Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

Your foundation is literally what your building stands on. Get it wrong and you face a lifetime of problems, from cracked walls to stuck doors and windows. A properly installed concrete foundation distributes the weight of your structure evenly, resists moisture, and stays stable through decades of freeze-thaw cycles. This is not work you want done by anyone but experienced professionals.

Concrete slabs serve as foundations for many structures, from garage floors to shed bases to additions on existing homes. They provide a level, stable platform that resists settling and moisture problems. In Southfield, MI, we deal with clay soils and freeze-thaw cycles that can cause major issues if the foundation work is not done correctly. That is why proper site preparation, drainage, and reinforcement are so critical to long-term success.

The cost of foundation work reflects its importance. While it might be tempting to cut corners here, doing so almost always leads to much more expensive problems down the road. A foundation installed correctly by Silverstone Southfield Concrete will support your structure safely and reliably for as long as the building stands. That peace of mind is worth the investment in quality workmanship.

We handle several types of foundation and slab work depending on what your project needs. Slab-on-grade foundations are common for garages, sheds, and single-story additions. These involve pouring a concrete slab directly on a prepared base, with the edges thickened to provide extra support where the walls will sit. This type of foundation works well in many situations and costs less than full basement foundations.

For projects that need crawl spaces or basements, we install stem wall foundations. These consist of concrete footings below the frost line with concrete or block walls rising to support the structure above. The design provides access underneath the building for utilities and creates usable space in the case of basements. Proper waterproofing and drainage are essential for below-grade foundations to prevent moisture issues.

We also pour concrete floors for existing basements, garage slabs for new or replacement construction, and equipment pads for heavy machinery, HVAC units, or generators. Each application has specific requirements for thickness, reinforcement, and finish. Our experience lets us recommend the right approach for your particular situation and budget.

Foundation Services We Provide

• Residential slab-on-grade foundations for new construction
• Garage and shed foundation slabs
• Basement floors and finishing slabs
• Stem wall and crawl space foundations
• Equipment pads and heavy-duty support slabs
• Addition foundations that tie into existing structures
• Commercial foundation work for various applications

A lasting foundation starts with understanding the soil conditions on your property. Different soils have different bearing capacities and behavior. Clay soils, common in our area, expand when wet and shrink when dry. This movement can cause foundation problems if not accounted for in the design and installation. We evaluate soil conditions before we start work and adjust our approach accordingly.

Proper excavation and site preparation are critical. We dig deep enough to get below the frost line, which in Michigan means at least 42 inches in most cases. This prevents frost heaving that can crack and shift foundations. We also make sure the base is level, compacted, and free of organic material that could decompose and cause settling. Shortcuts here guarantee problems later.

Reinforcement gives concrete the strength to resist cracking and movement. We use rebar arranged in patterns that handle the loads your foundation will face. The concrete mix itself matters too. We use appropriate strength concrete with proper air entrainment to handle freeze-thaw cycles. Curing is also important, as concrete gains strength over time and needs proper moisture levels during this process.

Drainage keeps water away from your foundation, which is essential to preventing moisture problems and structural issues. We grade the area so water flows away from the building. For below-grade foundations, we install drainage systems like footer drains and waterproofing materials to keep basements and crawl spaces dry. Good drainage extends foundation life and prevents the headaches that come with water in places it should not be. If you need related work, check out our retaining wall services for managing slopes and drainage issues.