Brent Anderson responds: There are many ways to support a garage slab next to a basement wall. The best approach is to provide compacted backfill to 95% Proctor density from the footing to the sub-base (see "Soil Compaction Basics," 3/94).
Yes, it's entirely feasible to apply a fresh layer of concrete over an existing driveway, a process known as concrete driveway resurfacing or overlaying. This approach is often used to revitalize the appearance of a driveway without the hassle of complete removal and replacement.
The spongy filler is called Abelflex. It allows for expansion between the concrete and brickwork. Very difficult to replace once it starts to perish. Use the sealant recommended by Mustangjustin.
Concrete is a very stable and durable building material but there is nothing magical about it. It is no better than the skill of whoever built it. The downsides are, unless insulated and waterproofed concrete can be cold and damp. When you want a new window or want to move a wall it's a very big deal.
It is generally not recommended to directly connect a new concrete patio to the house foundation by drilling rebars into it. This is because it can create potential problems such as cracks, shifting, or differential settlement between the house and the patio.
We recommend putting your patio out away from the foundation of your home a few feet at a minimum. The space right next to your house is unusable space unless you place a couch or sofa up against the home.
Anchor Concrete Steps (Optional)
With an underlying grid of ½-inch rebar, poured concrete steps will give you years of low-maintenance service. Some local building codes may require that you anchor concrete steps to the foundation wall.
Gravel is a popular choice for the area around your foundation due to its excellent drainage properties. Water leaks or excess moisture can lead to structural damage. Gravel allows water to pass through easily and prevents water from pooling around your foundation.
You can do this by regrading your yard, installing a drain tile system, cleaning your gutters regularly, using downspout extensions, installing an underground downspout, keeping water-hungry plants away from the foundation, installing a French drain in your yard, not using edging around landscaping, and keeping around ...
Replacing an old, outdated driveway with fresh concrete significantly enhances property value and appearance, whether you're looking to sell your home or simply improve its appearance.
Soil Moisture Changes
Excessively dry soil can shrink and create voids beneath the foundation, while overly wet soil can expand and exert pressure on the foundation walls. Poor drainage, improper grading, or shifts in the local water table can all contribute to soil moisture changes that lead to a gap.
Monolithic slabs combine the foundation footings and slab into one piece, allowing them to both be poured at the same time and cut back your time and monetary investment.
In most cases, it makes sense for a patio to go right up to a house. Whether you have a large or small patio, they are usually designed as an extension of the home and expansion of the available living area. For this reason, it's better for your outdoor living space to flow directly from your indoor living space.
You can pour concrete on top of an existing slab as long as it's still in reasonably good condition and structurally sound. This means the concrete should be free of cracks, buckling, and breaks. If you notice any small cracks or minor issues, it's in your best interest to repair them before you pour the new concrete.
QUIKRETE® Concrete Bonding Adhesive (No. 9902) permanently bonds new concrete, plaster, and stucco to existing concrete, plaster, and stucco. Eliminates the need for roughing the surface before the application.
Install a steel or fiber mesh: A layer of steel or fiber mesh can be added to the surface of the existing slab and embedded into a fresh layer of concrete to provide additional reinforcement.
Gravel can help if it is part of a coordinated strategy for drainage around the house. Placing gravel against the foundation could work if the water is piped away from the house at the bottom of the gravel bed. Otherwise it can conduct water TO the foundation, which is what you DON'T want.
The advantages of installing concrete in your landscape include durability, ease of maintenance, and accessibility. While there may be some limitations in terms of aesthetics and potential issues with water seepage and cracking, these problems can be minimized with the right care and installation.
It is called a perimeter foundation because the exterior walls are held up by a reinforced concrete stem wall, while the body of the house is supported by a post and pier construct. (In earthquake-free parts of the world, the stem wall may be brick or cinder block.) These are all names for the same thing.
The best materials to landscape around a foundation will inhibit weed growth, provide a proper water drainage system, and won't attract pests. With years of landscaping experience, we have determined that the four best landscaping materials around the foundation are gravel, rubber mulch, concrete, and brick masonry.
Water in the soil around a home puts pressure on the foundation that can cause cracks, leaks, and structural damage.
It kind of depends on the type of rock or mulch, how thick you lay it on, etc. But, weeds can come up through either. Rock is more expensive but is basically permanent; mulch, you have to redo every year or so. Depending on where you live, you might end up with more bugs, if you have mulch.
Caulking these gaps is a proactive way to prevent not only water damage and future concrete settling, but can also help keep pests to a minimum.
Gravel provides a level surface for concrete to spread out on, which prevents it from flowing into the wrong place. It also helps prevent cracking or sinking of your concrete floor as well as keeping it from getting too close to walls or fixtures that may be installed later on.
Solid concrete steps cost around $600 per step, and your contractor will pour them in place. They are solid, which means they're stronger and more durable. Hollow steps, including most precast steps, cost around $200 per step and come from an off-site manufacturer before your contractor installs them.