12 votes
Accepted

Increase Thickness of Concrete Pad (for BBQ Island)

I would drill a few/bunch of holes in the old concrete and fill with short steel rods/rebar/bolts as anchors. About two inches above the old level, and in about two inches in the old concrete. Fill ...
  • 16.9k
9 votes

Concrete base for parcel box

Size will be an opinion mainly, but at least 5 to 8 cm(WxL) bigger than the box and about 8cm deep/thick. Anchor bolts should be easy to use to anchor the box and will make the box easy to remove for ...
  • 16.9k
8 votes

Increase Thickness of Concrete Pad (for BBQ Island)

There's no need to raise it that much. Put on ~1/2" of thinset, with proper slope for drainage (so, not 1/2" evenly, if it puddles now. Slope at 1/8" per foot towards the edges so water ...
  • 166k
7 votes

Concrete base for parcel box

The depth depends on your regional frost line. For europe we have 80-150cm (varies wildly per source, depends on your location) frost line. That means, to avoid frost-heave, the textbook says the ...
  • 1,273
5 votes
Accepted

How should a 4x3 closet bend be installed in concrete?

Assuming that you are using ABS or PVC pipe and fittings, the inlet of the 4 x 3 closet bend should be flush or below the finished grade of the concrete floor. You do not want the fitting's hub to be ...
  • 4,806
4 votes

Concrete base for parcel box

To use significantly less concrete while still being deep enough to be stable: Rather than pouring a single massive block, dig four holes (one for each corner/mounting hole location) and pour 4 small, ...
  • 166k
3 votes

Concrete base for parcel box

Don't forget to extend the footing (either concrete or gravel or similar) in front so you have room to use the box without standing in mud. Because directly in front of the box will be an unavoidable ...
3 votes
Accepted

Do I need 2x6 studs in my basement energy walls?

No. 2x6 studs were used to allow R-19 or better insulation in the framed portion of the exterior walls. Unless you want that much insulation below, 2x4 walls are adequate (and standard in my northern ...
  • 115k
3 votes

Concrete base for parcel box

Is the box at risk of being struck by vehicles? You might choose to have slightly more frangible anchors so they break first, minimising damage to your vehicle. Some hardwood dowells vertically with ...
  • 131
3 votes

Discontinuous footer?

Let's see - I guess the actual question is whether it's possible the footer is in sections, and whether that's norma/safe? Safe - well, 20 years and the house is staying put, so probably it's safe. ...
  • 166k
2 votes

how to repair a concrete patio slab with crumbling edges

Interesting issue...and seems there are a few things taking place. I'm going to break my recommendation down to two different parts: Repairing the Crumbling Foundation You want to ensure that any ...
  • 95
2 votes

Concrete base for parcel box

An alternative suggestion. To get depth (so more stable ground) and to keep the base of the metal off the ground (else it will rust in minutes, especially from condensation in the inside) could you ...
  • 161
2 votes

How can I waterproof an exposed porch with a basement room underneath?

You build your basement room, you roof it to waterproof, you build a porch deck on top just like you build a deck on any other waterproofed low-slope roof. And yes, the roof needs to slope. EDPM ...
  • 166k
2 votes

Can a concrete slab with a 6 inch deep footer support a wall made of 8"x8"x16" concrete blocks that is 8 ft high?

Depends on the soil beneath it, and how wide it is (thus, the soil loading applied to that soil beneath it.) Typical soils have loadings ranging from 2000-5000 PSF. (pounds per square foot) The "...
  • 166k
1 vote

crumbling foundation wall

If it's efflorescence, then there is not much to worry about. If you see more than dust then it would be a cause for concern. If you want to stop the dust then there are surface penetrating sprays ...
  • 1,763
1 vote

How do I finish half concrete wall in walk out basement without framing

Since you can run cable and put switches and maybe some outlets in the top part of the wall, in this section I'd lay a minimal furring strip floor to ceiling to achieve a uniform face for the drywal, ...
  • 25.3k
1 vote

How do I finish half concrete wall in walk out basement without framing

You need insulation and vapor barrier. Drywall should rarely be attached directly to concrete. I've done it once, but it was on a basement wall under a heated garage where clearance was an issue. &...
  • 115k
1 vote

How can I waterproof an exposed porch with a basement room underneath?

I'd suggest redefining the problem. Rebuild the entire system as if the extended basement is the new foundation line and the "porch" is now an actual extension of the house with real walls ...
  • 21.4k
1 vote
Accepted

Discontinuous footer?

After talking to the town building inspector, no footer is required if the foundation walls are 12" thick (which they are). This is apparently pretty common in the area.
  • 151
1 vote

Increase Thickness of Concrete Pad (for BBQ Island)

Since the pad has been out in the weather for a year, it won't have the best surface for keying into your new layer of concrete. You'll need to waterblast the surface to clean off all organic material....
  • 9,015
1 vote

Safest solvent for removing concrete stain

A walk-behind concrete grinder, most likely.
  • 166k

Only top scored, non community-wiki answers of a minimum length are eligible