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Use and Care
Foundation
The foundation of your
home has been designed and installed in accordance with the
recommendations of our consulting engineer. Even though the foundation
has been designed by an engineer and constructed in accordance with
engineering requirement, cracks can still develop in the foundation.
Unless there is water seepage coming through such a crack, it is most
likely a surface crack and will not be detrimental to the structural
integrity of your home.
Flatwork
To properly care for your
exterior concrete, always be aware of areas where water is collecting
and fill these in. Do not allow downspouts to drain in such a way that
the water will get under the concrete. Seal any cracks in control
joints or surface areas immediately with a flexible colored sealant.
Color variations will occur if any repair work is needed, this is
unavoidable.
Cracks
Although we use accepted
construction procedures for the installation of concrete flatwork, this
does not guarantee there will be no cacking. Cracking in concrete is
inherent nature of a cement product, and no matter how careful the
builder is, cracking will occur and is unavoidable. The warranty does
not cover concrete cracks. Where cracking is covered by the warranty,
the repair provided is sealing with concrete caulk. Concrete is not
replaced due to cracking. There are many reasons that concrete cracks
and most are not related to any sturctural problems.
By maintaining good drainage away from your home, you
are protecting your home's foundation. Maintenance of drainage away
from all concrete slabs will minimize cracking and other forms of
movement. Cracks in slabs should be sealed with a waterproof concrete
caulk to prevent moisture from penetrating to the soil beneath.
Cracking in the concrete flatwork is often caused by
extreme cold. 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 or
causing more cracking.
Expansion Joints
Expansion joints
have been used to help control expansion; however, concrete is also
susceptible to shrinking. If the concrete shrinks, moisture can
penetrate under the concrete and lift the expansion joint. If this
occurs, you can fill the gap with a gray silicone sealant.
Chemicals
Protect your concrete
from abuse by chemical agents such as pet urine, fertilizers, radiator
overflow, and repeated hosing. All of these items can cause spalling
of concrete.
A concrete sealer, available at paint stores, will help
you keep an unpainted contrete floor clean. Do not use soap on
unpainted concrete. Plain water or hot water, or if necessary, a
scouring powder should be used.
Efflorescence (white powder)
Efflorescence
on concrete surfaces is considered acceptable. This condition is
caused when the lime in the cement reacts with the moisture in the
air. The most common places that you will see this is on the garage
floor and foundation walls. It can be removed with a brush and water,
and for more stubborn areas, brush area with a mixture of once cup of
white vinegar to a bucket of water.
Sweeping/Cleaning
Do not wash
patios, porches, drive, etc. with cold water from an outside faucet
when temperatures are extremely high and the hot sun has been shining
on the concrete. The abrupt change in temperature can damage the
surface bond of the concrete. Sweeping is the recommended method of
keeping exterior concrete clean. If washing is necessary, do this when
temperatures are moderate.
Cleaning of the garage floor by hosing can cause
settling, spalling, and increase soil movement by allowing water to
penetrate any existing cracks. Sweeping is the recommended method for
keeping the garage clean.
Heavy Vehicles
Do not permit heavy
vehicles such as moving vans or concrete trucks to drive on your
concrete work. This concrete is not intended to bear the weight of
this type of vehicle.
Limited Warranty
Cosmetic Imperfections
Slight
cosmetic imperfections in foundation walls, such as a visible seam
where two pours meet or slight honeycombing (aggregate visible) are
possible and will not be repaired.
Garage Slab
The garage slab is
designed to float (with the exception of post tension foundations in
which the garage slab is integrated)--it can move without affecting the
foundation. Movement and the resulting cracking will be minimized by
proper installation and maintenance of landscaping. SK Builders will
fill cracks that reach 1/2" in width one time during the warranty
year. Thereafter, this is homeowner maintenance.
Settling or Heaving
Excessive
settling (over 1") and/or cracking should be reported in writing so
that an inspection can be made. Settling, heaving, or cracking is
deemed excessive if it results in negative (toward the house) drainage,
or hazardous vertical displacement.
Grade Changes
If Homeowner changes
the grading, drainage, landscape design, or fails to perform needed
maintenance that has caused the damage, corrective measures will be
suggested, but Homeowners will be responsible for their implementation. |
