slab drama's

gshst · Oct 16, 2008 10:11 pm

hi all,
hoping someone can assist and/or provide some direction.
built about a year ago through a production building company and had landscaping done a short time afterwards, complete with drip systems, etc. (note: landscaping was done by another co.)
cracks were noticed in the brickwork.
i was advised to move the drip system of which i not only moved it, but also shut it off in the area where the cracks had taken place.
6 months later, the cracks are more noticeable, and the building company refuse to repair the damage, saying that the cracks are caused by heaving in the slab which is caused by excessive water in the soil.
can anyone lend any advise as i have done everything as they recommended.

Michelle · Oct 16, 2008 10:26 pm

I'm going to put a copy of this in the garden forum.

So kee an eye out there as well. :wink:

TheGardenWhisperer · Oct 16, 2008 10:38 pm

I guess it is possible in theory. the gluggy clay soils in Vic will swell once wet I guess. However if the bricks and slab were layed in the winter the soil would have already been moist and so latter watering would not really have an effect i would imagine.

Ever thought about using a soil moisture sensor to switch on and off the irrigation? a good one would also be able to tell you what the moisture is like at all times but they connect to sytems run via computers and are $

you would access the sensor info via your PC.

Overall if they are at fault, that is one hell of a stuff up at their expense to fix! $$$chick-ching$$$ They'd be pulling out all the stops to avoid that one! :shock:

chuth77 · Oct 30, 2008 7:00 pm

Depends on your soil classification and slab design to start with.

The landscaping company should have know better to start with...

TheGardenWhisperer · Oct 30, 2008 8:42 pm

http://www.toro.com.au/files//IRRITROL% ... TURE3%20(2).pdf

that is the toro soil moisture sensor that can be fitted to any existing retic controller.

PM if anyone ever wants to know how rain sensors or soil moisture sensors can be wired up.

to_do_list · Oct 30, 2008 8:57 pm

As FuMan said your foundation may have swelled causing heaving of the slab and cracking of your brickwork...photos may help.

Your builder should have included a document from the CSIRO called Guide to Home Owners on Foundation Maintenance and Footing Performance in the final handover paperwork. The document is based on the Australian Standard for residential slabs.

Some builders do, some don't, but it provides guidance on looking after your slab.

Here's some general info from Archicentre...

http://www.archicentre.com.au/survival_ ... _brick.pdf