We have a stone facing on top of our foundation all the around the house. The sidewalk from the from the driveway to the backyard is poured concrete and @ 4" thick. It now directs any water towards the foundation instead of away from it. The facing at the front of the house has started to come away - worst at the garage and tapers back into the foundation as it heads towards the backyard. We want to keep / have the facing repaired to maintain the look of the house as is. We're willing to sacrifice the sidewalk and replace with stonedust or even put in flowers etc. Should we talk with a Mason or is this something a semi-handy guy can handle?
Answer:
You're on the right track. The walkway will have to go and grading modified so water runs away from the structure. My system is to raise the grade so it slopes ten inches in the first five feet. After a year, it will settle to about five inches and that's about right.
In the interests of retaining credibility and in fairness to all, I cannot recommend prices, people nor companies for various projects. Courtesy of Ren Molnar, Construction Consultant at HomeFocus.com. I can also be reached at (613) 748-3003 and Home Focus – The Radio Show is broadcast live 8 to 10 A.M. (Ottawa, Ont. time) on Saturdays on www.cfra.com.
Remember, even if you don’t do your own work around the house have to hire someone, you put yourself at a great advantage when you can intelligently discuss a project with the various trades people.
"Ren’s Ren-O-Vations Tips" is a monthly journal that talks everything to do with HOME OWNERSHIP & MAINTANENCE.
It is sent out in time to have it in your mailbox or on your computer by the 20th of the month – every month.
To order, simply send a cheque or money order to: Ren, P.O. Box 9411, Ottawa, Ontario, K1G 3V1
E-mail – 12 issues (1 yr.) $17.95. Regular mail – 12 issues (1 yr.) $33.95. (subject to change without notice) Credit card companies take a cut from payments so we are not credit card friendly - can't justify it. Ren’s Ren-O-Vations Tips makes the perfect gift any time for almost everyone: Be My Valentine, Easter, Christmas, Mothers’ Day, Fathers' Day, Birthday, Wedding, Congratulations New Home Owner(s), Thinking Of you, Good neighbour Ren
