Concrete and Masonry
Questions and answers for Concrete and Masonry Work Observations
Performance Standard: Minor cracks in concrete basement floors are normal. Cracks exceeding 3/16 inch in width or 1/8 inch in vertical displacement shall be repaired.
Corrective Measure: The remodeler will repair cracks exceeding the performance standard by surface patching or other methods as necessary.
Performance Standard: Cracks that rupture the finished flooring material shall be repaired.
Corrective Measure: The remodeler will repair cracks, as necessary, so they are not readily apparent when the finished flooring material is in place.
Performance Standard: Stoops and steps shall not settle, heave, or separate in excess of 1 inch from the house structure.
Corrective Measure: The remodeler will take whatever corrective action is required to meet the performance standard.
Performance Standard: Water shall drain off outdoor stoops and steps. Minor amounts of water can be expected to remain on stoops and steps for a short time after a rain.
Corrective Measure: The remodeler will take corrective action to assure proper drainage of stoops and steps
Performance Standard: Holes larger than 1 inch in diameter or 1 inch in depth are unacceptable. Rough areas of exposed aggregate 16 inches square or greater are unacceptable. Corrective Measure: The remodeler will fill defects that exceed the standard with a cement, fine sand, water, and latex mixture, or a premixed compound of equal quality. The ratio of cement to fine sand should be 1:2.
Discussion: Structural properties of basements supersede the aesthetic properties since basements are not finished spaces. Bubbles and rough areas not affecting structural performance need dressing up only when they are large and obvious. For further details on repair methods
Performance Standard: Cracks in basement walls shall not exceed 1 /8inch in width or in vertical displacement. Corrective Measure: Cracks that exceed the performance standard will be thoroughly cleaned, filled, and troweled level with a latex-fortified cement mixture or other material designed to fill cracks and bond concrete.
Performance Standard: Cracks in garage slabs shall not exceed ¼ inch in width or in vertical displacement.
Corrective Measure: Cracks that exceed the performance standard will be cleaned thoroughly and filled and troweled level with a latex-fortified cement mixture or other material designed to fill cracks and bond concrete.
Performance Standard: The garage floor shall not settle, heave, or separate in excess of 1 inch from the structure.
Corrective Measure: The remodeler will take whatever corrective action is required to meet the performance standard.
Performance Standard: Except for basement floors or where a floor or portion of floor has been designed for specific drainage purposes, concrete floors in rooms designed for habitability shall not have pits, depressions, or areas of unevenness exceeding 1/4 inch in 32 inches. Corrective Measure: The remodeler will correct or repair the floor to meet the performance standard.
Performance Standard: Concrete surfaces shall not disintegrate to the extent that the aggregate is exposed and loosened under normal conditions of weathering and use.
Corrective Measure: The remodeler will take whatever corrective measures are necessary to repair or replace defective concrete surfaces. The remodeler is not responsible for deterioration caused by salt, chemicals, mechanical implements, and other factors beyond the remodeler’s control.
Performance Standard: Cracks in slab-on-grade floors shall not exceed 1/16 inch in width or in vertical displacement.
Corrective Measure: Cracks that exceed the performance standard shall be thoroughly cleaned, filled, and troweled level using a latex fortified cement mixture or other material designed to fill cracks and bond concrete.
Discussion: Cracks may be caused by settlement, soil expansion, concentrated loading, penetrations, drying shrinkage, or temperature changes. Drying shrinkage takes place as concrete sets. The amount of shrinkage depends on the amount of water the concrete holds at the time, the cement content, the type and amount of mixture, and the type and source of the aggregate.
Performance Standard: Cracks in concrete block basement walls shall not exceed 1/8 inch in width.
Corrective Measure: Cracks that exceed the performance standard will be thoroughly cleaned, filled, and troweled level using a latex-fortified cement mixture or other material designed to fill cracks and bond concrete.
Discussion: Minor cracks in concrete masonry are often caused by settling of the building. These cracks are not of a structural nature.
Performance Standard: Concrete slabs within the structure are designed to move at expansion and contraction joints.
Corrective Measure: None.