Broken Concrete Floor

S

Shann

Joined
Sep 2, 2004
Messages
5,250
I've got a covered porch and a poured concrete floor that is cracked, broken and uneven. It does not appear to be attached to my house foundation. I want the porch to be usable and I'm trying to figure out how to deal with the floor. I think its way too cracked and uneven to just "patch" the concrete.

I could try to jackhammer out the concrete and have a new floor poured. Really don't want to but if its not prohibitevely expensive, would probably be the best option.

I was thinking of putting a "deck" floor over or even just laying a plywood floor with indoor\outdoor carpet over it, there will be some problems making it level.


Any ideas are appreciated.

Thanks.

Shann
 
I would either break it up and removed it or put the deck over it. This is common. Contractors are bad about putting waste materials under the driveways and patios instead of hauling it off or not preparing the soil properly before pouring. The patio is probably settled as much as it is going to so it would make a solid foundation for a deck. You can break it up yourself, but it is a lot of work and concrete is pretty expensive. I personally would go with the deck. Hope this helps.
Terry
 
I'd stay away from the plywood idea. Its going to swell and be just as ugly and uneven.

How big is it?

Breaking it out is your best solution. Though, a deck over it would work.
 
The porch is about 15X10. I thought that by using a deck type construction I wouldn't have to worry about drainage problems (it is a covered porch but gets a bit of blown in water in storm). I also figured that the plywood wasn't going to work since it will sit on top of the heaved concrete.

I am concerned whether I can make it level and still have the porch floor lower than the kitchen floor (the porch door opens into the kitchen).

Hopefully the deck idea will work. I don't like the idea of having to take out that concrete!
 
Don't be worried about removing the concrete. Its bringing in more and pouring it that really sucks. Also, you've got to think about whats below there. You may want to address that deck or not.
 
Yeah, taking out the concrete shouldn't be too hard. Depending on its age, you shouldn't hit anything tougher than wire mesh holding the slab together. This wire can easily be cut with wirecutters. If you hit rebar, then it might be interesting getting the stuff out.

I would probably just have it repoured in my quasi professional opinion. Covering it is just going to be band aid fix for right now. I don't know what the concrete guys are charging out where you are, but we charge $4 per sq foot for standard brushed 'crete. If you wanted to do it yourself, it's no big deal really. Just a little forming, a little pouring, and a fair amount of time on your hands and knees finishing it.

My vote is for getting it redone. If you have an honest concrete man do it, then you shouldn't have a settling issue again. Of course, there is that old adage that "there are two types of concrete. Cracked concrete and concrete that is going to crack;)" Make sure whoever pours it puts in some expansion joint.:thumbup:
 
I had the same problem with the deck being higher than my back door. I left an area about 3 feet long and about a foot wider than the door to walk out and then step up on to the deck. Works well. you can cover the concrete in that space by just laying deck board flat.
Terry
 
tsf said:
I had the same problem with the deck being higher than my back door. I left an area about 3 feet long and about a foot wider than the door to walk out and then step up on to the deck. Works well. you can cover the concrete in that space by just laying deck board flat.
Terry
Click to expand...

Sounds to me like Terry has the best thought's going on how to fix it with the least amount of hassle and worry if it's possible to do it like he is saying.
 
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