Tying in concrete
I recently had a slab poured in the basement of my barn/workshop. At the perimeter it meets a preexisting short concrete wall, a shoulder wall I think it’s called.
There’s a seam where they meet, with some gaps. Water comes in there occasionally, and a little soil, and some critters in spots.
I’m thinking I should pour a little curb, maybe 6” by 6”, to seal that seam. Is that the best solution? Or is there something easier I should try first?
If I do pour a curb, do I need to tie it in to the existing wall? What would be the process? Drill holes in the existing wall, epoxy in short lengths of rebar prior to pouring? How frequent would those need to be? Every foot? Every two feet? Do I need to do the same in the slab?
Any advice would be appreciated. I haven’t worked with concrete much.
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I can't tell from the photos how wide the gaps are but if the gaps are within the allowable tolerances of caulk specifically made for concrete or mortar, I would just caulk the gap with caulk made for concrete. They sell it most hardware and home improvement stores.
Thanks for the reply.
There are some gaps that are several inches in diameter. Is there some kind of trowelable concrete patch that might work for those? I love the idea of using a concrete caulk for most of it and NOT pouring any new concrete.
Yes. There are a multitude of different products that can be used. I have only used hydraulic cement to patch a few holes (which I don't believe is necessary here) and the caulk but your local home improvement or hardware store most likely carries a product that will work.
Sika has a multitude of products you can use here to patch or fill it.
You don't need a curb. And you don't need to tie it to the wall. just fill the gap and trowel it flush with the slab.
Otherwise a polyurethane sealant can be used.
Awesome, thank you both very much.