Construction Industry/pitting in concrete

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Expert: - 2/26/2009


Question
I just read your response about the Ohio driveway that has pitting in it.  We also live in Ohio and have the same problem. Our driveway is 3 years old. Do you think I have any recourse with the company that installed it?  Our looks terrible and I want to ask them to replace it. It cost $3000.  I believe and now it looks terrible.  Thanks, Denise

Answer
Dear Denise,

I regret your driveway was not installed properly.  Pitting usually is caused by allowing the gravel aggregate to rise to near the surface.  Then water from rain or snow gets into minute air pockets and the a freeze causes the water to expand and pop the aggregate.  It is the weakest link.

Check you contract.  What length of warranty did your contractor give you?  Without a contract, the implied by most codes is one year.  Sometimes this is for product only and sometimes for labor only.  I know - it seems that the "customers" are the only ones that suffer.  Remember - the construction industry is about the 3rd largest industry in America (even though it is very fragmented) and like any big industry, they lobby for advantages and laws and regulations are enacted that you (the customer) know nothing or little about.  For instance - the lien laws vary from state to state, county to county and city to city and can be very rigid and punitive to a contractor or liberal and of little help.  To maintain my General Contractor's state certification, I must take a course (continuing education) every two years and always it includes an update on Lien Laws.

Enough of my "soap box"!!  That doesn't solve your problem.

I suspect you have very little recourse.  You could consult with the building official in your city or county and perhaps he or she could pressure the contractor into correcting a poor job.  The odds are not in your favor.  There is not cosmetic correction that is suitable for your climate.  Patching is a "bandaide" and will separate with the winter freezing.  The ultimate solution is to breakout the concrete and replace it completely.

I'm sorry I don't have a better answer for you.  Let me know if you find a resolution.

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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