Construction Industry/cement patio cracked

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Expert: - 10/22/2009


Question
2 years ago i poured a 12x20 patio slab,I poured five 4ft deep footings 12in dia, at the outside of the slab,the cement went over the footings and you can't see them,i did not put expansion joint in, then i built a cover on top so it;s covered. it's attached to the houes and open on two sides,Last winter it buckeled the top did not move,I filled the 1/8 opening with cement filler. do you think i should rent a cement saw and cut around the footings so it could move. thank you john

Answer
Hi John,

With a frost line approaching 4 feet, you slab should have had one or two control joints.  That is where the slab will crack.  Also, the slab should have an expansion joint (1/2" fiber material between the slab and the building.  Another precaution would have been to not pour the slab and footings at the same time - rather provide a barrier between the slab and the round footings.  Yes, the slab needs to be able to expand and contract.  You didn't mention if the slab is reinforced with steel rods or road mesh.  You may want to saw cut control joints about 2" deep (assuming a 4" thick slab) to prevent future random cracking.

I hope my response has been helpful

Roger
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Roger Zona

Expertise

I am experienced in all types of construction: residential, industrial and commercial; single family, multi-family, mid-rise and high rise buildings (16 story office building) as well as remodeling, additions and tenant improvements. I can field most any question that relates to general construction. I have consulted with infrastructure (utility) contractors also and have a good general knowledge of underground utility construction for subdivisions and commercial projects.

Experience

After college, I began my career in the construction industry. I chose to become an apprentice Architect and 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural design firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State of Florida Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 45 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartments and office buildings and developed sites for other contractors. I retired and became a consultant to the construction industry. I maintain my license and continuing education requirements, operate a small construction company and write a weekly newspaper column for the Palm Beach Post (a Cox publication) with the byline "Ask The Contractor". I am the "technical editor" for a publisher of books that relate to home maintenance.

Organizations
Previously - NAHA Currently - FLCA (Florida Licensed Contractors Assoc.)

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper - weekly Q & A column Happy Herald monthly real estate publication - monthly column

Education/Credentials
Michigan State University University of Detroit BS in Engineering

Past/Present Clients
I built a home in Palm Beach for a member of the Pulitzer Family. I was responsible for the completion of a twin hi-rise condominium project for G.E. Credit. I was a partner in the successful development of a P.U.D. (Planned Urban Development) subdivision. I represented the largest home builder from France (Bati Service, S.A.) in the development of a subdivision and the design and construction of the homes.

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