Concrete Pathway Hard Up Against Foundation

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steve181

114 posts

Master Geek

#312614 1-May-2024 16:53

I purchased my house about 7 years ago when it was 1 year old. There are multiple concreted areas that are horizontally hard against my concrete slab foundation.

I thought concrete needed a bit of "breathing room"?

I am assuming it's fine though given that's how it is but just curious to hear from others & keen to learn things about my house!

Thanks!

heavenlywild

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#3225138 1-May-2024 17:03

I've seen some developers do this so I am sure it's within the rules. I am no building expert though.

mdf

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#3225149 1-May-2024 17:25

Seems pretty standard to me. There will mostly likely be rebar tying the path to the slab, otherwise paths do run the risk of slumping.

larknz

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#3225156 1-May-2024 17:49

The main concern is that path needs to slope away from the foundation.

steve181

114 posts

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#3225164 1-May-2024 18:17

Thanks guys! The concrete does slope down from the foundation.

Wheelbarrow01

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#3225256 1-May-2024 22:03

larknz:

The main concern is that path needs to slope away from the foundation.

I am pretty sure there is also a minimum height difference requirement. When I organised for a caravan parking space to be concreted next to my new garage, the contractor said he had to dig down further to ensure there was at least x height difference between the garage slab and the parking space slab. I think it was 150mm but don't quote me - it's a bit hard to tell with the garage cladding attached.

larknz

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#3225266 1-May-2024 22:14

Wheelbarrow01:

larknz:

The main concern is that path needs to slope away from the foundation.

I am pretty sure there is also a minimum height difference requirement. When I organised for a caravan parking space to be concreted next to my new garage, the contractor said he had to dig down further to ensure there was at least x height difference between the garage slab and the parking space slab. I think it was 150mm but don't quote me - it's a bit hard to tell with the garage cladding attached.

That seems a bit excessive . It would be a bit hard to drive in to a garage if the driveway was 150mm below the garage floor.

tweake

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#3225271 1-May-2024 22:26

Wheelbarrow01:

larknz:

The main concern is that path needs to slope away from the foundation.

I am pretty sure there is also a minimum height difference requirement. When I organised for a caravan parking space to be concreted next to my new garage, the contractor said he had to dig down further to ensure there was at least x height difference between the garage slab and the parking space slab. I think it was 150mm but don't quote me - it's a bit hard to tell with the garage cladding attached.

thats for the same reason the path slopes, to stop water draining back into the garage. the same for garage doors, there is a bit of a lip down to the driveway. i have no idea what the required heights are.

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Wheelbarrow01

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#3225424 2-May-2024 09:01

larknz:

Wheelbarrow01:

larknz:

The main concern is that path needs to slope away from the foundation.

I am pretty sure there is also a minimum height difference requirement. When I organised for a caravan parking space to be concreted next to my new garage, the contractor said he had to dig down further to ensure there was at least x height difference between the garage slab and the parking space slab. I think it was 150mm but don't quote me - it's a bit hard to tell with the garage cladding attached.

That seems a bit excessive . It would be a bit hard to drive in to a garage if the driveway was 150mm below the garage floor.

The driveway leading to my garage door has a significant "ramp" to meet the garage floor slab and there is additional 10mm hard lip to stop rain water entering the garage in a strong wind. The main part of my driveway is still significantly lower than the floor level of the garage. I'd suggest each council will have differing standards likely to be linked to the flood risk in the particular area.

johno1234

2823 posts

Uber Geek

#3225426 2-May-2024 09:18

the floor level should be at least 150mm higher than the ground level... and it will be otherwise would not have been signed off for the CCC.

traderstu

332 posts

Ultimate Geek

#3225429 2-May-2024 09:27

Here is a diagram from NZ Building Code E2 External Moisture Acceptable Solution E2_AS1

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Smpl Mnmlst
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#3225431 2-May-2024 09:29

larknz:

That seems a bit excessive . It would be a bit hard to drive in to a garage if the driveway was 150mm below the garage floor.

But it's not really 150mm to drive up all in one hit. Usually there will be several steps over say 20cm - drive level to the level that the door closes down onto, another from there to the garage floor level. So you hardly notice it.

Sometimes I just sit and think. Other times I just sit.