I just designed a floor slab with a lot of reinforcing rods in it, meant to carry a car, in expansive, cold conditions, over an area that will be filled in to avoid the current undermining (soil being washed away) by flooding, since the space is adjacent to a canal. The concrete contractor says there are more reinforcing rods than necessary, but can’t back up the claim, since he can’t produce the calculations. Just rule of thumb and a lot of cocky confidence. Confidence and cockiness does little to hold up buildings. Keep that in mind when self-proclaimed “experts” advise you. Just because someone handles the materials for a living doesn’t make him a designer, in the truest sense of the word. Look at the complete picture and hire a professional who uses a calculator.

© 2013 Monte Leeper. Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.