Concrete Slab & Foundation Work

Every building needs a solid foundation. Whether you are constructing a new home, garage, shed, or commercial building, the foundation determines how well your structure holds up over time. At ParamountGate Margate Concrete, we specialize in concrete slab foundations that provide stable, long-lasting support for any type of construction project.

A concrete slab foundation is exactly what it sounds like: a flat, thick pad of concrete poured directly on the ground. In South Florida, slab foundations are the standard because our climate does not require deep frost protection and our high water table makes basements impractical. Slabs offer several advantages including lower cost than raised foundations, faster construction, resistance to termites and moisture, and solid support for heavy loads.

The key to a successful foundation is proper engineering and execution. Cutting corners during foundation work leads to expensive problems later including cracks, settling, moisture intrusion, and structural damage. We have poured foundations across Margate and surrounding areas since 2025, and we follow strict standards for every job. Our process includes thorough site evaluation, proper soil compaction, correct reinforcement placement, and quality concrete placement.

What We Build

• Residential home foundations for new construction and additions
• Garage and workshop slabs with proper thickness for vehicle weight
• Storage shed and accessory building pads
• Commercial building foundations designed to code specifications
• Equipment pads for HVAC units, generators, and heavy machinery
• Warehouse and industrial floor slabs with reinforced construction

Foundation work requires precision and attention to detail. We follow a systematic approach that ensures your slab meets building codes and performs for the life of your structure. Here is how we build a foundation from start to finish.

Site Preparation and Excavation

Every foundation project starts with site evaluation. We check soil type, drainage patterns, and existing grade. If your building plans include plumbing or utilities that run under the slab, we coordinate placement before we pour. We clear the site of vegetation, rocks, and debris. Then we excavate to the required depth, removing any organic material that could compress and cause settling.

Proper grading is critical. We slope the site for drainage so water flows away from the foundation. Poor drainage causes moisture problems, foundation movement, and premature deterioration. We also check for and address any soft spots or unstable soil. Sometimes we need to bring in engineered fill and compact it in layers to create a stable base.

Base Layer and Reinforcement

Next comes the base layer, typically crushed stone or gravel spread 4 to 6 inches thick. We compact this layer with heavy equipment to create a firm, level platform. The base provides drainage and prevents the slab from settling. A vapor barrier goes on top of the base to block moisture from rising through the concrete. This step is essential in Florida where ground moisture is always present.

Steel reinforcement comes next. Most residential slabs use steel rebar or welded wire mesh. The steel is positioned at the correct height within the slab thickness so it provides maximum strength. For larger commercial projects or areas with poor soil, we may use thicker reinforcement or engineer the slab with specific load calculations. Proper placement matters because steel that sits too low or too high does not work effectively.

Concrete Placement and Finishing

Pour day is carefully planned. We order concrete mixed to the strength required by your building plans, typically 3,000 to 4,000 PSI for residential work. Concrete trucks deliver the mix and we place it evenly across the entire slab in one continuous pour. This eliminates weak spots that can form when concrete is poured in sections days apart.

As we pour, we consolidate the concrete to eliminate air pockets and ensure it fills around all the reinforcement. We screed the surface level according to your building plans. For floors that will be exposed, we finish the surface smooth. For slabs that will be covered with flooring, a basic trowel finish works fine. We cut control joints to manage cracking and apply curing compound to lock in moisture during the critical curing period.

Curing takes at least seven days before light construction can begin. Full strength develops over 28 days. We protect the fresh concrete from weather extremes and keep it moist during the initial cure. Rushing this step compromises strength and leads to surface problems like dusting and cracking.

Foundation requirements vary depending on the type of structure and its intended use. Residential and commercial projects have different codes, loads, and expectations. Understanding these differences helps you plan your project correctly and avoid costly mistakes.

Residential Foundations

Most single-family homes in Florida sit on monolithic slab foundations. This means the foundation perimeter and floor slab are poured together as one piece. The perimeter is thicker and deeper, typically 12 inches wide and extending below the frost line. This design provides both the foundation and floor in one pour, saving time and money.

Residential slabs are usually 4 inches thick with minimal reinforcement. Garage slabs often go up to 6 inches thick to handle vehicle weight. The concrete strength specified is typically 3,000 PSI. Local building codes dictate minimum requirements for depth, reinforcement, and drainage. We pull permits and coordinate inspections so your foundation passes all required checks.

For home additions, we carefully tie the new foundation into the existing structure. This prevents separation and ensures the addition moves with the original house. We also install driveways that connect seamlessly to your new foundation work.

Commercial Foundations

Commercial concrete projects have stricter requirements. Slabs may need to support heavy equipment, forklifts, or storage racks with concentrated loads. Engineers design these slabs with specific thickness, reinforcement patterns, and concrete strength based on the expected loads. Typical commercial slabs range from 6 to 12 inches thick with heavier steel reinforcement.

Commercial projects also require more documentation. We work from engineered plans, submit shop drawings for approval, and provide material certifications. Inspections happen at multiple stages including before pour and during placement. Our crews are experienced with commercial requirements and we maintain proper documentation for your project records.

Industrial slabs for warehouses or manufacturing often include special features like embedded anchors, conduit sleeves, floor drains, and vapor barriers. These details must be coordinated carefully before the pour because changes afterward are expensive or impossible. We review plans thoroughly and coordinate with other trades to ensure everything is in place when concrete arrives.