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To pour a strong foundation, plan ahead and choose the right concrete with high PSI. Support all sides of the concrete during pouring and leave braces in place for a day. Prepare the surface and use steel rods for additional support in larger foundations.
Pouring foundations can be a stressful job, as forms need to be poured quickly and under the right conditions. It’s best to plan the process ahead of time and keep an eye on the weather for optimal conditions. The pouring of footings in case of too cold weather can cause the freezing of the water inside the structure; when thawing occurs, the concrete can crack, leading to a weak structure. Pour during the summer months when possible and choose a day that isn’t too hot; the longer it takes for the concrete to set, the stronger it will be.
Gather all the proper materials beforehand to lay the foundation and choose the right concrete for the job. Concrete is measured in PSI, or pounds per square inch, and the higher the PSI, the stronger the concrete is likely to be. Choose a stronger concrete, even if it means paying more, as this will prevent premature cracking that will require repairs down the road. It is important to read the instructions for mixing concrete with water and to avoid adding too much water which can end up stagnating or making the mix too thin.
All sides of the concrete must be supported when pouring footings to avoid swelling, sagging, or other handling of the mix. The poured mix can be extremely heavy, so solid pipes or pieces of wood must be used to support it both during the pouring process and afterward when the concrete is settling. It’s best to leave the braces or molds in place for a day or more while the mixture hardens.
Just as important as preparing the dough is preparing the surface onto which the mixture will be poured. Make sure the ground under the footings can support the weight of the concrete as well as the structures the footings will support. It may be necessary to put stones or ashes in the holes before pouring the foundation to ensure that the mix is adequately supported.
Larger foundations may require additional structural support. In that case, steel rods must be used. These steel rods can be positioned so that they are in the center of the concrete structure after the mix has set; this increases the tensile strength of the footings and will help prevent cracking or shifting when weight is placed on the finished structures.
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