Help! What type of contractor do I need?

Question

We manage a property in north Denver which has some concrete drive-way and front porch/walk-way heaving and cracking going on. The issue appears to stem from a gutter which runs down the front side of the house and routes under the walk-way and basically disappears under the concrete. There does not appear to be anywhere for the water to go and we think this is causing the heaving. We've reached out to a couple of different concrete and drainage contractors but can't get any call backs. Perhaps we should be looking at a different type of contractor. Does anyone have suggetions on this? Thanks!

Shiela R. · Answer

@Julie Hartman. I might have a guy.  DM me.

Matt M. · Answer

To do it right, you'd need to redirect your gutters. So get a gutter company. If the heaving is that bad, then I'd look at a new driveway/walkway AND gutters. So a concrete company.

You also might need to add positive drainage and/or a french drain to keep the water away depending on the slope. I've got a contact for you for all of the above if you strike out.

Justin Sullivan · Answer

Everyone is def busy. you'll need to call ten people to get one or two to show up and get one quote back. As someone else said just routing the downspout away from the concrete will eliminate the future cracking. If I were you I would call contractors and say something like this...

We have a concrete driveway which needs to be replaced it is L by W and 4" thick. We also need a downspout routed away from the driveway, is this something you are able to do?

By giving them the dimensions they will get an idea of the job and know your are serious since you took the time to measure. You may need two different types of people one for concrete and one for downspout. Some renovation companies can handles everything. I would go on Facebook and put a post about your needs. Maybe craigslist, or go to Home Depot and stroll the concrete isle. Have pictures and know your stuff.

If you do all those you should def get some quotes. Also your not getting calls back? Are you reaching a person? or leaving  a message? If your leaving a message you def need to keep calling. A lot of guys myself included is more worried about future work when they slow down and realize they haven't lined work up for a while. So you'll need to catch them at the right time. Smaller companies with one single person wearing many hats is very common for this to happen. Keep calling over and over and call 10-15 companies not just 3!

Good luck!!

Nathan Gesner · Answer

The most common problem in Colorado is expansive soil that can expand up to 15x it's normal size with the absorption of water. I suspect the water is draining into the soil, causing expansion, and heaving the concrete.

The drainage issue can be fixed by digging a trench, tying the gutter into a pipe, and routing the water away from the concrete. But that still leaves you with the concrete issue to fix.

Chris Seveney · Answer

@Julie Hartman

Small site contractor can handle the drainage issue. It’s just tough finding people because everyone is very busy

Help! What type of contractor do I need?

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