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Expert Q Ren Molnar Q&A Archive
Top > Masonry & Chimneys > Frost

Question:

I recently had my driveway replaced with an aggragate concrete. On one side of my driveway is my lawn and on the other is 1 1/4" landscaping rock. I've been told that when winter comes and the ground freezes my concrete will expand against these sides but since the turf and rocks are frozen they won't give causing the concrete to crack. Is this true and if so how can I prevent this?

Answer:

Whether your abuttments move or not, the concrete may heave and other than installing expansion joints in it, you're at Mother Nature's mercy.


Courtesy of Ren Molnar, Construction Consultant at HomeFocus.com. I can also be reached at (613) 748-3003 and Home Focus – The Radio Show is broadcast live 8 to 10 A.M. (Ottawa, Ont. time) on Saturdays on www.cfra.com. In the interests of retaining credibility and in fairness to all, I cannot recommend prices, people nor companies for various projects.

Remember, even if you don’t do your own work around the house have to hire someone, you put yourself at a great advantage when you can intelligently discuss a project with the various trades people.

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Answered By: Ren Molnar

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