Concrete Foundations & Footings
Strong, properly built foundations that support your structures for decades to come.
Your foundation is the most important part of any building. Everything else sits on it, and if the foundation fails, the entire structure is at risk. Whether you're building a new home addition, garage, fence, or retaining wall, proper footings and foundation work ensure your project will stand strong for years. Foundation work isn't something to take chances with or try to save money on by cutting corners.
At Pinpoint Gilroy Concrete Masters, we specialize in foundation and footing work for residential and commercial projects in Gilroy. We understand local building codes, soil conditions, and the proper techniques for creating foundations that won't settle, crack, or fail. When you build on our foundation work, you're building on solid ground.
Types of Foundation Work We Do
Foundation and footing work covers many different applications. Here are the most common types of foundation projects we handle for Gilroy properties.
- •Building Foundations: Continuous footings and stem walls for room additions, garages, shops, and accessory structures.
- •Pier and Post Footings: Individual footings that support deck posts, pergola columns, and other point loads.
- •Fence Post Footings: Concrete footings that anchor fence posts securely and prevent fence lean or failure.
- •Equipment Foundations: Specialized footings for HVAC units, generators, water tanks, and other heavy equipment.
- •Retaining Wall Footings: Deep, reinforced footings that support retaining walls and prevent movement. Learn more about our retaining wall services.
Why Proper Footings Matter
Footings are the underground concrete bases that spread the load from your structure into the soil. Without proper footings, structures settle unevenly, causing cracks, stuck doors, and even structural failure. Here's what makes footings work correctly.
Correct Depth
Footings must extend below the frost line and into stable soil. In Gilroy, we typically dig footings at least 12 to 18 inches deep, though deeper is often better. The footing needs to reach soil that won't shift or compress under load. Surface soil and fill dirt aren't strong enough to support buildings.
Adequate Width
Wider footings spread the load over more soil area, reducing pressure on the ground. Most residential building footings are 12 to 24 inches wide depending on the wall weight and soil conditions. We calculate the required width based on your structure's load and the bearing capacity of your soil.
Proper Reinforcement
Steel rebar reinforcement helps footings resist cracking and handle tension forces. Most footings need at least two continuous rebar rods running the length of the footing. Additional reinforcement may be needed at corners and intersections. We follow local building codes for all reinforcement requirements.
Our Foundation Installation Process
Foundation work requires careful planning and execution. We start by reviewing plans and verifying property lines and setbacks. Then we mark out the foundation location precisely, checking for underground utilities before we dig.
We excavate trenches to the proper depth and width, making sure the bottom is level and stable. If we encounter poor soil, we may need to dig deeper or add engineered fill. We set forms to the correct height and install rebar reinforcement according to plans and building codes.
After inspection approval, we pour the concrete and work it carefully to eliminate air pockets. We install anchor bolts or other connection hardware while the concrete is still workable. Once the concrete cures, your foundation is ready for framing. This careful process is similar to our approach for concrete slabs and flatwork, where proper preparation makes all the difference.
Get Professional Foundation Work
Don't risk your building project on amateur foundation work. We provide the expertise and attention to detail your project deserves. Call us today for a free consultation and estimate on your foundation or footing project. We'll make sure your structure has a solid base that lasts.