Is it a good idea to put concrete around your house?

Author: Dr. Nicolette Kilback III  |  Last update: Tuesday, April 8, 2025

Concrete is easy to maintain, allowing you to keep your area neat and tidy effortlessly. It's a great way to keep your home stylish while adding a functional path that contributes to the longevity of your home. These upgrades will pay off in the long term.

Is it good to put concrete around the house?

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.

How much does it cost to concrete around a house?

Depending on the factors mentioned above, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75 - $110 per square metre for plain concrete for a slab and around $110 - $150 for reinforced with labour costs added on top.

What do you put between concrete and house?

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.

How to get rid of concrete around house to prevent water?

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 ...

I Made a BIG MISTAKE on my First DRY POUR CONCRETE SLAB Project - Is it a COMPLETE FAILURE?

What can I put around my foundation to keep water out?

How to Keep Water Away From a House's Foundation
  1. Install a drain tile system – When it comes to controlling groundwater, a drain tile system is a gold standard. ...
  2. Regrade your yard – If the yard around your home slopes toward the foundation, have it regraded by a landscaping professional.

Can concrete stop water leaks?

Concrete walls are a common basement feature in many buildings, including homes, commercial buildings, and industrial structures. While concrete walls are durable and long-lasting, they are not completely waterproof. Stop water seeping through concrete walls, causing damage to the structure and its contents.

How do you seal concrete around a house?

How Should I Seal The Gap
  1. Install the foam backer rod-this foam rod is installed in cracks wider than 1/4 inch. ...
  2. Fill and smooth the joint-apply the polyurethane caulk over the foam backer rod and use the spoon to smooth out the polyurethane caulk that you have applied to the foundation gap.

Should I fill a gap between foundation and soil?

We are getting a lot of phone calls regarding this space between the edge of your foundation and the DIRT. 🛑 Do Not fill it with Dirt 🚨 Do Not stick a hose down in the crack. Soaker hoses or a drip line are the only safe way to gradually bring the soil back to support the foundation.

Is concrete good for houses?

Concrete house construction provides homeowners with many benefits, including energy-efficiency, durability, and low-maintenance. Also, concrete homes create a safe, comfortable, and healthy environment, along with contributing positively to the environment.

Does concrete raise property value?

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.

Is concrete appropriate for a house?

Concrete homes are becoming popular among other building materials due to their durability, longevity, and awesome customization benefits. Concrete homes can be found in many places with different climates and extreme weather because they can withstand harsher environments without breaking down.

What is best to put around house foundation?

What to Put Around the Foundation of Your House: Risk Free and Looks Great
  • Gravel. Gravel is a popular choice for the area around your foundation due to its excellent drainage properties. ...
  • Landscaping Fabric. ...
  • Gutters and Downspouts. ...
  • French Drains.

Does concrete attract bugs?

Are cockroaches attracted to a certain kind of foundation (e.g., cement/concrete)? No. Cockroaches and ants may be more attracted to an area or foundation if it provides shelter from the elements or warmth in cool weather.

Will water next to house foundation cause a problem?

Water in the soil around a home puts pressure on the foundation that can cause cracks, leaks, and structural damage.

What do you put between foundation and house?

For small gaps, you can use caulk or expanding foam. Apply the material to the gap and allow it to dry for the amount of time specified by the manufacturer. This method is ideal for gaps that are less than ½ inch wide. You may need to use a concrete patching compound for larger or more significant gaps.

How to fix soil sinking around a house?

Addressing a Sinking Foundation

Common methods include: Installing push piers, helical piers, or slab piers to provide additional support and stability. Grout stabilization to fill voids and stabilize loose or shifting soil. Mud-jacking or poly-jacking to lift and level settled concrete slabs.

How much dirt should be around your foundation?

Grade your property away from your foundation – The soil around your foundation should slope at least 6 to 10 inches within 10 feet of your home. This ensures that water drains away from your house foundation and not towards it.

Should there be a gap between concrete and house?

If you've noticed gaps between your home and the concrete around it, you're probably wondering if you should seal them up, or leave them the way they are. Unfortunately, gaps like these can cause lots of problems, like concrete settling, water damage, and pests.

Should a house foundation be sealed?

Sealing the foundation can be an effective way to protect it from moisture damage and other issues that may compromise the structural integrity of your home.

Does exterior concrete need to be sealed?

We recommend that all types of exterior concrete should be sealed including plain concrete, exposed aggregate, stamped concrete, stained concrete, integrally coloured concrete, stencilled concrete, engraved concrete and overlays. Each surface lends itself to unique needs when it comes to applying the right sealer.

What is the enemy of concrete?

Water is the most common enemy of concrete surfaces. When water penetrates the surface of concrete, it can cause it to crack and weaken. This is especially true in colder climates where water can freeze and expand, creating even more damage.

Can water seep under concrete?

Concrete is already a porous material. This means that water could find its way through your concrete by itself. But, if you have cracks or cove joints that aren't sealed properly, water will use those openings to enter your foundation.

Why is water coming through my walls when it rains?

Water seepage typically occurs due to various factors: Porous Nature of Bricks: Bricks are naturally porous, which means they absorb moisture. Over time, this can lead to water permeating the wall, especially during heavy or persistent rain.

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