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About 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) 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 automotive engineering. After 4 years I chose to become an apprentice Architect; 4 yrs later I opened my own architectural firm. Six years later I moved to Florida to buy & develop land and build. I became a State Certified General Contractor and operated my business for 40 years. I built all types of residential and commercial buildings including warehouses, shopping centers, high rise apartment 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.

Publications
Palm Beach Post newspaper

Education/Credentials
BS in Engineering

You are here: Experts > Industry > Construction Industry > Construction Industry > cement patio cracked

Construction Industry - cement patio cracked

Expert: Roger Zona - 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
Ask The Contractor

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