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Extending patio from conservatory - can I lay on existing patio?
Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 2.53 PM
Hi. I want to extend the patio area from my conservatory, this involves digging up lawn which is higher than the existing patio (approx. 8") To save removing too much earth, it's all by hand, can I lay on top of existing patio ? The distance between existing patio and the door step is 2" DPC is 3bricks at the moment. What depth would I need for fresh concreting, thinking about the design in concrete finish. Thanks.
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12 Answers
Anonymous user
if i have read this proberly, yes you can go on top as long as you brake up existing patio, use it as part of your hardcore, as for thickness 60mm should be enough for foot traffic
Answered12 February 2015
1
Bespoke Brickwork and Building
Rating: 4.7 out of 5
Hi, I would use the current existing patio that you have down as a hard base which will be good enough. Instead of ripping it up and spending money on buying some hardcore. Building Regulation says that the patio should be down 150mm down (2 bricks) from damp proof course. So if you put a 25mm flag maximum on top with a 50mm bed that will be strong enough for foot traffic and still be two bricks down from damp course. Hope this helps :)
Answered10 April 2020
1
Anonymous user
If I have read this question correctly I would say you would be fine aslong as current patio is sound and finished level of new patio is minimum 150mm below dpc you will have no problems
Answered10 April 2020
1
Dreamscapes
No reviews yet
Hi sounds like this will be OK to lay new patio over the old one but on finished project I would install some drainage as water will have a lot of concreat to get free and you don't want it pudling so I would lay on a slight slope in to some eco drainage
Answered10 April 2020
1
Anonymous user
I wouldn’t recommend going over the top of anything to be honest it’s always best to dig and prep up properly to the standard requirements
Answered13 December 2020
1
Anonymous user
In an ideal world digging it out properly and not laying on the existing patio is the way to do it. Bit to save yourself some work remove old slabs break them up and use them as a hardcore base for your concrete pad also I would set a shutter around the edge of the area you want to concrete. The answer to your depth of concrete is anything under a 100mm you should use steel mesh as this strengths the concrete and prevents any cracking over time from movement of ground or weather
Answered7 January 2021
0
Brandon
Rating: 5 out of 5
I wouldn’t recommend going over the top of anything to be honest it’s always best to dig and prep up properly to the standard requirements. Although you can smash it up and use it for hardcore to save a bit of money
Answered5 August 2021
0
Rws home improvements
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
I wouldn’t recommend going over the top of any current slabs the best thing you can do in this situation is pull existing patio up break up and use as part of hardcore for sub base
Answered8 December 2021
0
OJ Landscapes & Build
Rating: 5 out of 5
Yes, you can go on top of the existing patio as long as you break it up and essentially use it as hardcore.
I would allow for 60mm depth including muck and slab.
Answered2 October 2022
0
Anonymous user
Hi, always good practice to take up existing patio and the old bond beneath. You can recycle existing with hardcore and raise your depth. Ensure you whack in layers and then lay your new patio. Be weary of saving time on hand digging as if rain water slopes down because of existing heights you might run into trouble with damp. I would suggest installing a Aco drain along the perimeter of your said patio.
Answered19 December 2022
0
Anonymous user
You should always take up the old patio and dig out all the old mortar, you should put 100mm of fresh type 1 down and wacker plate it then you should do a wet mix and slurry the back off the slabs to ensure they are not going to come loose before finally grouting the patio
Answered8 March 2024
0
Custom Landscapes Ltd
No reviews yet
Hello,
Extending your patio area is a great way to enhance your outdoor living space. Since you're dealing with a lawn area that is higher than your existing patio, you'll need to consider several factors to ensure proper drainage and to avoid any issues with dampness affecting your conservatory.
Firstly, laying directly on top of your existing patio can be done, but it's crucial to ensure the new concrete layer adheres well to the old surface. This typically involves cleaning the existing patio thoroughly, possibly etching the surface for better adhesion, and using a bonding agent.
Regarding the depth of the new concrete, a standard practice is to have at least 4 inches (100mm) of concrete for a patio. However, since you are topping an existing patio, you might get by with a slightly thinner layer, such as 3 inches (75mm), provided that the existing patio is in good condition and can support the additional load.
You'll also need to consider the difference in height between the new patio surface and the DPC (damp proof course). The new surface should not compromise the DPC, which is typically at least 6 inches (150mm) above the ground level to prevent rising damp. Since your DPC is currently three bricks high, ensure that your finished patio surface is at least 2 inches below the DPC.
To avoid having to remove too much earth, consider creating a slight slope away from the conservatory for drainage, or install a drainage solution such as a French drain or channel drain at the edge of the new patio.
In terms of design, if you're thinking about a concrete finish, there are several options such as stamped concrete, which can mimic the look of stone or brick, or a simple brushed finish for slip resistance. Ensure you choose a finish that complements your conservatory and existing patio.
Remember, before proceeding with your project, it's always a good idea to consult with a professional to assess the site and provide specific advice based on your situation. They can guide you on the best practices for extending your patio and ensure that it's done in compliance with local building regulations.
Best of luck with your patio extension project!
Best regards,
Dean
Custom Landscapes Ltd
Answered10 March 2024
0