Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 3/10/2009

Question
Hello,
I had a driveway poured two years ago.  I live in a cold winter climate (Wisconsin)  My driveway has spalled marks all over from where I drive into the driveway.  The concrete surface is breaking up in large spots up to a foot wide by 3 feet long.  My contractor is blaming the concrete and says I should have them replace it.  He tried some overlayment patchwork last summer that looks like garbage.  Now with the melting I have the old patchwork to look at plus new breakage from this past winter.  Am I out of line for asking him to tear out the concrete and pour me some new slabs?  Should I be paying for the concrete if he is willing to tear it out?  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Hi bob, without knowing all the information it's hard to say what is going on here.  If you live in an area where salt is used on the roads then the salt may be affecting your concrete.  If the concrete was poured and then the weather turned cold and it froze, this could be causing deterioration.  Regardless, if the contractor is willing to tear it out and repour it and all you pay for is the concrete, this may be your best route.  Most guarantees for this type of work is usually for one year so it sounds like a reasonable compromise.  You might want to have the driveway treated with a hardener or lithic penetrating sealer to give the surface an extra added strength.  I hope this information helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters, sincerely bruce e johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com