House Foundation Done Right

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HOME FOUNDATION

10/2/20242 min read

Clearing and Grading: Remove trees, shrubs, and debris from the site. Grade the site to ensure proper drainage.
Excavation: Dig trenches or areas where the foundation will be laid, according to the building plans and local code requirements.
Soil Compaction: Compact the soil to prevent future settling, ensuring that the foundation has a stable base.

Termite Treatment: Apply termite protection chemicals as required by Florida Building Code to prevent infestations, particularly important for slab foundations.
Soil Moisture Protection: Ensure that the soil has proper moisture control by installing a drainage system if needed.

Vapor Barrier (Moisture Barrier): Install a polyethylene sheet (typically 6 mils thick) to prevent moisture from penetrating the foundation slab. This is a required step to comply with Florida's building codes and prevent mold or structural issues.
Inspection Requirement: Have the vapor barrier installation inspected by a local building inspector before pouring the concrete.

Reinforcing Steel (Rebar): Lay out rebar according to the structural engineer's design. Rebar is essential for adding tensile strength to the concrete foundation.
- Rebar Types: Use #4 or #5 rebar depending on structural requirements.
- Spacing and Tying: Space the rebar correctly, usually 12-24 inches apart, and tie them securely using wire ties.
Grounding Electrode: Florida requires that a rebar section be grounded as part of the electrical system, so this step must be coordinated with the electrical contractor.

Before proceeding with pouring concrete, multiple inspections must be completed:

Pre-Pour Rebar Inspection: The local building department will inspect the rebar layout to ensure it meets structural and code requirements.
Moisture Barrier Inspection: The vapor barrier must be inspected for proper installation.
Footing Inspection: The trenches or forms where concrete footings will be placed must be inspected for depth, width, and rebar placement.

Mixing and Pouring: Pour concrete over the rebar and moisture barrier, ensuring even distribution. The concrete should be a minimum of 2500 psi, as required by Florida codes.
Vibration and Smoothing: Use a vibrator to remove air bubbles and ensure the concrete is solid. Smooth the surface using trowels and floats.
Curing Process: Allow the concrete to cure properly, which typically takes 7-28 days depending on the weather and mix.

Foundation Inspection: After the concrete is cured, an inspector will verify that the foundation was poured correctly and meets all structural and code requirements.
Slab Elevation: Depending on local ordinances, a survey may be required to ensure the slab's elevation is in compliance with flood zone regulations.

Soil Compaction Report: For some projects, especially larger commercial ones, a geotechnical engineer may need to provide a compaction report verifying that the soil is suitable for building.
Engineering Reports: Structural engineers may be required to submit reports on the foundation design, including rebar placement and load-bearing capacity.