Owner's Manual for Concrete Floors

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Part 1. Floor Description

Includes information about subgrade/subbase, vapor retarder, slab thickness, concrete mix, concrete strength, joint details, reinforcement, and other important elements.

Part 2. Behavior of Concrete Floors

Covers issues such as shrinkage of concrete floors on grade, curling, differential settlement, and cracking.

Part 3. Preparation for Floor Coverings

Discusses removal of curing compound, drying time, and surface pH.

Part 4. Routine Maintenance

Joint maintenance and cleaning floors.

Part 5. Repairs

Covers routine inspection, slab deflection at joints, cracks, joint filler, joint chipping, gouges or popouts, differential settlement, and special repairs.

Most of my clients for the past several years have been attorneys or parties involved in construction litigation. Many of the cases have dealt with industrial or commercial concrete floors on grade. I have long advocated that contractors, in conjunction with architects and engineers, furnish building owners with manuals detailing the expected behavior of concrete floors and offering advice for floor inspection, maintenance and repair. I believe this type of manual can reduce callbacks and help avoid litigation. Listed here are some of the items that could be included in a comprehensive owners manual on concrete floors.

By Armand H. Gustaferro