Concrete Contractor
Broussard, Louisiana
Driveways, Foundations, Slabs & Flatwork
Built for South Louisiana
If you need a concrete contractor in Broussard, whether it’s a driveway that’s cracking, a foundation for a new home or shop, a patio for your backyard, or commercial flatwork for your business, you need someone who understands why concrete fails here and how to build it right the first time.
Most people calling us have the same problem: concrete that didn’t last. The driveway cracked within a few years. The patio settled and now slopes toward the house. The shop slab has cracks running everywhere. They hired a contractor, paid good money, and ended up with concrete that’s already failing.
Here’s why that happens: Broussard sits on clay-rich soil from the Vermilion River and Bayou Vermilion. That clay swells when it rains and shrinks when it dries. This constant movement destroys concrete that wasn’t engineered for these conditions. Contractors who don’t understand Louisiana soil pour concrete the same way they would anywhere else, and it fails the same way, every time.
We do it differently.
Aivast Construction is a concrete contractor based in Broussard at 2929 Highway 90 East. Since 2012, we’ve poured driveways, foundations, patios, shop slabs, and commercial concrete throughout the city, in Cypress Meadows, Le Triomphe, Sabal Palms, Sugar Trace, Village at Broussard, and older neighborhoods near Zoosiana, St. Julien Park, and the Billeaud District. We also serve Lafayette, Youngsville, New Iberia, and communities throughout Acadiana.
Every project starts with understanding your soil, your drainage, and your intended use. Then we build concrete engineered for those specific conditions, proper excavation, correct base material, appropriate thickness, right reinforcement, and control joints where they belong.
The result is concrete that performs for decades, not years.
Concrete Driveway Installation in Broussard
Driveways That Don’t Crack in Five Years
A driveway is usually the largest concrete surface on a residential property, and the most visible. When it cracks, settles, or breaks apart, it’s the first thing you and your neighbors notice.
Broussard driveways face challenges that driveways in other regions don’t:
Clay Soil Movement:
The expansive clay under most Broussard properties swells when wet and shrinks when dry. This cycle repeats with every rain and dry spell, pushing against concrete from below. Driveways not designed for this movement crack at control joints, or worse, crack randomly across the surface.
Heavy Rainfall:
Over 60 inches of annual rainfall means water is constantly working against your driveway. Improper drainage causes water to pool, seep under edges, and accelerate soil movement beneath the slab.
Vehicle Loads:
Driveways endure repeated vehicle loads, which stress concrete over time. Proper thickness, reinforcement, and subgrade preparation determine whether your driveway handles this stress or develops cracks and settlement.
Our driveway installation process addresses each challenge:
Excavation and subgrade preparation –
Removing organic material and unstable soil, then compacting a proper baseBase material –
Crushed limestone or similar material that provides stable support and drainageProper thickness –
Minimum 4 inches for residential driveways, thicker for heavy vehicles or RVsReinforcement –
Rebar, wire mesh, or fiber reinforcement based on soil conditions and expected loadsControl joints –
Cut at proper intervals to direct cracking to predetermined locationsProper finishing and curing –
Surface finishing and curing methods that maximize strength and durability
We’ve poured driveways throughout Broussard’s neighborhoods, replacing failed concrete in older areas near Zoosiana and the Billeaud District, and installing new driveways in Cypress Meadows, Sabal Palms, and Sugar Trace.
Concrete Foundation Contractor
Foundations Built for Broussard’s Challenging Soil
Your foundation carries the entire weight of your home and transfers it to the soil below. In Broussard’s clay soil, that’s a significant engineering challenge. Foundations that work in sandy soil or stable ground often fail here, cracking, settling unevenly, and causing problems throughout the structure above.
Our foundation services include:
Monolithic Slab Foundations: The most common foundation type for Broussard homes. The slab and footings are poured together as one unit. We engineer monolithic slabs with thickened edges, proper reinforcement, and moisture barriers for Louisiana conditions.
Stem Wall Foundations:
Separate footings and stem walls with a slab poured inside. This design allows for better drainage management and works well on lots with grade challenges.
Pier and Beam Foundations:
Elevated foundations with concrete piers supporting wood or steel beams. Common for flood-prone areas or lots where traditional slabs aren’t practical.
Garage and Shop Slabs:
Thicker slabs are designed for vehicle loads, equipment weight, and workshop use. Proper reinforcement and thickness prevent cracking under heavy loads.
What makes our foundations different:
- Site evaluation before design – understanding soil conditions on your specific lot
- Proper excavation and compaction – stable subgrade that doesn’t settle
- Moisture barriers – preventing water vapor from migrating through the slab
- Engineered reinforcement – rebar placement designed for soil conditions and structural loads
- Anchor bolts and tie-downs – properly installed for hurricane resistance
- Code-compliant construction – meeting City of Broussard requirements
We’ve poured foundations for new homes in Le Triomphe, Sabal Palms, and Cypress Meadows. We’ve also repaired and replaced failed foundations in older Broussard neighborhoods where original construction didn’t account for soil conditions.
Concrete Patio Contractor in Broussard
Patios Designed for Outdoor Living
A concrete patio extends your living space outdoors, but only if it’s built properly. Patios that crack, settle, or drain toward your foundation create problems rather than solve them.
Patio installation considerations for Broussard:
Drainage Direction: Patios must slope away from your home’s foundation, with a minimum slope of 1/8 inch per foot. Water draining toward your foundation causes moisture intrusion, soil movement, and foundation problems.
Soil Preparation: The same clay soil that challenges driveways and foundations affects patios. Proper excavation, base material, and compaction prevent settlement and cracking.
Connection to Home Patios attached to foundations needs proper isolation joints that allow independent movement. Rigid connections transfer soil movement to your foundation.
Thickness and Reinforcement Standard: 4-inch thickness is suitable for most patios, but areas supporting heavy planters, outdoor kitchens, or hot tubs may require additional thickness and reinforcement.
Our patio services include:
- New patio installation
- Patio replacement for failed or damaged concrete
- Patio expansion to add usable space
- Decorative finishes — stamped, stained, and exposed aggregate options
- Integration with patio covers and outdoor living spaces
We build patios throughout Broussard that look great and perform for years, draining properly, resisting cracks, and providing solid surfaces for outdoor furniture and activities.
Commercial Concrete Contractor
Concrete for Broussard Businesses and Industrial Properties
Commercial concrete faces demands residential work doesn’t — heavier loads, more traffic, larger areas, and stricter timelines. Business owners can’t afford concrete that fails after a few years or disrupts operations during replacement.
Our commercial concrete services include:
Parking Pads and Lots:
Concrete parking areas for retail, office, and industrial properties. Proper thickness, reinforcement, and joint design for vehicle loads and traffic patterns.
Equipment Pads:
Heavy-duty concrete pads for HVAC systems, generators, compressors, and industrial equipment. Engineered for specific load requirements and vibration resistance.
Loading Zones:
Reinforced concrete for truck loading and unloading areas. Designed for heavy axle loads and forklift traffic.
Warehouse and Shop Floors:
Industrial floor slabs with proper flatness, reinforcement, and surface hardness for warehouse operations, manufacturing, and workshop use.
Sidewalks and Walkways:
ADA-compliant walkways, entrance areas, and pedestrian paths for commercial properties.
Building Foundations:
Commercial foundations for retail, office, warehouse, and industrial buildings throughout Broussard’s commercial districts.
We’ve completed commercial concrete work along Highway 90’s industrial corridor, retail properties on St. Nazaire Road, and businesses throughout Broussard and Lafayette Parish.
Concrete Repair and Replacement
When Repair Makes Sense, and When It Doesn’t
Not all concrete problems require complete replacement. Some can be repaired effectively. Others need to be torn out and replaced to actually solve the problem.
Problems we can often repair:
- Surface cracks that haven’t reached the bottom of the slab
- Spalling or surface deterioration
- Small settled sections that can be lifted
- Control joint failures that can be resealed
Problems that usually require replacement:
- Deep cracks that extend through the slab
- Significant settlement or heaving
- Widespread cracking from soil movement
- Failed reinforcement or subgrade failure
- Drainage problems caused by improper installation
We evaluate concrete honestly and recommend the approach that actually solves your problem, not the approach that generates the largest invoice.
Common Questions About Concrete in Broussard
What are the common mistakes when pouring concrete?
The most common mistakes we see in Broussard include inadequate subgrade preparation, insufficient thickness, missing or improperly placed reinforcement, and skipping control joints. These shortcuts save time during installation but cause failures within a few years, especially in Louisiana’s clay soil. Proper preparation takes longer but produces concrete that actually lasts.
What happens if you pour concrete without rebar?
Concrete without reinforcement cracks and separates when soil beneath it moves. The clay soil throughout Broussard constantly expands and contracts, stressing concrete from below. Rebar or mesh holds cracked sections together, keeping the surface functional. Without reinforcement, small cracks become gaps that catch water and accelerate deterioration.
How thick must a concrete slab be?
For residential driveways and patios in Broussard, 4 inches is the minimum thickness. Areas with heavy vehicle traffic, RV parking, or equipment loads need 5-6 inches or more. Shop slabs and commercial applications often require 6 inches or greater, depending on intended use. Thickness requirements also depend on soil conditions; unstable soil may require thicker concrete with additional reinforcement.
How far apart should rebar be in a concrete slab?
For residential slabs in Broussard, rebar is typically placed at 18-24-inch centers in a grid pattern. Spacing depends on slab thickness, soil conditions, and expected loads. Driveways carrying heavy vehicles may need tighter spacing. Commercial and industrial applications have specific engineering requirements. Rebar should be positioned in the lower third of the slab thickness for optimal performance.
Do I need steel mesh in my concrete slab?
In Broussard’s clay soil, some form of reinforcement is strongly recommended for any concrete slab. Wire mesh, fiber reinforcement, or rebar all serve similar purposes: holding cracked concrete together so it continues to function. Mesh is common for patios and light-duty slabs. Driveways and foundations typically use rebar. Your specific soil conditions and intended use determine the best approach.
What type of concrete does not require rebar?
Fiber-reinforced concrete includes synthetic or steel fibers mixed throughout that provide crack resistance without traditional rebar. This works well for some applications, like patios and sidewalks. However, in Broussard’s challenging soil conditions, we typically recommend rebar for driveways and any structural application. The soil movement here stresses concrete in ways that fiber reinforcement alone may not adequately address.
What is the 4-2-1 rule for concrete?
The 4-2-1 rule refers to a basic concrete mix ratio: 4 parts aggregate (gravel), 2 parts sand, and 1 part cement. This produces approximately 3,000 PSI concrete suitable for many residential applications. However, ready-mix concrete from local plants is typically specified by strength (PSI) rather than mix ratios, and different applications in Broussard may require different strengths, such as 3,500 to 4,000 PSI for driveways.
What is the 10-20-30-40 rule for concrete?
This rule relates to aggregate sizing in concrete mix design, the percentages of different aggregate sizes that produce optimal strength and workability. For most residential and commercial work in Broussard, ready-mix concrete is specified by intended use and strength requirements rather than detailed mix design. Your concrete contractor and the ready-mix supplier determine appropriate specifications.
Why Broussard Chooses Aivast Construction
Based in Broussard Since 2012:
Our office is at 2929 Highway 90 East. We’ve poured concrete throughout Broussard’s neighborhoods and commercial areas for over a decade.
We Understand Louisiana Soil:
Clay soil, drainage challenges, and moisture issues aren’t surprises to us — they’re the starting point for every project. We build for conditions that actually exist here.
Proper Preparation, Not Shortcuts:
Site evaluation, excavation, base preparation, and compaction before any concrete is poured. These steps take time but produce concrete that lasts.
Permits Handled:
The City of Broussard requires permits for many concrete projects. We handle applications and coordinate inspections — typically processing in about two business days.
One Contractor, Complete Accountability:
From excavation through final finishing, we manage the entire project. No subcontractor confusion or finger-pointing when questions arise.
Serving Broussard, Lafayette, and Acadiana
Aivast Construction provides concrete contractor services throughout:
Broussard neighborhoods:
Cypress Meadows, Le Triomphe, Sabal Palms, Sugar Trace, Village at Broussard, downtown Broussard, the Billeaud District, and areas near Zoosiana, St. Julien Park, Highway 90, St. Nazaire Road, and South Bernard Road.
Lafayette and Acadiana:
Lafayette, Youngsville, New Iberia, Carencro, Scott, Rayne, Crowley, Opelousas, Eunice, Abbeville, and surrounding communities.
Schedule Your Concrete Project
Ready to pour concrete that actually lasts in Broussard? Whether you need a driveway, foundation, patio, shop slab, or commercial flatwork, Aivast Construction delivers concrete engineered for South Louisiana soil conditions.
