Strength and Stability: Factors That Impact the Longevity of Concrete Foundations

Strong, reliable concrete foundations are the bedrock of any stable NZ building, providing the necessary support for structures to stand tall and proud for decades to come. Of course, if you want your building to be strong and stable, you’ll need a high-quality foundation that was properly prepared, poured and cured to enhance its longevity.

The durability of a foundation is influenced by various factors, including the quality of the concrete used and how it was created. Before you start your building project, it’s very important for you to understand why investing in a quality foundation is a must for the future of your building. 

What Affects The Durability And Longevity Of Concrete Foundations

The process of creating a concrete foundation is a straightforward yet meticulous one, and all of these qualities can affect how strong your foundation is:

The Quality Of Materials. One of the most important factors affecting the longevity of your concrete foundation is the quality of the materials used to create it. High-quality cement and reinforcing steel contribute to a stable, reliable foundation that’s built to last.

Using low-quality materials can greatly compromise the integrity of the foundation, leading to cracks that could eventually grow. When choosing your construction company, ask them about the quality of the materials they use.

Proper Mixing And Proportioning. The proportioning and mixing of concrete components must be precise to achieve the desired thickness, strength and durability. An incorrect ratio of cement, aggregates and water can result in a mix that is either too weak or too brittle. A reputable company will use well-established guidelines and industry standards to determine the correct mix proportions for different types of foundations and environmental conditions.

Furthermore, the concrete must also be mixed properly to ensure it is uniform and that all components are evenly distributed. Uneven mixtures can lead to pockets of concrete that aren’t as strong as the rest. Uniform concrete ensures that the entire concrete slab is consistently strong.

Adequate Curing. Curing concrete foundations involves maintaining sufficient moisture, temperature and time to allow the concrete to have its desired properties. Proper curing is necessary for developing the strength and durability of the foundation, so you need your team to do so correctly while monitoring the foundation as it cures.

Site Preparation. Before the concrete is poured, the site must be correctly prepared for the new concrete foundation. This may include preparing the soil that the concrete will be poured onto to determine suitability and stability. The site needs to be level to provide a solid base for the concrete slab, reducing the chances of the foundation shifting over time. 

Ask your potential concrete company about how they evaluate and prepare sites before they pour concrete. What steps do they take, and how do they ensure that soil is ready for concrete foundations?

Steel Reinforcement. Rather than just being a large slab of solid concrete, high-quality foundations are often reinforced with steel wires and meshes to enhance their strength and stability. Steel can be used to reinforce concrete, helping it withstand tensile forces and preventing troublesome cracks in the future. 

It’s not enough to simply have steel reinforcement, but the steel must be adequately placed and secured to maximise its effects. Expert contractors will use their skills, knowledge and experience to discover the best way to reinforce your specific concrete slab, providing maximum support and longevity to your foundation. 

Environmental Factors. The conditions of your environment can greatly impact the longevity of concrete foundations. Factors like humidity can affect the curing process and the long-term performance of the concrete. For instance, too-high temperatures can cause concrete to expand and contract, causing cracks.

Discuss the potential environmental factors of your particular area with your concrete contractors to make sure they’re considering any specific concerns for your site. Understanding the environmental factors of your site will allow them to react accordingly when pouring and curing the concrete. 

The Quality Of Work. Skilled workers understand all of the nuances involved with concrete mixing, pouring, curing and more to make sure that every task is executed well and meets their high standards. They know the importance of a strong foundation for any building, and they’ll do everything they can to exceed your expectations. While it’s important to consider the other items on this list, it’s the skills and hard work of your contractors that will ensure everything comes together to provide you with the strong results you need. 

Creating A Strong And Stable Foundation For Your New NZ Building

For premium results, all you need to do is speak to us at Area Tech. We have extensive experience with concrete foundations, and we’d be glad to use our knowledge and skills to provide you with the incredible results you deserve.

If you have any questions for us about our services, please feel free to call us on 027 202 8872 or use our contact page to reach us.

Area Tech: Creating reliable foundations for New Zealand’s future.