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Landscape Design Porches & Decks Design Dilemma

Drainage between concrete slab foundation and concrete patio

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

In my haste to extend out my patio, I accidentally created a 2' x 12' x 8" void between my house and my patio where water is not able to drain quickly. The intention was to create a small ornamental grass garden in that area covered in gravel, however, recent rainstorms have made me worried that I nor my concrete contractor thought about preparing proper drainage here.

What is the best approach regarding the sub drainage and avoiding damage to my foundation in this void? I will need to excavate down to bring it back up to grade. And I of course know to grade away from the house and make sure to avoid the weep holes.

Base rock, bank sand, soil, landscape fabric, then pea gravel?

Or will I need to go full drainage rock in the space with pots embedded for the plants to keep as much soil out of this space as possible?

What will help water keep water from standing in this space?

Featured Answer

PRO

User

3 years ago

Increase the grade and slope it away from the house. Right now, it's the lowest point.

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Comments (8)

PRO
Yardvaark
3 years ago
show a picture including surroundings.
Amanda Willman
Original Author
3 years ago
Here is the space. The second picture is an example of standing water more than 24 hours after a storm.
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The post above carlos229 is not the OP. One thing I was going to point out about the difference in cost: If you divide the total cost by the proposed # of piers, you get $1600/pier for one contractor and $1700 for the other. So their rate per pier is not far off at all. I did the same thing with foam jacking my sinking driveway. Had estimates from $980 all the way to $2200. Each estimated an amount of foam plus a per-pound price if they went over. I calculated the cost if everyone used the same amount as the highest estimate, and the estimates came out within a couple hundred bucks of each other at that point. So I picked the guy I liked best. He wasn't the cheapest one but it didn't make that much difference. Question is how many piers you need, and I can't help with that. I liked the idea of hiring someone who has no stake in the game to tell you want you need.
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Amanda Willman
Original Author
3 years ago
I’m am planning on planting in this area to bring the grade up. As far as sub-grade goes, are there materials that I need to steer clear from to avoid water settling in, or materials that should not be up against the foundation?
Amanda Willman
Original Author
3 years ago
I was thinking of putting drain stone down, then bank sand, then garden soil, then top with geo textile and pea gravel.
PRO
Yardvaark
3 years ago
All you need to do it make sure that there is decent topsoil in the planting space. The stone and sand will be unnecessary, since where would the water go after the air spaces between stone and sand is filled up? Don't create those air spaces to begin with. When you bring the level up to the concrete slab and plant it, drainage will not be a problem.
Amanda Willman
Original Author
3 years ago
Thank you!
Lera Lerina
2 years ago
What was your solution ?

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