Concrete Foundations in North Miami, FL
Building Strong from the Ground Up
North Miami Concrete Pros has been aware for many years that a solid base is important for all structures. We believe that our knowledge of concrete foundations will allow you to begin construction on a solid base, whether it is a residential house, office building, or specialty structure. We are aware that the foundation is the most important part of your build, as it supports the entire weight of the structure and also resists the local weather conditions found in South Florida.
Our team thoroughly analyzes each foundation project by focusing on structural engineering and local building codes. The soil conditions and the local water table of North Miami are studied to develop the best reinforcing and concrete strength for your site. By utilizing the highest quality materials with precise pouring methods, we can provide foundations that have long-term stability and peace of mind, knowing your investment will be safe for generations to come.
Get A Free Quote
What is a Concrete Foundation?
The concrete foundation is the bottom-most structural part of a building. It provides the connection from the house/business to the ground and is the structural “roots” of a building. The foundation is typically made with reinforced concrete to evenly disperse the total load of all elements in the structure, including the walls, roof, and occupants, to the surrounding soil. If an engineer has not designed a proper foundation, a building can settle unevenly, lean, or develop major structural cracks, etc.
Foundations are especially important in North Miami, as they act as a barrier to protect the structure from moisture in the ground and also provide the needed anchor to resist the high winds and heavy rain associated with the tropics. We use a combination of high-strength concrete mixes and reinforcing steel (rebar) to produce a flat and stable base that will remain intact through South Florida’s soft soils and high water tables. In essence, the foundation is the permanent groundwork upon which the rest of the structure will be safely standing for years to come.
The Importance of Quality Foundations
A well-constructed foundation is essential for the safety and longevity of any building. We treat the foundation as the most critical phase of construction, as it provides the following essential benefits:
- Structural Support: Your foundation provides structural integrity to your overall construction project. Our foundation design will be strong enough to support the weight of your structure, so you don’t have floors that sag, doors that stick, and walls that are slanted because of a weak base.
- Stability over Time: As the soil shifts in the area of your home, your house may also shift. By using deep compaction of soil and the proper amount of reinforcement, we can help your building stay stable and level for years to come as the North Miami area continues to change.
- Protection from Water and Soil Problems: In South Florida, due to the high water table in the area, your foundation serves as a protective barrier against water entering your home. This protection keeps your home free from mold and rot that occur when water enters through the ground surface.
- Adherence to Local Building Code Requirements: North Miami has very specific requirements for buildings to withstand local weather events. Our work will meet or exceed all local building codes and hurricane-resistant standards to ensure your project complies with all regulations and is safe.
Our Foundation Services
We provide a wide range of specialized foundation solutions designed to meet the rigorous structural demands of the North Miami area. Whether you are building from scratch or reinforcing an existing property, we ensure your structure stands on a rock-solid base.
Residential Foundations
We are skilled engineers with experience in designing residential foundations that will be safe from wind forces such as those generated by hurricanes and will function properly during a storm.
- Slab-on-Grade Foundation: This is typically the most cost-effective method of construction and is suitable for the South Florida climate, where there are few frost cycles and therefore no need for expansive soils and frost protection; it provides a solid, continuous concrete base for the home.
- Stem-Wall Foundation: The stem-wall is a type of foundation system that provides elevation to allow for improved accessibility to plumbing and utility lines and has better resistance to flooding than slab-on-grade systems.
- Crawl-Space Foundation: This system provides elevation of the home to elevate it above the grade level of the surrounding ground and thus improve ventilation in the crawl space as well as reduce the potential for flood damage.
- Custom Engineered Foundations: For homes with unique architectural designs or complex footprints, our experienced staff can design a custom foundation solution to meet your needs.
Commercial Foundations
Our company specializes in commercial foundation work for large commercial developments, multi-family housing, high-rise office buildings, and industrial facilities, which require heavy-duty engineering to support high occupancy and high-load structures:
- Mat Foundations: A mat foundation distributes the loads evenly over the surface area and is ideal for large commercial buildings on poor-quality soils, including sandy soils.
- Deep Foundations: When building multi-story buildings, deep foundations are required to reach down into more stable soil layers and ensure stability.
- Specialized Foundations: We have extensive experience with specialized foundations for heavy equipment and machinery, as well as high-load areas such as loading docks and elevator pits. These foundations include reinforced pads that are designed to withstand the constant vibrations and extreme loads associated with these types of applications.
Foundation Repair and Strengthening
In addition to new construction, we provide foundation repair and strengthening for residential and commercial properties to prevent further damage and maintain the structural integrity of the building:
- Foundation Crack Repair: Sealing and stabilizing cracks in the foundation to prevent water intrusion and structural collapse.
- Slab Leveling: Leveling slabs to correct uneven floors and settlement issues due to the shifting of the supporting soil.
- Waterproofing: Applying advanced waterproofing membranes to protect against moisture and the high Florida water table.
- Structural Reinforcement: Adding steel or fiber-reinforced polymers to strengthen aging or compromised foundations.
Our Foundation Process
To ensure your structure stands on a reliable and long-lasting base, we follow a meticulous foundation process specifically designed for the North Miami landscape:
- Pre-Build Site Evaluation: Examining soil conditions and structural requirements. First, we will analyze your site-specific soil density and water table levels to determine exactly what engineering is needed for your build. In North Miami, this step is vital to account for local coastal conditions and ground stability.
- Creating Custom Foundation Plans: Designing a foundation plan specifically for your project. Our design staff will develop a custom plan based on the loads you will be carrying, the architectural footprint of your build, and all local building codes in North Miami.
- Preparing the Site: Preparing a level and solid base. Next, we will clear your property and excavate it to the required depth to create a solid and level base. This process includes deep soil compaction to prevent settlement or shifting due to the sandy nature of South Florida’s soil.
- Setting Forms and Installing Rebar: Creating a strong base for the pour. After excavation, we will set up the forms and install our heavy-duty rebar to provide the tensile strength required for a hurricane-resistant foundation.
- Pouring Concrete: Pouring the highest-quality concrete using correct techniques. Once forms are installed and rebar is set, we will pour premium high-PSI concrete mixes using the best possible pouring techniques to prevent air pockets and provide a strong, consistent structure.
- Finalizing Your Project: Finishing and curing the concrete. After the pour, we will have our finishing crew level the surface to meet the specified dimensions of the plans. Following that, we will adhere to a strict curing schedule to allow the concrete to reach its full structural potential.
- Inspecting Your Work: Inspecting your new foundation to meet or exceed all local building codes. Finally, we will inspect your new foundation to ensure it has been built to exact specifications and meets or exceeds all applicable safety codes and municipal regulations in North Miami.
The North Miami Concrete Pros Advantage
When it comes to the structural heart of your building, we provide an unparalleled level of security and professional oversight. We ensure your foundation is built to endure the specific environmental stressors of South Florida through:
- North Miami Local Knowledge: Our foundation experts understand North Miami’s specific soil conditions and weather-related challenges, such as high water tables and hurricanes. We account for these factors when designing your foundation, ensuring all designs meet Florida building codes so your structure remains as safe as possible.
- Highest Quality Materials: We use only the best materials, including high-grade concrete, top-quality reinforced steel (rebar), and waterproof additives to protect against moisture damage. Our concrete is mixed to maximize strength, and our rebar is designed to resist corrosion from the South Florida salt air.
- Engineering Precision: Our staff works closely with structural engineer partners to ensure every detail is correct. We calculate and verify all necessary loads, ensure the amount of rebar is sufficient for the structure’s weight, and determine the proper foundation depth and thickness for your specific site.
- Years of Experience and Reliability: We have been serving the North Miami area for many years with an excellent track record of success. We understand the importance of completing jobs on schedule and within budget while maintaining the highest quality of workmanship.
- Transparency and Guarantee: We believe in keeping you informed throughout the repair or replacement process. Once the work is completed, we provide warranties on our workmanship and the products installed, giving you confidence that your investment is protected for years to come.
Foundation Maintenance Tips
To protect your investment and ensure the long-term structural health of your home or business, we recommend these essential maintenance practices:
- Inspect for Cracks or Settling: A settlement in a building can create some hairline fractures; however, it is crucial to monitor any expanding gaps if you are concerned about the structural integrity of the building. If you see a large crack or your doors suddenly sticking, please call us immediately to have an assessment of the structural integrity done.
- Keep the Area Around the Structure Properly Drained: Water is the number one enemy to any structure’s foundation. It is recommended to make sure your gutters are clear of debris and to make sure the land surrounding the house is sloped so that rainwater will flow away from the bottom of the house and not pool up against it.
- Immediately Address Any Water Accumulation Issues: Due to the heavy rainfall during tropical storms in North Miami, the ground can quickly become saturated with water. If there is standing water near your foundation after a storm, we may need to install French drains or add additional swales to prevent the concrete from being subjected to hydrostatic pressure.
- Regularly Inspect Your Property, Especially After a Major Storm Event: After a hurricane or strong tropical storm, it would be beneficial to walk the entire perimeter of your property. Finding and addressing small issues, such as soil erosion or slight shifting, in the beginning allows us to do preventative work prior to them becoming major structural problems.
Ready to Start Your Project on Solid Ground?
Whether you’re building a new home, expanding your business, or need foundation repairs, North Miami Concrete Pros is here to ensure your structure has the strong start it deserves.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation
Phone: (786) 822-6661
Email: office@northmiamiconcrete.com
Serving North Miami and surrounding areas, including Miami Shores, North Miami Beach, and Biscayne Park.
Choose North Miami Concrete Pros for foundations that are built to last in our unique Florida environment. Let’s lay the groundwork for your success today!
FAQs About Concrete Foundations in North Miami, FL
- Proper site drainage and grading
- Waterproofing membranes and sealants
- Elevated slab designs when necessary
- Specialized concrete mixes for improved water resistance Our approach is tailored to each site's specific conditions to ensure a dry, stable foundation. on
- Reinforced concrete for added strength
- Deeper footings to resist wind uplift
- Tie-downs and anchor bolts for secure structural connections Our foundations meet or exceed Florida's strict building codes for hurricane-prone areas.