A Concrete Contractor’s Approach to Fall Concrete Foundations

Residential and commercial builders in Dublin, Pulaski, and all across Southwest Virginia have come to know ABB Landscaping as the leading name in all things concrete. Our combined decades of experience enable us to make informed recommendations regarding the timing and process for pouring concrete. As a tenured concrete contractor in Southwest Virginia, it is evident to us that Fall is the uncontested optimal time of year for most types of concrete construction, including concrete foundations. 

What About Fall is Perfect for Concrete Foundations? 

The Autumns we are fortunate to experience in our region of Virginia typically create the perfect environment for a concrete project to succeed. Studies show that concrete cures best between 50 degrees and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, which is commonly the comfortable temperature range we experience in our state this time of year.

Builders need the concrete mix for foundations to strike the perfect balance between dryness and moisture, and this moderate temperature range helps retain just enough moisture in the mixture to ensure curing occurs evenly. The evaporation process is slow enough to prevent freezing or overheating effectively.  

There’s a reason we call Fall the Goldilocks Zone for concrete foundations in Southwest Virginia! 

Setting the Foundation for Greatness 

 Just because Fall is the ideal time for concrete foundations to be established, it doesn’t mean that it’s a job for just anybody. Your best bet is to hire a concrete contractor in Southwest Virginia, like ABB Landscaping, as there are still many variables at play to ensure a successful project.  

Proper planning and design kick off the process, as an adept concrete contractor evaluates the site where the foundation will be built,, determines how much weight the foundation will need to support throughout its life, and assesses the drainage flow. Proper planning prevents problems!  

Once the plan is laid out and approved, we move into the site prep phase. Fall presents an added challenge with trees shedding their leaves, making it necessary for concrete contractors to clear the area of any debris, grade the plot, compact the soil, and then establish the form the concrete will conform to.  

The Pour – You Only Get One Shot 

After we install rebar, mesh, and insulation to reinforce the structure’s strength and build crack resistance, it’s time to execute the concrete pour with precision and a well-defined list of best practices. This includes evenly distributing the concrete throughout the foundation, rather than allowing an excess amount to build up in any one area. We vibrate the mixture to prevent air pockets from forming and disrupting the curing and settling.  

Another vital step for pouring concrete foundations in the Fall is screeding, or the process of striking off excess concrete to bring the surface to grade. Concrete contractors then float the foundation with a concrete float (a flat tool used to smooth and level freshly poured concrete after screeding) to smooth out ridges, fill voids, and embed aggregates just below the surface.  

Finally, we trowel it and add texture to benefit the overall appearance and surface durability.  

As you can see, concrete foundation installation is an intricate process, highly dependent upon the skill of the concrete contractor and the time of year it is performed! ABB Landscaping is up to the task no matter the time of year, so call on us or drop a comment below!