Concrete Foundations/Poured Walls
Whether you are building an addition on your home or adding some landscaping your yard Waltz Concrete has the tools and expertise to meet any of your poured wall and retaining wall needs.
CONCRETE FOOTING FUNDAMENTALS
Footings play a significant role in foundation construction. They are typically constructed of rebar-reinforced concrete that has been poured into an excavated trench. Footings are designed to protect the base and prevent settlement, especially in areas with poor soils.
It's best to leave the design of footings to the experts who can evaluate the soil conditions and determine the appropriate depth, width, and positioning. The dimensions of the footings depend on the size and shape of the structure to be built. Placing the footings is essential for providing the base and the structure with proper support.
Concrete footings may also be required for projects such as roofs, pergolas, wall retention, or other building forms. Following realistic guidelines will ensure solid footings if you know the soil-bearing capacity.
Three Common Types Of Concrete Foundations
T-Shaped
A typical way of underpinning a structure in an area where the ground is freezing. A foundation is placed underneath the frost line and the walls are then applied to the rim. The footing at the base of the foundation is wider than the wall, providing extra protection. A T-shaped base is placed and permitted to heal; second, the walls are built; and finally, the concrete is poured between the walls.
In summary:
- T-shaped foundations are used in areas where the ground freezes. (most common and often required in Michigan)
- First, the footing is placed.
- Second, the walls are constructed and poured.
- Lastly, the slab is placed.
Slab-on-Grade Foundation
A slab is a continuous layer of concrete, several inches thick, that lies directly on the ground. The concrete is poured thicker at the edges to create an integral footing, and the thickened layer is reinforced by reinforcing rods. The slab usually lies on a crushed gravel bed to enhance drainage, and a loop of wire is cast into the concrete to prevent cracking. A slab-on-grade is suitable for areas where the ground does not freeze, but it can also be fitted with insulation to prevent damage from frost heaves.
In summary:
- Slab-on-grade is used in areas where the ground does not freeze.
- The edges of the slab-on-grade are thicker than the interior of the slab.
- The slab-on-grade is monolithic (poured all at one time).
Frost Protected
This approach works only with a system heated up. It relies on the use of two sheets of solid, polystyrene insulation— one on the outside of the foundation wall and the other laid flat on a gravel bed at the base of the wall— to avoid freezing, which is an issue with slab-on-grade foundations in frost-filled areas like Michigan in the winter. The insulation retains under the bases heat from the structure in the ground and avoids loss of heat from the bottom of the slab. This heat holds the ground temperature above zero at the footings.
In summary:
- It only works with a heated structure.
- Has the benefits of the slab-on-grade method (concrete poured monolithically) in areas subject to frost.
Concrete Footing
Here in Michigan any structure built on a poured concrete or block wall will need to have a footing dug and poured to start. There are variations to how a footing in done depending on the needs of the structure and also the ground the footing is being dug in. Different approaches may be necessary depending on the ground being worked. If you are on a high water table area such as frontage on a lake the approach would need to be modified to accommodate. When a situation arises the Waltz Concrete team has seen it and knows how to adapt to meet the challenge while meeting the standards set by local building code.
Home Addition
Slab on grade foundation, two foot walls or crawl space with 4ft walls, the Waltz team can provide the solution for your additions. With poured walls being the method most commonly used, our team can also build block walls if needed or preferred for your application. Waltz concrete can help to complete your project by also pouring the concrete floor, concrete patio and steps. Heated floors, varying thickness, colored concrete, stamped concrete or whatever your project calls for. Small addition or large, on the lake in or your neighborhood, Waltz Concrete has the expertise to give your project the solid foundation it needs.
Poured Concrete Wall Foundation
New structural foundations are the backbone of every new building, which is why it’s critical to make sure that they are done right.
Poured concrete foundations involve constructing and properly securing wall panels on top of the footings. Once the wall panels are in place all of the necessary hardware to set openings in the wall are put in place (entry doors, garage door openings, windows etc.). Once all the openings are set the footings can be drilled and rebar set both into the footing and laid in the walls. The walls now are filled in one continuous pour, the concrete is poured into the forms to harden (cures) on site. Rebar, installed in the footing, limits weak points and joints.
Poured concrete wall foundations are arguably stronger than cinder blocks. Poured walls have a better lateral strength, which means they can resist more pressure from the water and the soil outside. A poured wall doesn't have joints like a block wall, so it is easier to waterproof.
Retaining Wall Installation Ann Arbor MI
Waltz Concrete is adept at building retaining walls in Ann Arbor, MI, and the surrounding area. Retaining walls serve several purposes, including creating more usable land, managing water runoff, and providing more landscaping seating. Our team has been a mainstay in the region for more than 20 years, offering exceptional hardscaping, concrete services, and more. We recognize that installing a retaining wall is one of the best ways to improve your yard’s look and function. Our team can build retaining walls on slopes, with blocks, and concrete do bring your needs and designs to life. Call us today to discuss what approach would be best for your yard.
What is a landscaping retaining wall?
A retaining wall is a structure that supports and retains soil on your property. It is a critical structure if your yard features a hillside or a slope because it can prevent erosion and provide a proper outlet for water runoff. In addition to retaining walls’ practical uses, they can help beautify your landscape by creating terraces of usable land for gorgeous plants and flowers. Finally, they serve to protect your home’s foundation if it is vulnerable to a sliding hill or excessive water runoff.
Concrete Block
There is a wide range of sizes, shapes, and styles of concrete blocks we can use to build your retaining wall. Most people think of concrete as plain and gray, but we can outfit your retaining wall with elegant, colorful concrete blocks in a variety of patterns that complement your home and landscaping features.
Poured Concrete
Much like the process of pouring a foundation and wall for an home addition you can pour a concrete wall for your landscaping. Poured concrete walls can be done at any height to accommodate the needs of any project. A sitting wall, structural retaining wall, planter boxes that double as walls, poured concrete walls can allow versatility to match your design.
Pavers
Pavers provide another common option to build retaining walls in your yard. Our professionals have extensive expertise in paver installation for a variety of purposes, with retaining walls being among the most common. These versatile materials come in a variety of colors and sizes to fit your preferences.