That's the way the concrete crumbles

Representatives from Ivory Homes and Trophy Homes, two Utah builders, both confirmed that their new home warranties don't cover spalling or small cracking of exterior concrete either. In both cases the two builders will send out employees to inspect the site and determine if it was caused by defective materials or workmanship.

Hansen says that spalling and cracking can occur because of a number of different influences having to do with the freeze-and-thaw cycle that is seen each winter. He also said that ice melt, street salt and driving on the concrete before removing snow can all cause concrete to deteriorate.

Jesus Martinez, of Maple Ridge Contracting, has spent more than 12 years in the field. He said he finds many more concrete problems in Utah than he did in California, where he spent the early part of his career. Martinez says that while warranties are tricky, there are some things that homeowners can do to avoid problems in the future.

"Homeowners can seal (driveways), and that will help protect them from the winter weather, and I truly think that you should not put ice melt or salt on your concrete for at least a few years because it can eat into the concrete," he said.

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