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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 > Driveway

Construction Industry - Driveway

Expert: Roger Zona - 11/5/2009

Question
Hello Mr.Zona,
A while back I asked you some questions about my new driveway that was poured last Aug.The new driveway cracked after only 6 months.I had the contractor come back out to look at it and he said that he would saw out the section and refill.Much later he sawed out the section and filled it in with some buckets of cement he brought with him,the cement look like the original and it even had the fiber mixed in.It dried a medium gray in color and is completely different then the white of the original.Is this a better cement,or was it just cheaper for him to use?....He said it was left over cement from another job,but I never seen any driveways that color before. Either way I will have to get somebody in here next spring to do that section over again,it does not match the rest of the driveway at all.Also when he took out the cracked section he showed me that it was 6" thick and it should not have cracked and it was the frost that did it,I then told him he would be out of business if all the driveways he installed that year cracked because of the Michigan weather.I should call the better business bureau because that should not have cracked and to fill it in with a different color cement with out telling me it would be gray is not right. Thanks

Answer
Hello John,

I remember your original letter.

It sounds as though the contractor is not doing his job properly. Just because the concrete measured 6" thick doesn't prevent it from cracking. I'm from Michigan (currently a Florida and N. Carolina resident) and know how the weather can effect concrete. Of course it was the frost that caused the crack - but that is exactly why it is necessary to use a welded wire mesh reinforcing and to install control joints.

Concrete is batch mixed and, like a dye-lot, the color between two batches seldom matches exactly although the color is affected by weather, sun, water, etc.

Did the contractor apply a bonding agent on the existing concrete before adding new? Chances are the slab will crack again.

You may want to have your local building department code enforcement officer look at the job and see if you have any recourse. That is assuming the contractor acquired a permit.

The BBB is a private organization and businesses must pay to join the organization. They have no legal means of control - only by rating firms that get complaints (or kudos).

I know your frustration John and I regret that contractors like yours can produce shoddy work and not take responsibility for their workmanship. I hope you can get your problem resolved.

Roger
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