How deep do footings need to be in Ohio?

In Ohio, footings typically need to be placed at least 36 to 48 inches below grade to be below the frost line. The exact depth depends on your county and local building codes. Footings placed above the frost line can heave and crack during winter freeze-thaw cycles, causing foundation failure. We ensure all footings meet local depth requirements.

Do I need an engineer for my foundation?

It depends on your project. Most standard residential foundations can be built using standard specifications from building codes. However, you may need an engineer for unusual soil conditions, large or complex structures, commercial buildings, or if your local building department requires it. We can advise you whether engineering is needed and can work with engineers when required.

How long does foundation installation take?

Timeline depends on the foundation type and size. Simple footings for a deck or small building can be done in 1 to 2 days. A garage or shed foundation typically takes 3 to 5 days. A full basement foundation for a home can take 1 to 2 weeks including excavation, forming, pouring, and curing. Weather, site conditions, and inspection schedules also affect timing. We provide realistic timelines when we estimate your project.

Concrete Foundations & Footings

(440) 577-2315

Concrete Foundations & Footings in Lorain, OH

Your concrete foundations & footings is essential for your property's functionality and appearance. At CountyWorks Lorain Concrete, we specialize in providing top-tier concrete foundations & footings services in Lorain and surrounding areas. We pride ourselves on quality workmanship, durable materials, and customer satisfaction.

Since 2024, we've been dedicated to serving the Lorain, OH community with reliable and affordable concrete solutions. Whether it's a new installation, repair, or restoration, our experienced team is equipped to handle your project with precision and care.

Types of Foundations We Install

We install several types of concrete foundations depending on your building and site requirements:

Poured Concrete Footings

Footings are wide concrete bases that distribute the weight of walls, columns, or posts into the soil. We install footings for foundations, deck posts, pole barns, fences, and any structure that needs solid support below grade. Footings must be sized correctly and placed below the frost line to prevent heaving.

Slab-on-Grade Foundations

A slab-on-grade foundation is a single layer of concrete poured directly on the ground with thickened edges that act as integrated footings. This is a common foundation type for garages, sheds, and single-story homes. It is cost-effective and works well when you do not need a basement or crawl space.

Stem Wall Foundations

A stem wall foundation consists of footings with short concrete or masonry walls built on top. The floor slab is poured inside the stem walls. This foundation type works well for homes with crawl spaces and provides better ventilation and access to plumbing than slab-on-grade.

Full Basement Foundations

Full basement foundations include footings, full-height foundation walls (typically 8 feet or more), and a basement floor slab. We can pour walls or work with block masons. Basements add living space and provide storage, but they cost more and require careful waterproofing.

Our Foundation Installation Process

Foundation work requires precision and attention to detail. Here is how we ensure your foundation is built right:

Planning and permits: We review building plans and specifications. We verify local building code requirements for depth, width, reinforcement, and drainage. We obtain necessary permits and schedule inspections.

Excavation: We excavate to the proper depth, below the frost line (typically 36 to 48 inches in Ohio). We create level trenches for footings with proper width based on soil bearing capacity and load requirements.

Soil preparation: We inspect soil conditions and compact loose areas. If the soil is poor, we may recommend additional measures like extending footings deeper or using engineered fill. Proper soil preparation prevents settling.

Forming and reinforcement: We build sturdy forms to contain the concrete. We install steel reinforcement (rebar) according to engineering specifications and building codes. Proper reinforcement is critical for structural strength.

Pouring: We pour concrete in lifts, vibrating to eliminate air pockets. We use concrete with the right strength rating (typically 3000 to 4000 PSI for residential foundations). We ensure proper consolidation and finishing.

Curing and protection: We protect fresh concrete from rapid drying and temperature extremes. Proper curing ensures the concrete reaches full strength.

Waterproofing and drainage: For basement walls, we apply waterproofing and install drainage systems to prevent water infiltration.

Why Foundation Quality Matters

Foundation problems are expensive and difficult to fix. A poorly installed foundation can cause:

Settling and cracking that compromises structural integrity.
Uneven floors and walls that crack and separate.
Moisture infiltration leading to mold and water damage.
Decreased property value and difficulty selling.
Costly repairs that can exceed the original foundation cost.

We take foundation work seriously because we understand the consequences of cutting corners. Our goal is to build foundations that will support your building for its entire life without problems.

Why Choose CountyWorks for Foundation Work

Foundation work is not something to trust to just anyone. Here is what makes CountyWorks Lorain Concrete different:

We follow engineering specifications and building codes to the letter.
We properly size footings based on soil conditions and building loads.
We place footings below the frost line to prevent heaving and movement.
We use adequate reinforcement for structural strength.
We install proper waterproofing and drainage for basement foundations.
We coordinate with building inspectors and other trades.
We have experience with concrete slabs and all types of concrete work.
We provide written estimates with clear specifications.

If you need foundation work, call us at (440) 577-2315. We will discuss your project, review plans, and provide a detailed estimate.

Foundation Services We Provide

We handle foundation and footing work for many types of projects:

New home foundations and basements
Garage and workshop foundations
Addition and room addition foundations
Pole barn and agricultural building footings
Deck and porch footings and piers
Retaining wall footings (retaining walls and masonry)
Commercial and industrial foundations
Foundation replacement and underpinning

Foundation Questions Answered

Need Foundation Work?

Get a free estimate from CountyWorks Lorain Concrete. We serve residential and commercial customers throughout Lorain, OH with professional foundation and footing installation.

(440) 577-2315

Get Your Free Concrete Foundations & Footings Estimate Today

Contact CountyWorks Lorain Concrete for expert concrete foundations & footings installation in Lorain, OH. We provide detailed estimates at no cost and no obligation.

(440) 577-2315