I have a concrete walkway, higher than the foundation and against my 3 wythe brick wall
I have a concrete walkway, it is higher than the foundation and against my 3 wythe brick wall.
I “was” planning to have it removed, re-graded lower (a few inches below the top of the concrete foundation) and replaced.
The issue is that there is efflorescence from the snow/rain/melt.
The adjacent property also has efflorescence.
Both of our sidewalks are the same height.
The neighbor was informed that the concrete sidewalk being above the foundation and against the brick has no contributory affect to the efflorescence.
I am looking for documentation on this so that I can (hopefully) convince them to lower their walk also.
Thanks,
Jim in Chicago
Replies
jim
The efflourescence usually results from moisture pushing the salts in the masonry, out. If the sidewalk is tipped toward the brick-probably would help contribute to the problem.
Likewise, poorly draining soil below the walk.
he efflourescence usually results from moisture pushing the salt
Thanks ...
The current walks were laid on top of the old walk way ... i.e. it is 2 layers thick ... the ez way to "replace" a sidewalk ...
The limestone window sills for the basement are encased in the concrete walks.
The back fill around the building is a corse sand mix and is very porous.
The only locations where there has been efflourescence and a flaking / breakdown of the common brick, is where:
the elevated sidewalk is
where my other neighbor built up his yard / soil above my foundation ... occluding the brick
Where the soil and/or walkways are at or below the top of the concrete foundation ... I have zero damage.
FYI In all my years in construction, I have never seen concrete intentionally go against ( and above ) structual brick.
???
I assume you mean efflorescence on the brick. As stated, it's due to "salts" coming out of the brick as moisture "drives" from the inside to the surface. Could be due to the walk being there and causing water to pool against the brick, or could be due to another cause. A small amount of efflorescence is unsightly but not a sign of a serious problem; a larger amount may suggest, eg, a roof leak.