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Retaining wall construction is easy enough, but economizing on footings is a recipe for expensive disasters. Home and business owners often ask, do I need a concrete footing for a retaining wall? The short reply? It all comes down to your particular circumstances, but consequences of not having proper footing when you absolutely do have to have it can be dire.

What is a Retaining Wall?

A retaining wall is a structure that is built to keep back earth and stop erosion on hillside ground. Retaining walls are often employed in landscaping to provide a flat area on which to put a garden, driveway, or construction site foundation. They also defend against earth movement, which might do damage to close structures or pose a hazard. For example, a concrete retaining wall in Oklahoma City must withstand unique climate and soil conditions.

Retaining walls are made from an array of material such as poured concrete, natural rocks, concrete units, and wood. Whatever material you opt to make a retaining wall from, its resistance to soil pressure is solely reliant upon a solid foundation.

Do You Need a Concrete Footing When You Build a Retaining Wall?

The requirement for solid footing is determined by a number of variables such as wall height, site ground, and regional codes. Normally, retaining walls higher than three feet will require concrete footing for a retaining wall to allow decent support. Nonetheless, much lower walls will require footings in some situations, and knowing the proper retaining wall footing depth is essential for structural integrity.

When a Concrete Footing is Required

Footing for a concrete wall is particularly necessary when working with heavy clay soil, slow-draining ground, or freeze-thaw zones. These will exert extra pressure upon that part of the wall which will collapse if no firm support of a footing is provided.

The footings may be required by local codes, and many jurisdictions require permits on retaining walls of a particular height. Always contact your building department prior to construction so that code compliance is achieved, or work with Bill’s Custom Concrete since we know everything there is to know. 

When You Can Bypass Footing

Low decorative walls below two feet in height in good drainage soil could be exempted from concrete footings. Gardening walls that face minor soil pressure can occasionally be constructed over a compressed gravel or a sandbox base. Still, even these cases do have some type of groundwork preparation. If you’re unsure how to build a concrete footing for a retaining wall, consult Bill’s or local building code resources to avoid costly mistakes.

Problems of Neglecting Footing When You Need It

Skipping concrete footing when necessary is a grave mistake that will lead to many severe issues that will cost much more than the initial cost of footing.

Wall Tilting and Collapse

Without proper footing, retaining walls often begin tilting forward due to soil pressure. This tilting starts gradually but accelerates over time, eventually leading to complete wall collapse. A collapsed retaining wall not only destroys your investment but can also damage property and create safety hazards.

Soil Washout and Erosion

Failed retaining walls allow soil to wash away during heavy rains, potentially undermining nearby structures, walkways, or driveways. This erosion can extend well beyond the original problem area, affecting neighboring properties and requiring extensive remediation.

Building Damage to Neighboring Buildings

When a retaining wall falls down, later movement of ground can prove to compromise house foundations, garage foundations, or any other structure. Foundation repairs are among homeownership’s most expensive repairs, and often cost far more than a properly constructed retaining wall would have cost in the first place.

Legislative and Insurance Matters

If your poorly constructed retaining wall collapses and injures property, you could have a problem of liability. Moreover, insurance firms might reject claims that fall under injury from construction that did not comply with appropriate construction methods or regional codes.

The Intelligent Choice When Investing

While concrete footing is an added part of your initial expense of a retaining wall, it is invaluable insurance against expensive later problems. Your small initial investment in good foundation work will preserve your property valuation and prevent calamitous failures.

It is a good idea to consult locally with specialists at Bill’s Custom Concrete to review your particular property as well as your area requirements. Professional assessment guarantees your wall will give a long-term protection to your property investment! 

A dry basement keeps the foundation healthy, stops mold development, and creates added living space. Exterior waterproofing offers the most comprehensive protection, though there are cheaper interior methods that a property owner may consider. Basement waterproofing in Oklahoma City is a wise solution that ensures long-term protection.

Interior waterproofing addresses the moisture issues from the inside of your basement, fixing the problem before it reaches the structure or air quality within a home. Can you waterproof a basement from the inside​? The answer is yes, and Bill’s Custom Concrete has extensive experience in basement waterproofing.

Common Basement Waterproofing Issues

Wall Leaks and Foundation Cracks 

Hairline-sized cracks in both your floors and concrete walls allow moisture penetration. They most typically occur when the house settles or as a result of hydrostatic pressure caused by groundwater. Hairline-sized cracks even allow quite a significant amount of penetration by moisture when snowing or raining. Understanding how to waterproof a basement wall can help prevent these issues effectively.

Condensation Issues 

Poor ventilation causes condensation due to warm humid air meeting cold basement surfaces. Water droplets appear on the walls, on stored objects, and on the pipes, and everything provides conditions conducive to mold growth and mildew.

Basement Window Well Problems 

The window wells collect water during rainstorms, and broken seals on basement windows provide an entrance. Poor drainage around the areas is one of the contributing factors. 

So, is basement waterproofing worth it​? Absolutely, especially when facing such persistent issues.

Interior Waterproofing Methods

Waterproof Paints and Sealants 

Waterproofing paints employed on the job provide a watertight finish on basement walls. The paints seep into the concrete’s pores and create an impermeable water film. Clean walls thoroughly and seal minuscule cracks before getting it painted for the best result. 

Hydrophilic cement sealants are especially suited to sealing on active leaks. They quickly set and upon curing expand to form watertight seals within gaps and fissures.

Vapor Barriers and Membrane Systems 

Interior walls can be covered in plastic sheeting or with dedicated vapor barriers to prevent moisture migration through concrete. They perform best if sealed properly at penetrations and all edges. 

More advanced membrane systems utilize dimpled plastic sheets that allow for air gaps to be formed between the finished surfaces and the wall, upon which the trapped moisture drips down to collection systems. These methods are effective for waterproofing basement walls from inside.

Interior Drainage Systems 

Perimeter drains surround basements to capture water seeping through walls or between floor joints. The system funnels the water to sump pumps that push water from your basement. 

Baseboard systems offer less intrusive alternatives, which collect the rainwater at the floor-wall intersection without deep excavations into the floor.

Whole-House Dehumidifiers 

Whole-house dehumidifiers ensure proper humidity levels all year. The systems avoid allowing condensation to be an issue, and indoor rooms are healthier. Sizing the systems properly avoids wasting energy as well as making sure the systems adequately remove moisture.

How Experts Can Assist 

Waterproofing contractors assess your particular moisture problems and design the appropriate solutions. Correct installation offers the proper system design, adequate drainage capacity, and long-term reliability. 

Bill’s Custom Concrete can even find problems that the do-it-yourself fix might overlook, including inadequate exterior drainage or structural flaws that need to be fixed immediately. Most commercial-grade waterproofing systems come with a guarantee to secure your investment. Professional evaluation is especially justified where there are several regions of dampness or where do-it-yourself remedies have previously failed to eliminate lingering issues.

Protecting Your Investment 

Waterproofing the inside provides practical remedies to most basement moisture problems. You should start with the less challenging remedies like the application of waterproof paints to small problems, though do not hesitate to spend on complete drainage systems when facing recurring water problems. 

Routine maintenance on the chosen waterproofing system keeps the system effective. Check humidity, watch for seals every year, and repair new cracks instantly to keep the basement area dry and healthy! 

Foundation problems are a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Cracks in walls, uneven floors, and doors that won’t close are all too frequently precursors to more serious structural issues that demand prompt attention. Confronted with these challenges, many homeowners turn to foundation piering as an encouraging alternative. Are they, nevertheless, the most suitable repair method for your specific issue? Are foundation piers a good repair?

We’ll answer that question in time, but first…what is a foundation pier? Foundation piers are steel support systems that work to shift your home’s weight from unstable soil to more solid ground or bedrock beneath. These engineered supports can return stability to settling foundations and halt additional structural damage. Knowing how they function and when they’re most effective will allow you to make an informed decision regarding your home’s foundation repair needs.

How Foundation Piers Stabilize Your Home

Foundation piers function by bypassing problematic soil layers that cause foundation settlement. Professional contractors such as Bill’s Custom Concrete install these steel supports by driving or drilling them deep into the ground until they reach stable soil or bedrock. The piers then transfer your home’s weight to this stable foundation layer, eliminating the pressure on the compromised soil that caused the original settling. The best foundation repair companies in OKC routinely use this technology to ensure long-term results for homeowners.

There are two primary categories of foundation piers that cater to different structural requirements. Push piers utilize the weight of your house to push steel segments into stable soil levels, which makes them well-suited for the majority of residential uses. Helical piers have screw-like additions that screw into the earth, which are superior in supporting structures in softer soil types where push piers may be inappropriate.

Major Benefits of Foundation Pier Systems

Foundation piers offer several major benefits that make them extremely attractive to homeowners who are finding it difficult to deal with foundation issues. The systems provide permanent stabilization instead of temporary repairs, addressing the root cause of foundation issues instead of just masking symptoms.

The process of installation creates less disturbance to your property than other methods of foundation repair. Contractors can usually install piers with little or no excavation and without damaging landscaping, driveways, or other structures near your house on concrete piers.

Foundation piers can also lift settled foundations back toward their original grade. While complete restoration is not always possible, most homeowners will see noticeable improvement in door alignment and floor levelness with pier installation. Many contractors also offer concrete piers for foundation repair when specific site and soil conditions are present.

Key Factors to Consider

A number of factors should go into your foundation pier installation decision. One major consideration is cost, as pier systems involve considerable initial investment. In most cases, though, this cost is well worth it compared to what you might pay in continued foundation deterioration and loss of property value.

Soil conditions around your property are one of the main elements in the calculation of pier effectiveness. Contractors are helped by professional soil testing in selecting the appropriate pier type and depth for your specific situation. Some soil types may require alternative measures or additional reinforcement methods.

The extent of the current foundation damage also affects pier suitability. While piers excel at preventing future settlement, they are not a remedy for all types of foundation problems. Severe structural damage may require additional repairs coupled with pier installation.

Making the Right Choice for Your Foundation

Foundation piers are a durable, proven answer to most residential structural problems. With the ability to stabilize permanently and even lift, they are worth it for homes with foundation settlement issues.

However, a decision to install foundation piers should always involve expert consideration of your unique situation. Bill’s Custom Concrete can assess your property and provide the most appropriate repair suggestion. Professional consultation ensures that you invest in solutions that function for your foundation problems and give long-lasting value to your house.

Applying sealer to your concrete is one of the smartest things that you can ever do to your concrete surfaces. Sealing concrete such as sealing a brand-new walkway, patio, or driveway prevents the concrete from rain damage, staining, and overall wear and tear from normal usage. But it is hard to tell how long after sealing concrete can you walk on it, and it will ruin your investment if done too early. 

The short answer is that all concrete sealers are ready for light foot traffic in 4 to 8 hours, but there are some important details to the tale that all property owners are well advised to know before doing their sealing project. When you choose a professional like Bill’s Custom Concrete, we’ll provide all the advice you need to avoid a disaster! 

Concrete Sealer Drying Period 

Several environmental and product-related variables determine how fast the concrete sealer effectively cures and dries.

Temperature is Key 

Warmth is the biggest contributor to the drying time for concrete sealer. The warmer it is, the quicker the chemical reactions to dry sealers down to a hard finish. The colder it is, the longer it will take. A majority of sealers perform their best when it is 50°F to 90°F. You should be able to dry enough for foot traffic on 85°F summer concrete within 2 to 4 hours. Temps below 60°F may take 8 to 12 hours, or longer.

Humidity Levels Affect Curing 

Humid air will tend to greatly increase drying times, since the resulting moisture impedes adequate curing of the sealer. 6 hours on normal days may turn into 10 to 12 hours on humid days. Low humidity in the air plus adequate air movement reduce drying times on sealers.

Type of Sealer 

The sealer type used largely impacts concrete sealer dry time. The fastest drying is performed by acrylic water-based sealers, with some permitting foot traffic after 4 to 6 hours of drying. Solvent-based sealers permit foot traffic after a 6 to 8-hour wait. Polyurethane and epoxy sealers owing to their hardness require a 12 to 24-hour wait before being able to accommodate foot traffic.

How to Check if Your Concrete Sealer is Dry 

Rather than assume the sealer has dried, use these easy methods to ensure that it is sufficiently dry for foot traffic.

The Touch Test 

Gently press an unseen part of the closed surface using the fingertip. Should the sealer stick or deposit any material on the fingers, it requires additional drying time. A properly dried sealer should be smooth on the fingers and dry.

Visual Inspection 

New sealer will seem shiny and watery-looking and will even out over time as it cures. Inspect any spots that continue to be darker or shinier than the balance of the surface, since these areas most likely require a little extra curing time.

Paper Test 

Place a small sheet of paper on the surface for a brief period of time. If the paper sticks or picks up any sealer upon its removal, the surface isn’t yet ready for pedestrian use.

Planning Your Sealing Project for Success 

Precise timing avoids issues and gives you your optimum outcome on any concrete sealer job. Observe the weather and select a day with a moderate temperature and low humidity. Coat the concrete when no rain is forecast in the 24-hour period thereafter, as moisture can impede proper curing.

Start sealing early in the morning so that the sealer has the maximum amount of time to dry before temperatures drop by evening. This will also ensure that you will not have to cross the surface during the critical early cure time.

Keep in mind that although most sealers can withstand foot traffic 4-8 hours after the application was done, the complete curing can take 24-48 hours. Avoid placing heavy objects or driving vehicles on the floor finish prior to the sealer curing based on the instructions. 

How long does it take for concrete sealer to dry? Choose Bill’s Custom Concrete as one of the best concrete contractors in Edmond, OK, to save yourself the stress and hassle. Our experienced professionals will handle everything for you! 

When you’re ready to have any concrete work done on your house, knowing about rebar needs can help you save time, money, and future structural issues. As residential concrete services in OKC, Bill’s Custom Concrete can give expert guidance tailored to your project. 

Rebar, which stands for reinforcing bar, is what gives the tensile strength that concrete does not possess on its own. Whereas concrete is great for resisting compressive forces, it is quite weak when it is pulled or stretched. That’s where rebar comes into play.

The choosing of the correct rebar size is project-specific, local code-specific, and specific to the structural demands of your concrete project. Homeowners often ask, what size rebar is used in residential concrete? From a foundation to a patio or driveway pour, the right rebar sizing will have your concrete standing for years to come.

Standard Rebar Sizes for Foundations

Foundation work typically requires heavier rebar than most home projects. #4 rebar (1/2 inch diameter) is standard for most home project foundations. This size of rebar possesses sufficient strength to provide reinforcement for the typical loads that residential foundations must support.

Stem walls and foundation walls typically employ #4 rebar in a horizontal and vertical grid that distributes the loads uniformly. The bars are typically spaced between 12 and 18 inches on center, but closer spacing may be mandated by local building codes.

For larger houses or homes constructed on more problematic types of soil, engineers will need #5 rebar (5/8 inch diameter) for additional strength. Local building codes always need to be consulted and provision made for obtaining foundation plans approval from a structural engineer for unique circumstances. What size rebar for a concrete slab? Anyone with doubts should consider the specifics of the slab and soil condition.

Rebar for Driveways and Patios

Patios and driveways receive different stresses than foundations, primarily thermal expansion and vehicular loading. For these applications, #3 reinforcement (3/8 inch diameter) is typically sufficient.

A concrete driveway is normally 4 to 6 inches thick, with #3 rebar placed in a grid at approximately 18 to 24 inches on center. The rebar should be placed approximately in the middle of the thickness of the concrete to do the most good. For thicker slabs or heavier traffic, #4 rebar might be necessitated. This makes the choice of rebar size for a slab a key deciding factor.

Patio slabs also use the same sizes of rebar, possibly with more widely spaced intervals since they do not carry vehicular loads. Nevertheless, patios that are exposed to freeze-thaw cycles benefit from sufficient reinforcement to prevent cracking. The ideal rebar for a concrete patio balances strength and cost-efficiency for your intended use.

Reinforcing Concrete Walls with Rebar

Concrete walls, such as retaining walls and above-grade foundation walls, need attentive rebar placement to resist vertical loading in addition to horizontal pressure. #4 rebar is the most typical for concrete walls in residential building.

Retaining walls are subjected to pressure from the soil on one side, thus requiring horizontal reinforcement. Rebar is vertical and horizontal and consists of horizontal bars spaced 12 to 16 inches apart vertically and vertical bars spaced 16 to 24 inches apart horizontally.

Higher walls or those supporting heavy soil loads can necessitate #5 or even #6 rebar, especially in the lower courses where pressures are greatest. Thickness of the wall also affects rebar needs, with thicker walls generally accepting larger bar sizes.

How Do Experts Select Rebar?

Bill’s Custom Concrete considers a number of factors when we are deciding on rebar sizes. We look at building codes, use, climate, and soil type. We also consider proper concrete cover, which means we ensure that there is enough concrete over the rebar for structure and protection.

Most professionals employ standardized charts and engineering calculations to establish optimal rebar placement and sizing. They recognize that undersized rebar can cause structural failure, whereas oversized rebar is a waste of money without offering proportionate advantages.

Choosing the Right Rebar Size for Your Project

Choosing the right sizes of rebar is a balancing act between structure requirements, code conformity, and economy. Whereas #3 rebar will suffice for lighter-duty applications such as sidewalks and patios, foundations and structural members generally need #4 or larger sizes.

Always verify local building codes before starting any concrete project. Most jurisdictions have their own rebar size, spacing, and placement requirements that override general recommendations. If unsure, a consultation with Bill’s Custom Concrete will assure your project will not only be safe but also pass local building codes.

Good rebar selection is the cornerstone of long-lasting concrete work that will keep serving your home well decades from now!