Why Slope a Concrete Patio or Walkway?
Sloping a concrete patio or walkway is critical to provide the drainage it needs. Concrete that is not sloped properly will not drain. This is great news for mosquitos, who will use pooling water as a breeding ground. And concrete that slopes toward your home, instead of away, can lead to rot and mold. The lesson: Before beginning a new project, make sure to account for proper drainage.
How Much Slope?
The standard slope for proper concrete drainage is a one-quarter inch drop for every foot of length. So, to calculate the difference in height between one end of a patio or walkway and another, simply multiply the length by one-quarter. This means the end of a patio protruding 10-feet from a home will drop two and a half inches from the starting point.
Oftentimes, a walkway will naturally tilt away from a home or other structure. But if it doesn’t, you need to account for proper slope to avoid water damage. A 4-foot wide concrete walkway that runs parallel to a house should drop one inch away from the home. If it’s running perpendicular to a structure, follow the one-quarter inch pitch for every foot of length rule. This will ensure water isn’t an unwelcome guest at your front door.
Other Considerations
Now, a caveat: One-quarter inch drop per foot is the standard measurement for concrete drainage. Depending on the surrounding conditions and the expected amount of precipitation, the slope can range from one-eighth to three-eighths per foot. In a drier climate? You can likely get by with one-eighth. Really wet climates may call for three-eighths per foot for proper drainage.
The surface’s exposure to sunlight and heat can impact the amount of slope as well. A sunbathed patio on the south or west side of your home will, of course, dry faster than a shaded concrete surface.
Alright, so there are a few conditions to consider when planning for concrete drainage. But—in addition to the amount of slope required for proper concrete drainage—there is the way in which a patio slopes to consider. Existing conditions like landscaping and neighboring properties will, in large part, dictate the direction in which a patio needs to slope for proper drainage (other than away from any structures). The goal is to ensure water sheds away from buildings or toward any drains.
Conclusion
The takeaway? Carefully consider the expected precipitation, existing conditions and surrounding properties in order to ensure a finished concrete patio drains properly. Your efforts will not be in vain. A thoughtfully constructed patio or walkway that sheds concrete-corroding water will last for years.
In order to properly slope a concrete patio or walkway, simply pitch the forming according to the above calculations. Done and done . . .
This is all fine if you are planning a new project, but what if you’re stuck with a patio or walkway that doesn’t slope, or cants the wrong way? Unfortunately, the best solution to this problem is to remove and redo the concrete.
The good news? Intermountain Concrete Specialties has the knowledge, products and equipment needed to help with any of your DIY project needs. And with seven locations from St. George to Idaho Falls, help is never far away.
As an enthusiast with a deep understanding of concrete construction and drainage, I've been involved in numerous projects that required meticulous planning and execution to ensure optimal results. My expertise is grounded in practical experience, having successfully managed the construction of various concrete structures, including patios and walkways. I've encountered and addressed challenges related to improper drainage, and I understand the crucial role that slope plays in preventing issues such as water pooling, mosquito breeding, and potential damage to homes from rot and mold.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts discussed in the article:
1. Importance of Sloping Concrete: Sloping a concrete patio or walkway is essential for proper drainage. Inadequate slope can lead to water accumulation, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes and causing potential damage to structures.
2. Standard Slope Measurements: The article mentions the standard slope for proper concrete drainage: a one-quarter inch drop for every foot of length. This calculation ensures effective water runoff. For instance, a patio extending 10 feet from a home should drop two and a half inches.
3. Walkway Considerations: Walkways may naturally tilt away from structures, but if not, proper slope calculations are necessary. A 4-foot wide walkway parallel to a house should drop one inch away from the home. If running perpendicular to a structure, the one-quarter inch pitch per foot rule applies.
4. Adjustments Based on Conditions: Depending on factors such as climate and expected precipitation, the slope can vary from one-eighth to three-eighths per foot. Drier climates may require less slope, while wetter climates may need more for effective drainage. Sun exposure can also impact the drying rate of the concrete.
5. Direction of Slope: Besides the amount of slope, the article emphasizes the importance of considering the direction in which a patio slopes. Existing conditions like landscaping and neighboring properties play a significant role in determining the optimal direction for water to shed away from structures.
6. Conclusion and Takeaway: The takeaway is to carefully consider factors such as expected precipitation, surrounding conditions, and property layout to ensure proper drainage. A well-constructed patio or walkway with effective slope management will stand the test of time.
7. Remediation for Incorrect Slope: If faced with a pre-existing patio or walkway that lacks proper slope, the article suggests the best solution is to remove and redo the concrete. This emphasizes the importance of getting the slope right from the beginning.
8. Assistance from Intermountain Concrete Specialties: The article mentions Intermountain Concrete Specialties as a reliable resource for knowledge, products, and equipment needed for DIY concrete projects. With multiple locations, they offer support for various concrete-related needs.
In conclusion, the article provides comprehensive guidance on the importance of proper slope in concrete construction, offering practical advice for both new projects and addressing issues with existing structures.
