor soil, we may use both rebar and wire mesh.

Concrete Pour and Finishing

We use high-quality concrete mix appropriate for foundation work and pour it in sections if needed for large slabs. The concrete is properly vibrated to eliminate air pockets, then finished to the required level and smoothness. We can also coordinate with your builder if plumbing or electrical conduits need to be placed before the pour.

Curing and Protection

Proper curing is essential for foundation strength. We protect the fresh concrete from premature drying and temperature extremes during the curing period. Your foundation will be ready for framing and construction within about a week, though it continues gaining strength for several weeks after that. Visit our home page to learn more about our process.

Why Choose PCT Metairie Concrete for Foundation Work

Foundation work isn't something you want to trust to just anyone. Here's what sets us apart:

• •Local experience: We understand Metairie's soil conditions, water table issues, and building requirements.
• •Proper equipment: We have the tools and machinery needed to handle foundation work efficiently and accurately.
• •Attention to detail: We don't cut corners on site prep, base compaction, or reinforcement. These details matter for long-term performance.
• •Coordination with builders: We work seamlessly with your general contractor or builder to keep your project on schedule.

If you already have a structure with foundation problems, we also offer concrete repair services to address settling, cracking, or other foundation issues.

Frequently Asked Questions