Concrete Patio Repair

by Sarah
(Near Chicago, IL)

I need to have a concrete patio repair.

I had a horrible patio poured two years ago, the law suit is over and I know I will never see a dime of my settlement. It will cost over $3000 to remove so we are looking for options to fix the major issues.

Issues ...
1 - the slope varies, on one side the slope is OK about 2" over 16', the other end slopes 4" over 6'(it is a free form design) the center section has been addressed by a new deck we built over it. How can we fix the slope to give it a more uniform appearance? We thought of pavers over it. Using a "retaining wall" on the outer edge and filling the patio with sand to level it and pavers over the sand? We have a two step stoop off the house so overall 12" to work with before door height.

2 - there are 'dips' in the slab where water settles. Not a single crack or other blemish, but still a terrible concrete pour.

There is not a single landscaper that wants to 'fix' it, do a concrete patio repair, or that can even offer any suggestions other than to tear it out. I just want to find out as much as possible before resorting to that! I live near Chicago so harsh winters are a factor!

ANSWER

Hi Sarah,
I received your inquiry. First of all, how large is the patio?

Susan

REPLY

It is a free form design (somewhat) that spans the back of the house 60' the left side is 6' deep and 20' long the middle and right side is 40' long and extends from the house up to 18' (in an arc). We have added a deck over the worst part of the patio which sits in the middle 20' section and is 10' from the house. I could try to send a picture, if you think it would help you advise me about any possible concrete patio repair.

ANSWER

Sarah,
I just basically wanted to get an overview and also wanted to know how
large of an area we are talking about.

I believe you should take out the concrete...sorry to say. My reason is
this. I don't believe laying pavers on top of it will be stable over the
long run. It would be very tricky to change the grade on existing
concrete...plus the depth of the mortar would constantly have to be
changing to acomodate this. I can see why landscapers are reluctant to
work with it.

Contractors should be charging you about $800 for the concrete removal
in addition to some time. One other thing I'd like to say is that if you
remove the concrete, you might be able to modify the design (which can
be improved), and cut down on the amount of square footage. For example,
if I understand what you sent me correctly, you have a 6' wide walkway
up against the house. You can actually place a 2' wide planting bed up
against the house to soften it and reduce the width of the walk to 4'.
That's just one example. Right there, you have saved about $600.

Susan

ANSWER

I was somewhat expecting that answer! The major cost issue is that it all has to be wheel barreled up a steep 14' hillside:( our house is on a steep hill and bobcats have tipped over trying to get up. I was told 1000 for the waste removal alone and approx 1500-2000 to break up and relocate to dumpster. Does that still seem high? For 800 I would remove it in a heart beat! Thanks for your help and quick responses!

ANSWER

I know waste removal can be expensive, but the 1500-2000 quote sounds
high, particularly in this economy. I would get another quote. Talk to
excavators and also landscape contractors. I could be wrong, but I would
still check around.

And then you can bids on the paver work.