new patio problems?

[lobserve]

I just had a new concrete patio put it but I think it was done incorrectly. First there is no expansion joint between the concrete and the house wall. Should there be? What problems may I run into without one? Can one be added?

Second, the one expansion joint put in perpendicular to the wall extends about nine feet and then stops with a contraction joint filling in the last foot. Does this make any sense?

Third, there is a large area (11' X 10') without any joints. Should there be? Can contraction joints be added?

Finally, the patio was put in "above ground" with only minimal digging. Two inches of stones were put into on top of the dirt and then the concrete. After the forms had been removed some of the stones are spilling out around the edges. What can I do to keep then under the concrete? I've heard of backfilling but don't really know what it is.

Sorry for all of the questions. Any help will be appreciated.

[Rich]

To start - backfilling is as simple as placing dirt against the edge of the concrete. Typically you want control joints in a 10'x10' grid.. I don't think 11' will be a problem. You should be fine with no expansion joint against the house... it's definately better to have one.
I'm not sure I understand what you mean by an expansion joint changing to a contraction joint - they are the same thing in my mind.

[Tom R]

I think he might mean 9' of expansion joint, then a control joint.

[lobserve]

Yes, there is 9 feet of expansion joint and then another foot or two of where there is simply a half inch groove cut into the concrete. Will this be a problem? Should I have someone add in the addtional foot of expansion joint. I spoke with the contractor and he said that there is an expansion joint against the house but it is under the concrete. A problem? Thanks again.

[Rich]

I don't think you'll have any problems - just that the contractor sounds like a hack and the slab isn't as nice looking as it should've been.

[Tom R]

Ditto to that.