The strength of your building’s foundation is crucial and you have to make sure there are more than four inches, it’s the minimum height. Creating foundation concrete needs familiarity, accuracy and an eye for details. Do it successfully and your foundation lasts for many years. Mess it up and you’re facing a very expensive repair bill.

Why Foundation Concrete Demands Excellence

Foundation concrete takes the whole load of your building. Soil pressure, moisture intrusion and environmental stress must be resisted. Higher strength concrete is not a standard mix but a concrete formula designed to provide utmost strength and longevity. For Concrete Swindon, visit www.monstermixconcrete.co.uk/concrete-swindon

The Right Mix Ratio

The mix for foundation concrete should be the same as that used for a footpath, which is 1:2:3 (cement:sand:aggregate) or an even stronger type. The amount of each will vary, depending on the type of soil and climatic conditions. Refer to local building codes and a structural engineer for your particular case.

Water-to-Cement Ratio Matters

This is critical. Using too much water can weaken the concrete, while using too little will make it unworkable. Try to get a water-cement ratio of 0.5, or as near to  that as you can achieve. This balance means strength without workability going out the window.

Quality Aggregates and Cement

Cement must be of good quality and aggregates should not breed inactive pollutants in well-graded shape. Even with mixing limitations the materials are so poor that you end up compromising in strength and longevity.

Proper Mixing and Curing

Combine everything well until the concrete is homogenised. Inadequate mixing creates weak spots. Cure well – make sure to moisten and protect concrete for 7 days after pouring.