I just had a large concrete driveway poured and in two weeks there were multible cracks. Is that normal?

Question

I was told that "concrete cracks" and that there was nothing they could do. I don't believe it but I don't know where to go for advice.

Answer 1

Cracks in concrete are *not* normal. That's an indication of:

-- Not having a good base. A patio or residential driveway should have 4" of compacted sand/gravel mix under the slab.

-- Concrete not mixed right or not cured properly. If the driveway was poured in seperate batches, the expansion joints should have been used as the stopping - restarting point.

-- Very heavy weights. Driveways for RVs or other heavy vehicles, or patios that will have hot tubs, should have rebar embedded in the concrete. Going with a 6" slab instead of the normal 3-4 isn't a bad idea.

-- Normal usage before cured. A driveway should be given at least a week to cure before driving on it.

Call your state's consumer affairs office. If concrete contractors are required to be licensed in your area, call the licensing board as well.

Answer 2

Did they put 'joints' in it like they do in sidewalks? This controlled "crack joint" allows the concrete to crack at the joint instead of across a section you don't want to crack. How many feet in between these joints? Did they prepare the sub-grade correctly? Many questions.

Exert from site below:
Joints should be at least ¼ the concrete thickness – so a 1" deep joint should be used in a 4" thick driveway. Joints should also be spaced 2-3 times in feet the thickness of the concrete: so a 4" thick driveway should have joints no farther than 8’ – 12’.

If joints are spaced too far apart, cracks will often occur where the joints should have been.

Answer 3

When they poured the driveway did the split the pour, meaning did they leave expansion joints? Did they use rebar to reinforce the concrete? Did they dig the driveway deep enough?

I have a large concrete driveway with no cracks for about 6 months now.

It also depends on the size of the cracks.

Answer 4

I had a carport poured and they did something to allow for stress cracks to keep the concrete from cracking. I think that is what they called it.If they didn't do that then the concrete would crack where it wanted to.But, anyway I would start with your city or county inspector maybe they can help you or either point you in the right direction.

Answer 5

Sounds like they let the concrete dry to fast. In the summer concrete is usually wetted daily as well as covered with plastic to slow the drying. Concrete that drys to quickly will not only have cracks but will also be considerably weaker than concrete that is allowed to dry over several days.

Answer 6

I dont believe that soon after the job being done that cracking is normal. It seems to me that you got the shaft. I would call the company that you hired and nicely ask if someone could redo the job. If they give you the run around calmly inform them that you have contacted a lawyer (whether you have or not). If that doesnt work, contact a lawyer.

Answer 7

Maybe yes,maybe no.Most drives at the sidewalk start at 6" and transition to 4".This however is in general and not the rule,even if it was there are contractors that take many short cuts. I would try to keep truck in center of drive avoiding the sides and edges.If you have deep down concerns just avoid the drive and carry a little farther. Good Luck

Answer 8

Ask them if they used wire mess throughout the concrete in the middle of the concrete and rebar for reinforcement . This keeps it from cracking..............

Answer 9

Multiple cracks in 2 weeks is not acceptable. They need to take up the slab and do it right.

Answer 10

Hi Cleo,
No that is not normal! Concrete is not suppose to crack.
Did they insert any rebar? Thats a bad job!
Call them back!!!