Hello!
We have a seating area of about 4x8 m (13x26 ft) right next to the house. After a few years, the surface (interlocking pavers) has settled slightly at the edges. We are therefore considering removing the pavers, pouring a concrete base, and having slabs installed, so that we might be able to add a conservatory later on.
Could anyone provide advice on what we should pay attention to when commissioning this work (for example, how thick should the concrete layer be, is a barrier needed between the concrete and the house façade, and what might the approximate cost be)?
Thank you very much!
We have a seating area of about 4x8 m (13x26 ft) right next to the house. After a few years, the surface (interlocking pavers) has settled slightly at the edges. We are therefore considering removing the pavers, pouring a concrete base, and having slabs installed, so that we might be able to add a conservatory later on.
Could anyone provide advice on what we should pay attention to when commissioning this work (for example, how thick should the concrete layer be, is a barrier needed between the concrete and the house façade, and what might the approximate cost be)?
Thank you very much!
M
MODERATOR23 Apr 2010 11:20Hello,
The thickness of the slab is determined structurally by the reinforcement and the concrete cover (this is the layer of concrete over the reinforcing steel); the slab will be approximately 14cm thick (5.5 inches).
When commissioning the work, make sure that the concrete slab is waterproofed before installing the tiles (a bitumen membrane would be suitable). The purpose of the waterproofing is to prevent water entering through the tile joints from penetrating into the concrete slab; otherwise, over time, the water can dissolve lime components, which then appear as white stains in the tile joints – this does not look good and is quite difficult to clean.
The tile covering must be installed with a slope (at least 2%) away from the house to ensure water drains outward rather than toward the building.
For price comparison, it is best to invite two or three tradespeople who can each provide you with a quote. This also allows you to discuss technical details effectively.
The thickness of the slab is determined structurally by the reinforcement and the concrete cover (this is the layer of concrete over the reinforcing steel); the slab will be approximately 14cm thick (5.5 inches).
When commissioning the work, make sure that the concrete slab is waterproofed before installing the tiles (a bitumen membrane would be suitable). The purpose of the waterproofing is to prevent water entering through the tile joints from penetrating into the concrete slab; otherwise, over time, the water can dissolve lime components, which then appear as white stains in the tile joints – this does not look good and is quite difficult to clean.
The tile covering must be installed with a slope (at least 2%) away from the house to ensure water drains outward rather than toward the building.
For price comparison, it is best to invite two or three tradespeople who can each provide you with a quote. This also allows you to discuss technical details effectively.
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