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Concrete Driveway Problems?
Posted on 12/19/19 at 8:02 pm
Posted on 12/19/19 at 8:02 pm
Concrete driveway for new house poured in March 2019. I moved in April. My driveway now looks like this. Is that normal? I get there will be surface cracks, but it kind of looks like it is separating at joints...if that makes sense. Thanks
9
Posted on 12/19/19 at 8:12 pm to MaxDraft
I think that’s perfectly normal. I’m no expert though.
Posted on 12/19/19 at 8:18 pm to MaxDraft
The top picture looks like a spalled portion of concrete. The rest look like control joints, which are intended to crack so that the concrete doesn’t randomly crack.
You might want to seal those joint.
You might want to seal those joint.
Posted on 12/19/19 at 8:42 pm to MaxDraft
That is not perfectly normal. They joints should have cracks in straight lines but they should generally be pretty small (I would say a 1/16 separation). I hate to say it but it looks like you’ve got issues.
Posted on 12/19/19 at 8:59 pm to Coon
@Coon, that's what I was thinking. I know concrete cracks and I know it is intended to crack ar those joints. But those cracks seemed much wider than normal. Time to call my builder.
Posted on 12/19/19 at 9:02 pm to MaxDraft
This is normal for driveways. It looks like it was done to industry standards. The cracks are on top of the metal key way. It's an expansion joint. They are about 1/4" thick, so that is the cracks you see on top the metal. That is what you should use to avoid wild cracks. Many times they set the key way about 1/8" under the cement and you cant see them for a month or so. As the concrete expands and contracts the small bit of concrete chips off.
The first picture is what you hope not to get, but also pretty normal. The key way goes down about an inch and steps back. That gives it strength. But sometimes the concrete there will chip up a bit at the joint. It sucks and that is what people hope to avoid, but ultimately it is normal and very common.
The first picture is what you hope not to get, but also pretty normal. The key way goes down about an inch and steps back. That gives it strength. But sometimes the concrete there will chip up a bit at the joint. It sucks and that is what people hope to avoid, but ultimately it is normal and very common.
Posted on 12/19/19 at 10:19 pm to Libertariantiger
I’m sorry but that type of separation is not normal in any slab, much less an 8 month old one. Yes, there will be cracking. But the concrete appears to have pulled away from the key way .25” or more.
This post was edited on 12/19/19 at 10:22 pm
Posted on 12/20/19 at 6:27 am to Coon
max, start raising hell with your builder. Did it come with a 1 year warranty? I am going through the same ting right now and they are actually replacing it today. Yes concrete does crack over time but that is excessive for 8 months old. I had to be a complete arse hole but when i finally got a hold to the right person he agreed with me 100%
This post was edited on 12/20/19 at 9:43 am
Posted on 12/20/19 at 6:59 am to bayou choupique
Those are not normal keyway/expansion joint cracks in that first picture. Further, the expansion joints are horribly tooled. That’s not reason to break up and redo all the concrete but that first picture should be addressed.
Posted on 12/20/19 at 7:12 am to MaxDraft
First of all keyway is NOT expansion. It’s purpose is to control cracks. Expansion is a driveway is usually accommodated by a treated pine or redwood.
The proper installation of keyway has a chaser rubber strip attached at the top that can either be left in or removed to allow for self leveling caulk. It appears to me that the keyway was installed too high for this application. Also, probably too much water added to the mix when pouring which when it gets cold opens up those controlled cracks.
Solutions that satisfy you and the builder will probably be slim. The first picture is the only egregious one and should be spot fixed. However it may be difficult to actually get him to come back out and do the work unless he is reputable or in the neighborhood doing other concrete work. All to say it will never look perfect unless they break up and repour which from these pics they will not do. Sorry to say b
The proper installation of keyway has a chaser rubber strip attached at the top that can either be left in or removed to allow for self leveling caulk. It appears to me that the keyway was installed too high for this application. Also, probably too much water added to the mix when pouring which when it gets cold opens up those controlled cracks.
Solutions that satisfy you and the builder will probably be slim. The first picture is the only egregious one and should be spot fixed. However it may be difficult to actually get him to come back out and do the work unless he is reputable or in the neighborhood doing other concrete work. All to say it will never look perfect unless they break up and repour which from these pics they will not do. Sorry to say b
Posted on 12/20/19 at 7:13 am to MaxDraft
quote:that part is fine; it's the others that are a clear sign of some crappy work. Looks like the foundation wasn't properly packed.
but it kind of looks like it is separating at joints.
Posted on 12/20/19 at 7:46 am to MaxDraft
They got some people that dont know dick about residential construction in here.
The first picture is unfortunate but normal. It's called key way bc it is not straight. It has a contour to it. They are better joints than a 1x4 board because of that, but you will get the first pic cracking sometimes.
Overall, the work looks normal and like every other driveway that has key way.
The first picture is unfortunate but normal. It's called key way bc it is not straight. It has a contour to it. They are better joints than a 1x4 board because of that, but you will get the first pic cracking sometimes.
Overall, the work looks normal and like every other driveway that has key way.
Posted on 12/20/19 at 7:53 am to Libertariantiger
quote:
They got some people that dont know dick about residential construction in here.
Done residential for 20 years, my dad being the GC. It looks like shite, and I'd be embarrassed af if my company built that.
Posted on 12/20/19 at 8:45 am to MoarKilometers
I appreciate the feedback. I'm going to hire a concrete inspector to come out and look at it. Builder claims it is all normal, but I don't agree. I want to get an unbiased expert opinion now.
Posted on 12/21/19 at 8:39 am to MaxDraft
Need more info. What thickness is the concrete? What mix was used? Where are you located? What reinforcement was used? Were chairs used to hold up the reinforcements during the pour? Was an inspection done prior to pouring? What size vehicles are you parking on it?
Posted on 12/21/19 at 6:08 pm to Libertariantiger
Found the one that doesn't know dick about concrete
Posted on 12/21/19 at 6:22 pm to MaxDraft
Contractor needs to clean out the joints and spalling and seal. But good luck with getting him back out for that unless you're still holding a retainer
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