cement porch retaining water - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

jerry1967 · 11-12-2007, 01:52 PM

I have a porch with a cement top over brick edges. I believe the brick which is in a square is hollow with the cement top.

The problem I have is the cement top retains water. I know it needs leveling but the water doen't dry up very fast when it rains. My drive way which is also cement dries up very fast.

Is the problem because the cement on the porch does not touch the ground but is hanging over air surrounded by brick walls?

If this is the problem what can I do to correct it?

Rock Headed · 11-12-2007, 03:51 PM

It might help to post a picture. Personally I can't tell from your description exactly what the problem is.

It sounds to me like the porch is merely pitched the wrong way and dries slower than the driveway because the driveway is not as sheltered from the drying effects of wind and sun.

jerry1967 · 11-12-2007, 04:17 PM

Could the porch dry slower because there is nothing under it?

Rock Headed · 11-12-2007, 05:05 PM

Well, okay. The porch is sheltered from wind, sun and is further from the heat of the earth than the driveway, plus it is likely a thicker slab and thus heat transmits to the surface. Thus the porch dries slower.

I do not think any of this changes the solution, however.

mickeyco · 11-12-2007, 05:13 PM

Jack up and shim the porch so that it is pitched so the water runs off. You could take a marble (or what ever) put it on top of the slab see where it stops (lowest point where the water is puddling) and drill a small hole (or series of holes) to drain it, this might cause soil erosion problems and/or weaken slab.

neolitic · 11-12-2007, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mickeyco

Jack up and shim the porch so that it is pitched so the water runs off. You could take a marble (or what ever) put it on top of the slab see where it stops (lowest point where the water is puddling) and drill a small hole (or series of holes) to drain it, this might cause soil erosion problems and/or weaken slab.

Kinda like watching the cat toying with the poor little mouse.

Where do they get the little yellow guy with the popcorn?

tkle · 11-14-2007, 07:41 AM

Don't Drill Holes

kc4mqm · 12-05-2007, 07:28 PM

Well just a thought. When it's not level it holds water. More water, longer drying time. Your driveway dries out because it don't retain water. Don't drill anything! You get water pouring inside your stoop you'll have big problems. As long as it's not leaking back into the house or causing problems, don't worry about it.