Concrete Foundations & Footings
Strong, properly installed foundations that support your structures for generations.
Why Your Foundation Is the Most Important Part of Any Structure
Your foundation literally holds everything up. Whether you're building a new home addition, garage, deck support, or any other structure, the foundation determines how long it will last and how well it will perform. A weak or improperly installed foundation can cause cracks, settling, and structural problems that cost thousands to fix later.
At Hillstone Woodbury Concrete, we specialize in foundations and footings that meet code requirements and stand up to Minnesota's challenging climate. We know how deep footings need to go to stay below the frost line, how to reinforce for soil conditions, and how to create drainage that protects your investment.
What We Install
- •House additions: Full foundations for room additions that match your existing home
- •Garage foundations: Solid bases for attached and detached garages
- •Deck footings: Properly placed piers that keep decks stable and level
- •Pole barn footings: Strong supports for agricultural and storage buildings
- •Retaining wall footings: Deep bases that prevent wall failure and movement
Our Foundation Installation Process
Installing a foundation requires careful planning, precise execution, and attention to code requirements. We handle every step to ensure your foundation is built right the first time.
Site Assessment and Planning
We start by evaluating your soil conditions, drainage patterns, and local building codes. In Woodbury, footings must extend below the frost line to prevent heaving during freeze-thaw cycles. We determine the right depth, width, and reinforcement for your specific project and site conditions.
Excavation and Footing Installation
We excavate to the proper depth and width for your footings, which serve as the base that spreads the weight of your structure across a larger area. Footings for most residential projects are poured first, creating a solid platform for the foundation walls above. We install rebar reinforcement and ensure proper alignment before pouring.
Foundation Walls or Piers
Depending on your project, we'll pour concrete walls for full foundations or create concrete piers for deck supports and pole buildings. Foundation walls get additional reinforcement and waterproofing to protect your structure. Every corner, joint, and penetration is carefully planned and executed to prevent weak points.
Drainage and Backfill
Good drainage is critical for foundation longevity. We install drainage systems where needed and backfill carefully to avoid putting pressure on fresh concrete. Proper drainage prevents water from building up against your foundation, which can cause settling and structural damage over time.
Meeting Code and Exceeding Expectations
Foundation work requires permits and inspections in most cases, and for good reason. The requirements exist to ensure structures are safe and durable. We handle all aspects of code compliance so your project passes inspection the first time.
Frost Depth Requirements
In Minnesota, footings must extend at least 42 inches below grade to stay below the frost line. This prevents frost heave, which occurs when frozen ground pushes up on shallow footings. We always go deep enough to meet or exceed code requirements for your location.
Reinforcement Standards
Modern building codes require specific reinforcement in foundations and footings. We use the right size and spacing of rebar to meet structural requirements for your project. Proper reinforcement prevents cracks and provides the strength your foundation needs to support loads safely.
Integration with Existing Work
When you're adding to an existing structure, your new foundation needs to work with what's already there. We carefully plan connections and transitions so your addition looks and performs like it was always part of your home. We can also help with foundation repairs if your existing foundation has issues that need attention before building. For exterior hardscaping, we also offer retaining walls and masonry work.