Construction Industry/Blotchy Concrete

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Pat wrote at 2011-06-01 16:46:53
I have worked with concrete for many years and have a very good understanding of it.  Concrete naturally crack.. its just what it does.  Contractors try to reduce the chance of cracking by cutting concrete in section of no more than 10 feet, aslo by inserting expansion joints.  Concrete may also crack due to heavy vehicles parked on it.  For an average driveway 5 inches of depth is recommended, as for high ways they may be as thick as 16 - 24 inches, in order to with stand the heavy amounts of weight on top of it.  Concrete usually spalls due to the application of salt products or de-icers.  It is very important for the consumer to read the labels on the packages they purchase.  There are warning labels that say exactly "may cause spalling".  One way to help prevent against salt damage being carried from road way surfaces to ones drive way and dripping is to apply a heavy duty sealer.  Not a cheap water sealer, which the name implies "Water Sealer".  One should buy a penetrating salt sealer, which usually runs between 100 - 150 dollars for five gallons.  The sealer should be rolled on, and triple coated along side of drive way to help prevent against salt spraying off from salt trucks in the winter. Contractors should not be held responsible if the concrete cracks or spalls due to salt damage.  The only thing that the contractor should be held accountable for is his craftsmanship.  

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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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