Concrete 101:
General Information about Quality & Workmanship of Concrete
Cracks ---- Concrete naturally cracks, which is why control joints are placed in the concrete. It gives the concrete a place to crack and not be so readily noticeable. Code requires us to pour a minimum of 3 ½ inches of concrete @ a 5 sack 2500 psi rating. We pour 4 inches thick using a 6 1/4 sack 4500 psi mix to give you stronger concrete to reduce the chance of cracking. We also cut our control joints closer than code requires which will relieve more stress from the concrete. In addition we use a min. of 2 in. compacted road mix/sand witch provides a solid base to pour on. (Mr. Mudd will NEVER pour on dirt.)
Drainage ---- All patios are required to have a slope draining away from the house at no more than a 2% sloping grade. When a patio has a cover, it is typical to only pour a 1% sloping grade. We have found out through experience that a 1% sloping grade will sometimes leave a puddle along the edge or close to it and recommend always having a 2% sloping grade.
Thickness ---- As mentioned before, code is 3 ½ inches for concrete, some contractors will even skimp and pour only 3 inches. However, Mr. Mudd Concrete always pours a true 4 inches thick, which provides about 25% more strength against cracks. We NEVER cut corners to increase profit!
Dowels ---- When necessary, Mr. Mudd Concrete always uses rebars dowels to prevent heaving or sinking of any kind of slab extension