*
At a homeowners request we have been asked to pour a slab on a slab patio. They want to raise the patio 4 inches ( due to arthritis and problem with steps) my sub says no problem. However the homeowner was told by another contractor not to do this and to pull the old slab out first. The current slab has no cracks. Opinions please.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Fine Homebuilding is excited to be the official media partner of the 2024 Building Science Symposium series! This event offers builders, tradesmen, architects, designers and suppliers to discuss topics ranging…
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
*
Josh
How big is the present slab?
How thick?
Does it have thick edges?
If it is not thick, would recommend breaking it up and pouring new slab. Bring in sand, compact it and pour new slab.
Vince
*Josh, There's a couple of ways to do it. You can float it or you can glue it.You can simply install a slip sheet on top of the existing and pour a new 4 inch layer on top and let it float.orWith a latex bonding agent applied, you should be fine to just add another layer of concrete to the desired height.Gabe
*current one is at least 4 inches thick with some parts of the perimeter over that. one corner is 8 inches thick. Size is 20x10. It si also under a roof if that makes any difference. Also they want the new one to have the patterns pressed into it and possibally colored, again if that makes a difference.Thanks guys
*Gabe's first method works great. Poured only 2" on top of old patio 15 years ago like that (slip sheet was existing thin layer of moss) and have had no problems or cracks until small crack due to earthquake 2 weeks ago, but then the street cracked too. Recall I used about 3" slump mix.
*Hey Gabe,thanks for your advise. Just got my JLC today, that is a nice article you wrote. Are you in one of the pictures so I can put a face to the name. Seems you address this smae question in your article kind of when you mentinon pouring over foundationsthanks for your helpIt is nice that people like you and crazy legs blodgett and his recent article on window trim have time to work, write articles and answers forums as wellkeep up the good work
*Gabe 's methods are both good, I would go with the slip sheet. However if this old slab has any good size cracks I would remove it. Good Luck Ron Rosa
*hey everybody, i have similar situation on job, can i break up concrete and leave the remaining rubble to pour on?
*bill,Yes, Just break it up real good into small pieces.Billy
*bill, thanks for info on concrete. some local concrete guys said no, some said yes, so i was looking for some moral support that agreed with me. i will proceed as recommended.
*Breaking up a slab into small pieces has got to be far more work than taking it out with a loader. But if you have the time....and the braun, it'll work just dandily. Besides it will save you some bucks if you DIY.I've seen it specified in prints on occassion to break up an existing slab for an over-pour but I've never done it.Pete
*
At a homeowners request we have been asked to pour a slab on a slab patio. They want to raise the patio 4 inches ( due to arthritis and problem with steps) my sub says no problem. However the homeowner was told by another contractor not to do this and to pull the old slab out first. The current slab has no cracks. Opinions please.