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How to fix a sinking outdoor patio?

Vincero1
Finding My Feet

How to fix a sinking outdoor patio?

The situation:

 

Outside my living room door, there’s an outdoor patio. Recently, I noticed water flowing towards my property because the outer edge of the patio seems to be higher than the joint of my house and the patio. The joint also has a gap and some residual marks suggesting the patio was roughly 3 cm higher before, but now the house settled and the slope is tilting towards the house.

 

I noticed some sealant residuals near the joint, indicating waterproofing sealant was applied several times to address this issue.

 

The ask:

 

My current plan is to use backer rod to fill the gaps and apply sealant to waterproof the gap again. However, since this solution was previously applied and the settlement of the house seems to continue and will eventually widen the gap, I’m hoping to get some options on how to fix this.

 

I would appreciate advice on:

 

- A temporary fix: maybe use sealant again to prevent water from flowing back. 

- A more permanent fix: maybe suggestions on installing something in the joint as a flashback

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EricL
Bunnings Team Member
Bunnings Team Member

Re: How to fix a sinking outdoor patio that lead to water slope towards the house

Hello @Vincero1 

 

If the patio has just recently started to sink or move more rapidly, it's highly probable that water is running underneath the concrete slab and is being carried away the by the shifting soil underneath. I propose looking around the perimeter of your house and looking to see if any of your down pipes or storm water drains have been damaged and is releasing a large amount of water in the vicinity.

 

The patio slab can be lifted back into place by engaging the services of a slab restoration specialist. However, it's important that the source of the water running under the patio be addressed first before you have the patio repaired. Unless this issue is fixed first the slab will continue to move and sink.

 

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

 

Eric

 

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AlanM52
Getting Established

Re: How to fix a sinking outdoor patio?

Hello Vincero1,

 

Even allowing for movement (everything moves) I am wondering why the patio wasn't laid with a decent fall away from the house.

Can you confirm that is a concrete slab.

What quantity of flowback are we dealing with and does it tend to flow to one side, or does it simply seep away into the gap.

If substantial I am thinking of a drain and if not maybe something like this:

 

Colorbond Corner Flashing.jpg

 

Cheers

 

 

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