Do I need a new concrete slab?

[steven.evans]

Hi All,

I'm in the process of getting quotes for a new Victorian geometric path and am a little confused as I seem to be getting contradictory opinions from the guys that I have got quotes from so far. The existing concrete path is cracked and water pools a little around the coal hole when it rains. Two of the chaps I have got quotes from have suggested that a new base (one recommended steel reinforcing as well) is the way to go whilst another gent said it wasn't necessary and that the using a flexible cement on top of it would be sufficient. I would really appreciate hearing any opinions on this please.

Thanks, Steve

 

[White Room]

Do you have any pics to help...

 

[steven.evans]

Hi Whitebeam,

Here are a couple.

 

[nybor62]

new slab for me , will stand the test of time

 

[steven.evans]

Hi Nybor62, thanks for the advice. Out of interest, how do you decide? Is it simply that is cracked?

 

[White Room]

It dos'nt look a big slab so well worth taking up, you could add some fibres in the concrete to help with any movement but a steel mesh would give a solid base.

 

[White Room]

Over a time the ground is pushing up all time, mother nature and all that.....and that is why there is usually cracking.

 

[steven.evans]

Thanks Whitebeam. You're right its not a huge area and my thinking is that if I am going to get it done I may as well do it properly.

 

[Ajax123]

Steel mesh would be pointless in such a small slab. Put some fibres Into the concrete to control plastic shrinkage. I too would go for a new slab. the old one is likely to have moved due to some sinking in the sub base hence te pooling round the coal hole.

 

[nybor62]

Hi Nybor62, thanks for the advice. Out of interest, how do you decide? Is it simply that is cracked?

the fact that it is cracked , suggests movement as others as said,