In Arizona, very few foundations are constructed outside the conventional footing and stem method, or post tension method. There are some homes in the state’s colder and wetter areas that have a wood floor system that sits on concrete piers, but this is an exception to the norm. In the Valley, more than 90% of all foundations currently constructed are done using a post tension design.

A post tension foundation is a monolithic foundation system with stressed tendons running perpendicular to one another throughout the entire slab. The foundation is poured all at once, over the installed cables. Then, at a recommended time several days later, the tendons are stressed to the engineer’s specifications and they will hold that stress throughout the life of the foundation. The foundation is much more reliable and nearly maintenance free when compared to a conventional stem and footing foundation. A post tension design can radically improve issues seen in conventional foundations such as heaving, curling, cracking and overall movement.

As nearly all of our foundations are now post tension, we utilize a boom pump to place the concrete. All foundations are placed this way to ensure the cables and integral structural components remain in place and are not pushed around or driven over, as a truck chute placement often causes. Placing concrete using the chute of the truck for a complete pour on a post tension foundation is discouraged and generally not accepted in the industry, as the tendons are highly likely to shift and not end up where they belong side to side of the slab (top to bottom).

Concrete can always be repaired. It can be expensive, as a repair will often necessitate a structural engineer’s input on the type of work needed to ensure the home maintains all structural values during and after the repairs are made. Concrete is very versatile and can be cut, chipped, floated, and epoxied. All methods can address water concerns, depending on the issue. The Younger Brothers Concrete team can help you determine the best plan of action if you have a water problem.

Concrete mix designs are generally supplied by the structural engineer on a project and are called out on the plans. Generally, concrete mixes for residential applications range from 2500 psi to 4000 psi. As the psi increases, so does the amount of cement in the mix, bringing the strength to a higher number at the 28 day mark. Several factors will dictate which psi to use, including soils types, purpose of the concrete in its end state, and naturally occurring chemicals in the soil, to name a few.

In Phoenix and in much of central and southern Arizona, we are lucky enough to have weather that supports continual production in an outside environment twelve months a year. While we may adjust the mixes to help accelerate or retard set times, the work continues all year.

Concrete driveways and flatwork are generally placed by Younger Brothers Development at a thickness of 5”. As soil conditions can vary wildly across the Valley, thicker concrete along with a turndown along the edges help stabilize the span of non-structural concrete and lessen the likelihood of cracking.

Unless otherwise designed, most concrete will reach its intended strength within 28 days of pour. As the concrete continues to age, it also increases incrementally in strength and cure. Cure times can be altered and affected by weather (hot or cold), chemical reactions with the soil, intentional introduction of chemicals to the mix, psi strength, and other factors. A good rule of thumb is to stay clear foot traffic on most concrete for 48 hours, and vehicular traffic for at least 7 days.

All of our work is compliant with ROC standards and comes with a 2-year workmanship warranty and a 10-year structural warranty.

Younger Brothers Development has the ability to do many jobs and in many sizes. We’ve done everything from custom foundations to RV garages, columns, golf course buildings, home additions and many, many more jobs. Because concrete is a service that makes the most sense financially when the job exceeds a certain square footage, we do have a square foot minimum. Contact us to discuss your project and get an estimate.