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Expert: - 4/25/2007


Question
I am buying a new construction home.  The driveway was poured about 6 months ago in the winter.  The driveway is still very dark gray with hundreds of small spots (like the aggregate)and has hundreds of small lighter colored "veins" running through it like it is ready to crack or something.  Can you explain this and is this a problem getting ready to get much worse?

Answer
Hi John,
Concrete poured in freezing conditions can certainly have problems if not properly prepared.
When finishing concrete, the finish trowelling causes concrete and surplus water to rise to the surface. There is little aggregate, except for sand, in this surface finish.

I assume your contractor reinforced the concrete with wire mesh and also created control joints or scoring as well as expansion material where the concrete abuts the building and or other concrete.  Also, usually an anti-freeze is added if a freeze is predicted.  And, as could be expected, the finish surface of a driveway is completely exposed to the weather with little if any protection. If you are driving on the driveway everyday, the pressure and weight of your car would cause cracks to appear.

Since your residence is new, you should have a minimum one year warranty from your builder.  Keep an eye on the driveway to detect any changes, cracking or spawling and notify your builder in writing of any change.  
You may hear - "concrete always cracks because of settlement, etc.....".  This is not true.  If the site is prepared properly and the product is properly mixed, concrete should be a very stable product.  Control joints are meant to do exactly that - control the cracking.

The winter conditions probably caused the discoloration but if the surface does not crumble or no cracks appear, it is most likely a cosmetic condition.  Concrete stains do a good job of correcting any discoloration.

I hope this was 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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