• Q: What is the difference between poured concrete foundations and block foundations?
  A: Here are a few differences:
  • Poured concrete is three times (3x) stronger than block.
  • Poured concrete resists water infiltration better than block.
  • Poured concrete offers a faster building cycle than block.
  
  
• Q: What is the difference between damp-proofing and waterproofing?
  A: Damp-proofing does not provide a permanent barrier where waterproofing does.
  
  Additionally, damp-proofing does not offer a guarantee against water infiltration where waterproofing can offer up to a lifetime guarantee.
  
  Waterproofing is a thick membrane applied to the outside face of the foundation. It remains pliable throughout its life.
  
  
• Q: What is the normal building cycle for 2000 square feet or less?
  A:
  • Day 1 - Dig
  • Day 2 - Skip
  • Day 3 - Dig & pour footings
  • Day 4 - Set and pour walls
  • Day 5 - Strip forms from walls
  • Day 6 - Waterproof
    • a. Builder to have a plumber
    • b. Builder to have termite treatment
  • Day 7 - Exterior draintile
  • Day 8 - Backfill inspection
  • Day 9 - Backfill
  • Day 10 - Prep basement/garage slab
  • Day 11 - Basement slab inspection
  • Day 12 - Pour basement/garage slab
  
  
• Q: How do I get on the schedule?
  A: Modern Foundations typically schedules 2-4 weeks in advance. This time frame begins with the signing of a contract and may change due to work load and weather changes.
  
  When we receive a complete signed contract, you will be placed on the schedule. The office will notify you about your approximate scheduled date.
  
  
• Q: What are the payment terms for Modern Foundations?
  A: Payment is due within fifteen (15) days from the invoice date. Interest will be charged thirty (30) days from the invoice date.
  
  Modern Foundations will accept cash, checks, VISA, MasterCard, and Discover.
  
  
• Q: What are the wall heights that can be poured?
  A: Standard wall heights are 8' and 9'. Special heights up to 22’ may be accommodated.
  
  
• Q: What types of equipment can I expect to see on my job?
  A: Concrete pump/telebelt, concrete trucks, panel crane, stone slingers, loaders, dozers, bobcats, and backhoes.
  
  
• Q: Why would my job require a concrete pump or special equipment?
  A: Possible reasons include:
  • Soft ground conditions
  • Rain the day of or day/s before the pour
  • Rocky ground
  • Trees causing limited access
  • Small building lots
  • Difficult terrain
  
  
• Q: What happens if poor weather occurs? Does Modern Foundations work all year long?
  A: One day of poor weather can delay the work schedule anywhere from one (1) day or more.
  
  Modern Foundations does work year around.
  
  
• Q: Can concrete be poured in cold weather?
  A: Yes, however extreme cold & extreme heat present additional challenges with concrete. Additives will be placed into the concrete to compensate for these conditions.
  
  During the wintertime we use heated mixing water and accelerating chemicals added to the concrete. Placement of concrete can be done safely as low as 15 degrees at the time of placement. The use of such additives may cause additional expense.
  
  
• Q: Will cracks appear on my poured concrete foundation?
  A: As concrete cures, the mixing water used in concrete evaporates from the concrete and causes the concrete to shrink. This may result in some cracks in the foundation. These cracks are not a structural concern and will not cause a water leak if the foundation is properly waterproofed and proper grading around the house is maintained.