We prep and pour Concrete Slabs

All concrete is subject to "appearance" cracking over time. (Non-structural cracks)

 The most crucial part of keeping cracks under control and to a minimum is subgrade prep. Many fly by night concrete slab contractors will pour the concrete over an inch or two of loose gravel, or perhaps none at all. We excavate down 6-8" and overcut the slab by 8-12" all around and install a solid compacted gravel base. An "overcut" means we excavate beyond the slab size itself giving it a much more solid base. If the slab is 10x14', we will excavate 12x16' to a depth of 12-15", install 6-8" of compacted gravel, then 6" of fiber reinforced 4000+ psi concrete. 

Typically on non-heated, outdoor slabs for sheds and such vapor barriers are not needed nor recommended. If you intend to heat the structure, we can gladly install a vapor barrier.

Each town may be different, but typically in Massachusetts, any shed 200 sq feet or less (10x20) does not require a permit.

Again, the answer may vary with each town, but below are the general guidelines for Massachusetts concrete slabs:

• 200 Sq Ft or less: Simple 6" Slab on Grade. No thickened edges or frost walls required.
• 201-599 Sq Ft: Thickened eges (12"-24") recommended with rebar/mesh reinfored slab.
• 600 Sq Ft +: Full 4' Frost Wall foundation, like building a home or addition.

A "Monolithic Slab" or "Monolithic Pour" simply means the thickened edge concrete footing walls are poured at the same time as the interior slab, in one pour.

• A "footing" simply refers to any type of thickening within a slab. It could be in the middle of a slab for future support columns, or a long the outer edge.
• A "thickened edge" or a "Haunch" refers to pouring a slab where the edge of the slab is dug down deeper than the rest of the slab, and may generally be anywhere from 12-24" wide, and 12-24" deep - forming a reinforced edge of concrete. These types of pours typically also require rebar and/or mesh reinforcement.
• A "Frost wall" is a thickened edge, which typically extends 48" below grade to anchor the slab below the frost line. Many times "Frost Wall" pours are not monolithic pours, and the wall is formed on both sides, poured, then the interior slab is poured. This a full foundation like you would use for a residential home or addition.