Concrete Foundations
Building on Rock-Solid Reliability
At BlackRock Construction, we provide durable, long-lasting concrete foundation services for commercial construction companies across DuPage County and southwest Chicago. From reinforced footings to cast-in-place concrete solutions, our approach to foundation construction supports buildings designed to withstand the test of time.
Our crews manage each phase of the foundation process, reinforcing structures with carefully placed materials to maximize strength and stability. As a commercial construction company, we build foundations that support your building and business.
How Concrete Foundations Work
Concrete foundations provide the structural base for commercial buildings. Unlike alternatives such as wood or pier foundations, concrete offers superior strength, moisture resistance, and longevity.
Concrete Foundation Types
Slab Foundations
A single, solid layer of concrete poured directly onto the ground.
Pier & Beam
A combination of concrete footings and support beams.
Basement Foundations
Providing additional below-ground space with reinforced walls.
Benefits of Concrete Foundations
Strength & Durability: Supports heavy loads and resists environmental stressors.
Moisture Resistance: Reduces the risk of mold, rot, and water damage.
Long-Term Stability: Minimizes settling and shifting over time.
Our Process
Preparation
Clearing and leveling the area for proper foundation placement.
Reinforcement
Setting up molds and reinforcing with rebar for added strength.
Pouring
Concrete mix is poured and shaped to specification.
Curing
Allowing the concrete to set properly to achieve maximum strength.
Approval
Ensuring compliance with commercial building regulations.
Slab Foundations
This type of foundation consists of a thick concrete slab that sits directly on the ground. The concrete is poured over a prepared surface, often with a layer of gravel to promote drainage and prevent water buildup.
In southwest Chicago, they are often used for light commercial buildings, such as retail spaces or warehouses, where crawl spaces or basements aren’t necessary. Slabs are also ideal for properties that need to minimize construction costs and time.
Aesthetically, slab foundations have the advantage of offering a flat, even surface. From a practical standpoint, they are simpler to build and have fewer components than other foundation types. However, the lack of space beneath the slab makes it harder to access utilities, plumbing, or electrical lines once the building is constructed.
Pier and Beam Foundations
Pier and beam foundations are used when the goal is to elevate a building off the ground. This is often needed in areas where flooding or moisture can be a concern, or when the soil is not stable enough to support a slab foundation. In this design, concrete piers are set deep into the ground to provide support, with beams resting on top of the piers to hold the structure in place.
Practically, this type of foundation offers better ventilation and drainage, which can be beneficial for preventing moisture issues. However, the construction process is more labor-intensive, as it requires careful positioning of both piers and beams.
Basement Foundations
Basement foundations create a full, usable space below the building’s main level. After the walls are constructed, a concrete slab is poured to create the floor of the basement, and the space can be used for storage, utility rooms, or additional building area.
This type of foundation is ideal for properties like office buildings, schools, and mixed-use buildings. Basements can offer an extra level of storage or work areas, making them an attractive option for businesses with space constraints.
Basements provide additional space, but they come with a higher cost and longer construction timeline due to the depth of excavation and the complexity of waterproofing. They are typically more involved to build compared to slab or pier foundations.
Get Started with BlackRock Construction
If you’re planning a commercial project in DuPage County or southwest Chicago, work with a commercial general contractor that builds sturdy foundations. Contact BlackRock Construction today to discuss your project and get started.
