Concrete Foundation Contractors in Dallas
Slab-on-grade, post-tension, and pier and beam foundations for residential and commercial buildings. Every foundation we pour is engineered for North Texas expansive clay.
Foundation Types We Pour
Slab-on-grade is the most common foundation in Dallas residential construction. We pour a monolithic slab with turned-down edges that serve as the footing. Thickness runs 4 to 6 inches for the interior and 12 to 24 inches at the perimeter beam, depending on the structural engineer's design.
Post-tension foundations use steel cables (tendons) embedded in the slab. After the concrete cures, the tendons get tensioned to compress the slab and resist cracking. Post-tension is the standard for new home construction in North Texas because it handles our expansive clay soil better than conventional rebar.
Pier and beam foundations sit above ground level on concrete piers. We pour the piers and grade beams, then the framing crew builds the floor structure on top. Pier and beam is common in older Dallas neighborhoods and in areas with extreme grade changes.
North Texas Soil and Why It Matters
Dallas sits on expansive clay soil. When it rains, the clay swells. During dry spells, it shrinks. That seasonal movement puts enormous pressure on foundations. A slab poured without proper engineering for this soil will crack, heave, and shift.
We work from structural engineering plans that account for local soil conditions. The engineer specifies beam depth, rebar placement, tendon layout (for post-tension), and slab thickness based on soil testing. We follow those specs exactly.
Moisture management matters too. We install vapor barriers under every slab to prevent ground moisture from wicking up through the concrete. Proper drainage around the finished foundation keeps the soil moisture level stable and reduces movement.
The Foundation Pour Process
We start by excavating to the engineered depth. Plumbing gets roughed in before the pour — drain lines, water supply, and any under-slab utilities. We install the vapor barrier, set rebar or post-tension tendons per the engineering plan, and call for inspection.
Once the inspector signs off, we pour. Foundation pours are large-volume jobs — typically 30 to 100+ cubic yards of concrete delivered by multiple trucks. Our crew coordinates the pour to keep the concrete flowing continuously. No cold joints.
After the pour, we wet-cure the slab for a minimum of 7 days. For post-tension foundations, the tendons get stressed after the concrete reaches the specified strength — usually 3 to 5 days. Then we strip forms, backfill, and the slab is ready for framing.
Permitting and Inspections
Foundation work in Dallas requires a building permit. We handle the permit application, schedule inspections, and make sure everything passes before the pour. The city inspects the rebar and plumbing before we place any concrete.
If you're building new, your architect or builder provides the foundation plan. If you're pouring a standalone slab for a shop or garage, we can connect you with a structural engineer to create the design. We work with several engineers in the DFW area.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a concrete foundation cost in Dallas?
Residential foundations typically run $5 to $10 per square foot, depending on type (conventional vs post-tension), size, and engineering requirements. Commercial foundations vary widely based on specs.
How long does it take to pour a foundation?
The pour itself takes one day. Site prep, plumbing, rebar placement, and inspection take 1 to 2 weeks before the pour. Curing adds another week before framing can begin.
What are signs of foundation problems?
Cracks in walls or brick, doors and windows that stick, uneven floors, gaps between walls and ceiling. If you see these signs, get a foundation inspection before they get worse.
Do I need a structural engineer?
Yes, for any new foundation in Dallas. The city requires engineered plans for permitting. The engineer designs the foundation based on soil conditions and the structure it will support.
Related Services
Serving Dallas & Surrounding Areas
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