Is it a bad idea to cap an existing concrete patio 10' X20' to bring its height even with the main house slab?

Question

Or should the existing patio concrete be removed and pour new slab?

Answer 1

Like Harry said, it is a problem when your patio is even with patio door.  You will have water come in.

Answer 2

It is best to keep an outdoor slab well below the house slab. In case of heavy flooding rains, you don't want to give the rain an opportunity for rain water to flood into your home.

Answer 3

I am not an expert but I would be concerned about water working its way into the house from the higher slab.

Answer 4

if its only 3 or 4 in. , leave it unless you need to accomodate a wheel chair...if its more than that to get to  house height then i would tear out and lay up blocks and pour a cap or build a deck to get to that height...

Answer 5

Bad idea -- the two layers won't "bind" together and as other answers mentioned having concrete above grade (especially above your footings or slab!) is asking for trouble when it rains.  You'd be better off pouring a small step near the house.

Get a hammer drill and drill 1/2"holes below where the step will be poured.  "Dowel" the holes with rebar that will stick out enough to act as an anchor for the step.  That eliminates the problem of the two layers not binding together.

Answer 6

depends how much of a cap... a few inches would be a bad idea.... the two layers will not stick together causing cracking and flaking, i would not recommend it.... the proper way would be to remove the old and pour in the new..... just make sure it is pitched away from the house