Cracks in concrete pattered drive - Hairline cracks appearing in drive
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woodfield
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I have had a concrete pattered patio and drive laid 5 months ago and hairline cracks 4 some several feet long have appeared. Expansion joints were put in on laying and the concrete has been sealed. Should this be happening? and should I contact the firm to redo as this is not acceptable?
njwoodfield
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Dave_L
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I'm no PIC specialist but I'd not expect to see cracks appearing in my new surface!
Anybody else?
Anybody else?
RW Gale Ltd - Civils & Surfacing Contractors based in Somerset
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lutonlagerlout
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dandjl
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Sorry to be pessimistic but see previous postings - http://ext.pavingexpert.com/cgi-bin....47a10d1
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Tony McC
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First thing to do is get the original contractor back to explain away the cracks. They usually have some techno-babble as to why it's not their fault, but
you are legally obliged to give them 'first refusal' on any remedial work.
If you don't believe their explanation, you can then get a second, independent assessment, but, to be fair to the PIC industry, a lot of these post-installation cracks are minor shrinkage cracks that are all but inevitable with this type of work (but which the salesbod seems strangely reluctant to bring to your attention while flogging you the 'maintenance free' driveway of your dreams) and there's not much that can be done. They are not serious enough to warrant re-construction of the drive, but they can be annoying to the homeowner.
Most PIC contractors offer a new sealant coat, even though I've never been able to figure out how a few microns of acrylic can put right shrinkage cracks.
you are legally obliged to give them 'first refusal' on any remedial work.
If you don't believe their explanation, you can then get a second, independent assessment, but, to be fair to the PIC industry, a lot of these post-installation cracks are minor shrinkage cracks that are all but inevitable with this type of work (but which the salesbod seems strangely reluctant to bring to your attention while flogging you the 'maintenance free' driveway of your dreams) and there's not much that can be done. They are not serious enough to warrant re-construction of the drive, but they can be annoying to the homeowner.
Most PIC contractors offer a new sealant coat, even though I've never been able to figure out how a few microns of acrylic can put right shrinkage cracks.
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seanandruby
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Dave_L
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Anybody here at 1.05am?ex printer wrote:Anybody
Nah, I was in bed!
RW Gale Ltd - Civils & Surfacing Contractors based in Somerset
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seanandruby
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Dave_L
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:pseanandruby wrote:ex printer wrote:Anybody
....Anybody think im a twat?
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Suggers
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Tony McC
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They have been invited, Suggers, but most are reluctant to 'go public' with advice. Concrete Queen, when she puts in an appearance, does actually run a very successful and well-respected PIC business, but is not 100% comfortable posting to a public forum.
Many of the PIC experts I've asked to participate are extremely reluctant to get involved in what they see as criticising work or practices of contractors that may be their customers or their competitors.
Ex-printer obviously has a huge chip on their shoulder, which is a pity as having a knowledgeable and experienced PIC bod would be a major asset to the rest of this forum.
Many of the PIC experts I've asked to participate are extremely reluctant to get involved in what they see as criticising work or practices of contractors that may be their customers or their competitors.
Ex-printer obviously has a huge chip on their shoulder, which is a pity as having a knowledgeable and experienced PIC bod would be a major asset to the rest of this forum.
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ex printer
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no huge chip on shoulder.
thank you for noting my modest knowledge of p.i.c. , which incidently has been gained along with a little knowhow of other materials and finishes.
must also apologise for previous post, parrot got busy on keyboard and posted 1 word , anybody else posted by mistake?, no ?
re-sealing or sealing ANY concrete surface will have a positive effect on any large fissures or small cracks as the few microns of sealent will stop the ingress of water and thus significently reduce the chances or effects from the freeze/thaw cycle.
thank you for noting my modest knowledge of p.i.c. , which incidently has been gained along with a little knowhow of other materials and finishes.
must also apologise for previous post, parrot got busy on keyboard and posted 1 word , anybody else posted by mistake?, no ?
re-sealing or sealing ANY concrete surface will have a positive effect on any large fissures or small cracks as the few microns of sealent will stop the ingress of water and thus significently reduce the chances or effects from the freeze/thaw cycle.