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We had a new concrete driveway poured two weeks ago and several edge to edge cracks have emerged. Driveway has not yet been sealed and we've not yet driven on it. What should we ask the contractor? Is this typical?

Submitted: 43 days and 23 hours ago.

Category: Home Improvement

Value: $15

Status: CLOSED

Hi XXXXXXX

A driveway this new should not show cracks. There are many possible causes (poor prep, bad concrete, freezing weather to name a few) none of which are normal or acceptable.

Accepts:
Expert:	Rick
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	10/8/2009

General C&ontractor

Licensed Construction Supervisor & Remodeling Contractor 35+ years experience

43 days and 23 hours ago.

Reply

Rick--what questions should we ask the contractor? This is a large curved driveway and the concrete was poured in sections over the course of two days. Weather if anything was hot. Once cracked, can it be repaired or must a section be replaced? Contractor is licensed -- we expect to speak with him tomorrow. Concrete is also colored (grey, lowest percent 2% I believe, but color has remained very mottled. Any additional info you can offer would be appreciated.

Accepted Answer

If conditions are too hot (90+) that can cause concrete to fail as well if the concrete gets too hot. There really isn't much more I can tell you without seeing it but major crack and mottled color are not typical or acceptable. There is no way to fix this. The only exception would be if these cracks are along expansion joints or stress grooves. If either of these cases would apply the cracks would be straight. If the cracks are random and crooked the pour is defective.

Accepts:
Expert:	Rick
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Answered:	10/8/2009

General C&ontractor

Licensed Construction Supervisor & Remodeling Contractor 35+ years experience

43 days and 22 hours ago.

Reply

Thank you. You have been very helpful.

Posted by Rick 43 days and 12 hours ago.

Answer

Thanks for using Just Answer.

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Question

We had a new concrete driveway poured two weeks ago and several edge to edge cracks have emerged. Driveway has not yet been sealed and we've not yet driven on it. What should we ask the contractor? Is this typical?

Accepted Answer

Hi XXXXXXXA driveway this new should not show cracks. There are many possible causes (poor prep, bad concrete, freezing weather to name a few) none of which are normal or acceptable.

Reply

Accepted Answer

Reply

Thank you. You have been very helpful.

Answer

Thanks for using Just Answer.

Related Home Improvement Questions

Hi XXXXXXX

A driveway this new should not show cracks. There are many possible causes (poor prep, bad concrete, freezing weather to name a few) none of which are normal or acceptable.