Concrete Slabs in Kent, WA
The Foundation of Your Project's Success
At Kent Concrete Masters, we have extensive experience in building high-quality, durable, and flexible concrete slabs to be the base of many homes, garages, sheds, etc. All of our slabs are created with precision and care to meet all of your construction needs, whether you need a new slab for a home addition or an expansion of your current home. We know that the overall success of any project is based on the strength and reliability of its foundation; therefore, we will not take shortcuts when it comes to the quality of our slabs by adding additional material to increase the thickness, reinforcing the slab, or preparing the site where the slab will be placed.
Our concrete slabs are made using the most modern technology in leveling and high-strength concrete mixtures to provide a level and smooth surface that will resist cracking and shifting over time due to environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, etc. We also prepare for local drainage conditions, as well as the density of the soil under the slab, to create a reliable slab regardless of the time of year. Whether you need a pad for heavy equipment or an area to expand your living space, our concrete slabs are designed to last through years of use and give each customer confidence in their decision to install from us.
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What is a Concrete Slab?
Concrete slabs, which are used as a foundational layer in a wide variety of construction projects, are created by pouring flat layers of concrete into forms and then leveling them out to create a smooth, even surface. The primary use for concrete slabs is as a strong foundation or as a solid floor. Concrete slabs can also be used as a flexible multi-use area for both residential and commercial applications. Slabs we pour are built to meet the demands of the local environment, whether it’s the cold rain of winter or the hot sun of summer, so your investment will last all year long.
We focus on precision engineering and superior reinforcement to make sure each slab we build has the strongest structure possible. We can create a small slab to support an outside shed, or a large slab to support the foundation of a new home. Whatever size slab you may need, we’ll make sure the surface is level and solid enough to carry heavy loads and withstand environmental conditions.
Applications for Concrete Slabs
Our slabs provide a versatile and high-strength solution for a variety of structural needs. We tailor each pour to the specific load-bearing requirements of your project, ensuring maximum durability for these common applications:
Garage Floors
We make durable flooring that will work well for garages and workshops, which can hold large amounts of weight, and also repel spills from automobiles and automotive fluids. The floor is simple to clean and provides a flat surface for all of your project needs.
Home Additions
We lay down a solid slab that creates a transition from your home to your additions, so it is seamless and stable. Slabs for additions are engineered to exceed building code requirements to ensure the longevity of your additions.
Shed Bases
We build a platform for an outdoor shed that keeps your items level and dry from ground moisture. Concrete bases prevent a shed from sinking into the ground and becoming warped, like they would if placed directly on dirt or gravel.
Patios
We make the level surfaces for patios, where you can have your furniture and grill located. Patios are great for entertaining and give a clean, modern appearance. Patios require less maintenance than most wood decks.
Agricultural Buildings
We make tough floors in barns and other agricultural buildings that are able to support large amounts of machinery and livestock. We engineer these surfaces to last through years of use in a working farm environment.
Commercial Flooring
Our slabs are the best option for commercial applications such as warehouses and retail stores. They provide a smooth finish, which makes moving products through the facility easier. In addition, we are able to add custom reinforcement to our slabs to help them withstand the high traffic of a commercial/industrial operation.
Our Slab Installation Process
We follow a rigorous structural process to ensure that every slab we pour serves as a reliable foundation for years to come. Our attention to detail during the preparation phase is what prevents future issues like cracking or sinking:
- Ground Conditions and Drainage Assessment: At this stage, we analyze both site drainage and ground conditions to understand how the soil at your location may affect your slab’s interaction with it. Assessing ground conditions and drainage is important in determining if there will be additional subgrade preparation to keep water from entering and causing damage to the slab.
- Design and Planning: Design and planning is where we tailor your slab to your individual specifications (e.g., heavier machinery, special size or shape for a house addition). In design and planning, we also verify that all plans comply with local building codes and load requirements as established by engineering standards.
- Excavation, Grading, and Compacting: Site preparation is completed through the process of excavating, grading, and compacting the area to provide a perfect grade and a solid base. The importance of having a properly compacted subbase cannot be stressed enough; this is one of the most critical factors in a successful long-term outcome of the concrete.
- Setting Forms and Installing Steel Rebar/Mesh: Preparing for the slab’s construction includes establishing the formwork (i.e., setting the frames to define the slab) and installing the steel rebar/mesh to give the concrete the tensile strength necessary to resist settling/rotation due to heavy loads.
- Pouring Concrete: A high-quality concrete mixture is developed based on our local climate and designed to withstand seasonal temperature variations. The pouring of the concrete is accomplished by our skilled crew with great care to minimize voids and achieve a consistent finish throughout the slab.
- Finish Work: Achieving your desired surface finish (e.g., smooth finish for interior floors, light broom finish for exterior walkways/sidewalks), and to a lesser extent, making sure the edges are clean-cut, and the surface is perfectly flat.
- Curing: Ensuring that the concrete develops sufficient strength to support intended loads is the last item we address. Monitoring the curing process very closely is essential in order to avoid premature drying of the concrete and thus allow the concrete to reach its ultimate structural capacity.
Why Choose Kent Concrete Masters for Your Slab?
Selecting the right team for your slab project ensures that the literal foundation of your investment is sound. We combine technical precision with high-grade materials to deliver surfaces that outperform standard installations. Here is why we are the preferred choice:
- Understanding Local Conditions: We know the characteristics of local soils and local climate conditions. These factors allow us to customize our construction techniques to match the local level of moisture, so that your slab will not be subject to unexpected settlement or shifting.
- Project Customization: The slabs that we design are tailored to fit your needs. Whether you require additional thickness for heavy loads (such as those imposed by heavy industrial equipment) or a specific finish for a residential workshop, we can accommodate both. Every project we undertake is customized to match the anticipated load and use of the finished surface.
- Highest Quality Concrete: To maximize the durability of our slabs, we select premium concrete mix designs with the highest strength potential. By choosing the correct PSI (pounds per square inch) and additives for each job, we can create a more durable and crack-resistant surface than is possible with standard concrete mix designs.
- Experienced Crews: All members of our staff have extensive experience in the field. From taking initial measurements to applying the last coat of finish material, our crew members take great pride in their ability to deliver a smooth, perfectly flat surface with crisp edges. Perfectly flat surfaces and crisp edges reduce the difficulty of completing subsequent phases of construction.
- Efficient Construction Scheduling: We recognize that time is money and that timely completion of your project is essential. We will schedule our pour and finishing crews to complete your project according to your schedule, so that your site will be available when needed to proceed with subsequent construction phases.
Types of Concrete Slabs We Offer
We provide a variety of specialized slab configurations to ensure the foundation we pour is perfectly suited to your project’s structural needs. Our team can help you determine which of the following options is best for your specific application:
- Standard Slab: Most commonly used and practical, standard slabs can be used as a base for just about anything. The best thing about them is that they provide an inexpensive way to get a level surface to use for your shed, walkway, etc.
- Reinforced Edge Slab: If you have a garage, a home addition, or need some extra support for your walls, the edge-reinforced slab is designed for this type of situation. The edge has a reinforcement to hold the weight of the wall and roof.
- Post-Tensioned Slab: Best suited for expansive clay soils or unstable soils, post-tensioned slabs will not crack and provide the strongest support available for a concrete slab. Ideal for commercial buildings or buildings on expansive clay soils.
- Concrete Insulation Form (ICF) Slab: A great option for homes that want to keep their utility bills low by insulating the slab during construction. ICF provides a thermal barrier, which can make for a warmer building.
- Radiant Heat Slab: Provides heat from the bottom up through radiant heat tubing in the slab. It can be used for a workshop, a garage, or any living area. Radiant heat provides warm, comfortable heat, evenly distributed over the entire floor.
Maintaining Your Concrete Slab
To ensure your slab remains structurally sound and looks professional for years to come, a simple maintenance routine is essential. Proper care prevents environmental damage and preserves the integrity of the surface:
- Regular Cleaning: Maintenance should be done regularly to clean the area and help protect it from damaging elements. Regular cleaning will help to prevent the build-up of dirt and debris on the slab and keep organic growth from occurring. The dirt and debris on the slab can also cause problems with slipping on the surface during wet weather.
- Sealer Application: Additionally, you may need to apply a sealer to the slab periodically to help protect it from stains and moisture. A good quality sealer will create a protective barrier between the water in the rain and the porous areas of the slab. It will help to protect the slab from freeze/thaw damage when there are long periods of cold weather.
- Crack Management: Finally, address any cracks or hairline fractures to the slab as soon as possible. If left alone, small cracks in the slab can grow larger and potentially cause a serious problem, such as unevenness of the slab. This could eventually require expensive repairs.
- Safe Cleaning Products: You should also use cleaning products that are safe for concrete surfaces and do not contain harsh chemicals. Some chemicals commonly used in the winter months (such as rock salt) can eat away at the surface of the slab or weaken the protective layer of the sealer. Using neutral-pH cleaning agents will provide the best protection for the finish.
Ready to Start Your Concrete Slab Project?
Whether you’re planning a new garage, expanding your home, or need a solid base for your backyard shed, Kent Concrete Masters is here to help. Our concrete slabs provide the strong, level foundation your project deserves.
Contact us today for a free consultation and estimate. Let’s discuss how we can create the perfect concrete slab for your Kent property.
Call: (253) 867-8835
Email: service@kentconcretemasters.com
Kent Concrete Masters – Building solid foundations for your dreams, one slab at a time!