Patio against slab foundation

Question

Patio against slab foundation

3amigos (Structural)

(OP)

9 May 03 13:40

In Texas, homeowners are advised to water around slab foundations to keep soil and foundation movement to a minimum during drought periods. In replacing a wood deck with a patio that will extend about 20 feet from the back of the house, there will be no ability to water the foundation. Is that a concern, or will the soil under the new patio remain stable enough for the house slab?

Focht3 (Geotechnical) · Answer 1 · 2003-05-22 23:03:13

Well, it depends on a lot of things.

I'm in San Antonio, and was raised in Houston. And I've designed foundations in most of Texas - Lubbock to Brownsville, Ft. Stockton to Orange. I've also looked at a lot of distressed residential slabs on grade in accidental discharge (leaking plumbing) insurance claims. Frankly, I think the lawn watering stuff is overrated for most areas of the state.

Since the deck will be constructed of wood, you should be able to retrofit if you begin to experience any problems. (Use screws, not nails...) Also be aware that the deck will shade the ground, so you won't get the usual drying from the sun.

RJMO (Structural) · Answer 2 · 2003-05-23 00:52:03

I agree that the ground will be covered by the deck, keeping it moist, but besure to keep the proper drainage under the deck. In Missouri we have basements and this can cause a real problem with the foundation walls.

Also I think the watering issue is not valid.

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Patio against slab foundation