Advice need for patio slab pour. Please
Hi,
I’m doing a small patio at the front of my house but not 100% sure on how to do it. The parts that I’m a bit fuzzy on is how to do the screeding when one of the edges is directly against the wall. Won’t that prevent the screed from being able to go back and forth? Also, should I pin the slab to the house and exsisting driveway? Any other tips or help truely appreciated.
Mike.
ps, I’m having the concrete delivered, if that’s relevant.
Replies
I would use metal stakes
to set up a screed along the house (parallel to the existing slab). I would set the screed so that it will not be embedded in the pour, but above it. Then, rig up your screed board with a riser of some sort on one end.... the riser rides on top of the elevated screed while striking the concrete at the right level. As soon as you can get on the new pour go out there and remove the screed and the stakes, and fill the holes with mud you set aside in a wheelbarrow out of the sun. It is useful to have some scraps of foam insulation board... make stepping stones to get yourself out on the fresh pour after it sets up.
I would not pin to the house, I would definitely pin to the existing driveway.... #3 rebar and epoxy.
That all makes sense, thanks so much. And luckly enough, I have some scraps of foam from a job I finished last week.
Mike
Pour
Use grade stakes and/or a chalk line on the wall to set up a "screed line" of concrete. Pound in the stakes once you get that strip of concrete right.
Use that strip of concrete as your guide to pull back. You have to be careful to maintain that strip level, don't dig in and pull it out along with the rest.
Is that EFIS stucco on that house, buried in the dirt? Is the house wood frame or masonry with EFIS over if?
Are you digging out that area and putting down stone?
It is stucco, not sure what type. over block. I was just going to dig down 4" and compact dirt. Then pour the concrete. I'll be laying thin pavers on top later in the year.
Thanks,
Mike
Also, should I pin the slab to the house and exsisting driveway?
No. If the substrate is not properly prepared or the slab fails for some other reason, letting it "float" relative to the house and driveway will keep the slab from damaging them if it fails.