Build on a Slab That Supports Everything

Foundation and slab pours for residential structures, garages, and additions in Mora, Minnesota

When you add a garage, shed, or home addition in Mora, the slab or foundation underneath needs to be thick enough, reinforced correctly, and poured on a base that accounts for local soil conditions and frost depth. If the concrete is too thin or the ground beneath it is not properly compacted, you will see cracking, settling, or uneven surfaces within the first few years. Homeowners in Mora rely on properly installed slabs to support structures that stay level and functional through freeze-thaw cycles and seasonal moisture changes.

Sunderman Concrete pours residential slabs and foundations with the correct thickness for the load they will carry, using rebar or wire mesh for reinforcement and allowing adequate curing time before the structure is built on top. The process includes excavating to the right depth, compacting the base material, setting forms to the correct elevation, and pouring the concrete in a single continuous pour when possible to avoid cold joints. Slabs for garages typically include thickened edges to support the weight of walls and vehicles.

If you are planning a garage, shed, or addition in Mora, get in touch to discuss foundation and slab requirements for your project.

What Goes Into a Structural Slab

After excavation and base preparation in Mora, forms are set to the correct dimensions and elevation, and reinforcement is placed inside before the pour. Rebar is used for thicker slabs and foundation walls, while wire mesh is often used for garage floors and lighter structures. The concrete is poured, leveled, and finished with a trowel or broom finish depending on whether the surface will be exposed or covered.

Once the slab is poured, you will see a flat, level surface that is ready to support the structure you are building. The concrete cures over several days, gaining strength as moisture evaporates and the chemical reaction inside the material completes. During this time, the slab should not be loaded with heavy equipment or framing materials.

Proper curing is necessary to prevent surface cracking and ensure the slab reaches its full strength. In colder months, the concrete may need to be covered or heated to prevent freezing during the curing process. The final result is a slab that stays flat, supports the intended load, and resists cracking from ground movement or temperature changes.

Concerns homeowners bring up about foundation work

Homeowners in Mora often ask about thickness, curing time, and how the slab will hold up to local soil and weather conditions before starting a project.

How thick does a garage slab need to be?
A residential garage slab is typically poured at four inches thick with thickened edges at the perimeter to support the walls. If you plan to park heavy vehicles or equipment, a thicker slab with additional reinforcement may be recommended.
What happens if the ground settles after the slab is poured?
If the base material was not compacted properly before the pour, the ground can settle and cause the slab to crack or sink. Proper compaction and base preparation prevent this issue by creating a stable layer that does not shift under the weight of the concrete.
How long does it take for a slab to cure?
Concrete reaches most of its strength within seven days, but full curing takes about 28 days. You can walk on the slab after a day or two, but you should wait at least a week before building on it or parking vehicles on the surface.
Why is reinforcement necessary in a slab?
Rebar or wire mesh helps the slab resist cracking from ground movement, temperature changes, and the weight of the structure above it. Reinforcement holds the concrete together even if small cracks develop, preventing them from widening or causing structural problems.
What is the frost depth requirement in Mora?
Footings and foundation walls in Mora need to extend below the frost line, which is typically 42 inches deep in this part of Minnesota. This depth prevents the foundation from shifting or heaving when the ground freezes and thaws each year.

Sunderman Concrete handles foundation and slab pours for residential construction projects throughout Mora and nearby communities, ensuring proper thickness, reinforcement, and curing for structures that hold up to local conditions. Reach out to discuss your project and get an estimate for foundation or slab work.