Concrete Flatwork
Concrete slabs, driveways, and floors require routine care to minimize cracking and surface damage. Movement of the basement slab or any concrete slab is normal and may result in cracking.
Routine Maintenance
| Task | Frequency |
|---|---|
| Sweep exterior concrete and garage floor | As needed |
| Seal cracks with waterproof concrete caulk | As cracks occur |
| Fill lifted expansion joint gaps with concrete and silicone sealant or caulk | As needed |
| Remove ice and snow from concrete slabs | Promptly after snow storms |
Cleaning
Avoid washing exterior concrete slabs with cold water from an outside faucet when temperatures are high and the sun has been shining on the concrete. The abrupt change in temperature can damage the surface bond of the concrete. We recommend sweeping to keep exterior concrete clean. If washing is necessary, do this when temperatures are moderate.
Repeated cleaning of the garage floor by hosing can increase soil movement by allowing water to penetrate any existing cracks. We recommend sweeping to clean the garage floor.
Cracks
A concrete slab 10 feet across shrinks approximately 5/8 inch as it cures. Some of this shrinkage shows up as cracks. Cracking of concrete flatwork also results from temperature changes that cause expansion and contraction.
During the summer, moisture finds its way under the concrete along the edges or through cracks in the surface. In winter, this moisture forms frost that can lift the concrete, increasing the cracking. Maintaining drainage away from all concrete slabs will minimize cracking from this cause.
As cracks occur, seal them with a waterproof concrete caulk (available at hardware or home improvement stores) to prevent moisture from penetrating to the soil beneath.
Expansion Joints
We install expansion or control joints to help control expansion of concrete. However, as the concrete shrinks during the curing process, moisture can penetrate under the concrete and lift the expansion joint. When this occurs, fill the resulting gap with a concrete and silicone sealant or caulk.
Concrete Sealer
A concrete sealer, available at home improvement, hardware, and paint stores, will help you keep an unpainted concrete floor clean. Do not use soap on unpainted concrete. Instead, use plain water and washing soda or, if necessary, a scouring powder.
Floating Slabs
Concrete slabs, with the exception of patios, are floating; they are not attached to the home's foundation walls. These slabs are not a structural element of the home.
Due to the floating slab in your basement, Classic installs a flexible collar around the top of the furnace plenum. Gas and water lines include flexible connections, and drain lines have slip joints. The basement stairs rest on the floor and the support pads under the I-beam are separated from the floor slab. Classic Homes incorporates all of these details in the construction of the basement floor because we know the floor will move in response to the soils. Movement of the basement slab or any concrete slab is normal, and may result in cracking.
You should follow the maintenance guidelines in Special Publication 43, "A Guide to Swelling Soils for Colorado Homebuyers and Homeowners," which was provided to you with your purchase contract.
What to Avoid
- Heavy vehicles - Prohibit commercial or other extremely heavy vehicles such as moving vans and other large delivery trucks from pulling onto your driveway. Concrete drives are designed and installed for conventional residential vehicle use only. Do not allow equipment to drive on or over the concrete during landscaping. Exterior concrete damaged by vehicles, equipment, or placement of landscape or building materials is excluded from the Limited Warranty
- Ice, snow, and chemicals - Driving or parking on snow creates ice on the drive, which magnifies the effects of snow on the concrete surface. Remove ice and snow from concrete slabs as promptly as possible after snow storms. Protect concrete from abuse by chemical agents such as pet urine, fertilizers, radiator overflow, repeated hosing, or de-icing agents such as road salt or other chemicals that can drip from vehicles. All of these items can cause spalling or delamination (chipping of the surface) of concrete
- Cold water on hot concrete - The abrupt change in temperature can damage the surface bond of the concrete
- Soap on unpainted concrete - Use plain water and washing soda or, if necessary, a scouring powder instead
Related Topics
Warranty Coverage: See Concrete Flatwork Standards for coverage details.