Concrete Patio Built On Dirt???

MikeFromVA · May 23, 2006

I am having a stamped concrete patio installed and the workers showed up today. When the salesman was here, he told us how they would excavate down about 4" and put in gravel before pouring the concrete onto the gravel base. The workers showed up today and started building the forms ontop of the grass/dirt without excavating. Their foreman told me that's the way they do it now saying that in the hard clay of Virginia, the water collects in the gravel (above the frost line) and heaves the patio when it freezes. He assured me that since they are using 4" thick 4000 PSI concrete, it would be fine. They have given me a 3 year guarantee in writing. Should I be worried?

MikeFromVA · May 23, 2006

I am having a stamped concrete patio installed and the workers showed up today. When the salesman was here, he told us how they would excavate down about 4" and put in gravel before pouring the concrete onto the gravel base. The workers showed up today and started building the forms ontop of the grass/dirt without excavating. Their foreman told me that's the way they do it now saying that in the hard clay of Virginia, the water collects in the gravel (above the frost line) and heaves the patio when it freezes. He assured me that since they are using 4" thick 4000 PSI concrete, it would be fine. They have given me a 3 year guarantee in writing. Should I be worried?

RobertN · May 23, 2006

There shouldn't be grass under the concrete; should at least be bare dirt.

I have seen them on top of clay here, but we don't freeze. Check with another contracor, and or the salesman too. Also, check code in your area.

These folks Viginia Landscape contractors could direct you. Patio's are an integral part of landscapes, and should be specced out for specific build requirements. California has the same association. Concrete, forms, and base compaction ect are spelled out in thier literature. I have the Calif book at home, and can look this up if you'd like.

Also, they quoted you for excavation, base rock ect. If they are not going to do this, your job should also be less expensive.....

RobertN · May 23, 2006

There shouldn't be grass under the concrete; should at least be bare dirt.

I have seen them on top of clay here, but we don't freeze. Check with another contracor, and or the salesman too. Also, check code in your area.

These folks Viginia Landscape contractors could direct you. Patio's are an integral part of landscapes, and should be specced out for specific build requirements. California has the same association. Concrete, forms, and base compaction ect are spelled out in thier literature. I have the Calif book at home, and can look this up if you'd like.

Also, they quoted you for excavation, base rock ect. If they are not going to do this, your job should also be less expensive.....

rdln · May 23, 2006

( When the salesman was here, he told us how they would excavate down about 4" and put in gravel before pouring the concrete onto the gravel base. )

Thats what you were sold, send the foreskin and his losers home.

rdln · May 23, 2006

( When the salesman was here, he told us how they would excavate down about 4" and put in gravel before pouring the concrete onto the gravel base. )

Thats what you were sold, send the foreskin and his losers home.

beenthere · May 23, 2006

You should be worried and stop the nonsense now, IMO.
It might last three years, and then the cracks show up. I'd want more than three years out of a patio, if mine.

beenthere · May 23, 2006

You should be worried and stop the nonsense now, IMO.
It might last three years, and then the cracks show up. I'd want more than three years out of a patio, if mine.

MikeFromVA · May 23, 2006

I just talked to the owner of the company. He said they will put down gravel if I want them to. They are one of the largest stamped concrete patio installers in the area and he says that almost all of their installations have no gravel. They do install rebar and he stands behind his work. Basically, I've decided that he is the professional and I should trust his opinion. If I ask for it, they will install the gravel - it's the same price either way. He says that he stands behind his work and I guess I will trust him.

MikeFromVA · May 23, 2006

I just talked to the owner of the company. He said they will put down gravel if I want them to. They are one of the largest stamped concrete patio installers in the area and he says that almost all of their installations have no gravel. They do install rebar and he stands behind his work. Basically, I've decided that he is the professional and I should trust his opinion. If I ask for it, they will install the gravel - it's the same price either way. He says that he stands behind his work and I guess I will trust him.