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A Comprehensive Guide to Successful Residential Concrete Projects

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Creating a concrete backyard project like a patio, walkway, or staircase can significantly enhance your outdoor space and add value to your home. This detailed guide will take you through each step of the process.

Planning and Preparation

1. Design and Permits:

   • Design: Start by planning the layout, dimensions, and shape of your project. Consider the function of the area, whether it’s for entertaining, walking, or aesthetics. Make sure to account for drainage, as concrete should slope slightly to prevent water pooling. Draw detailed plans, noting measurements and features.

   • Permits: Before starting, check local building codes. Some municipalities require permits for concrete work. Visit your local government’s website or office to understand the requirements. This step ensures your project complies with local regulations and avoids potential fines

2. Materials and Tools:

   • Materials: Purchase high-quality concrete mix appropriate for your project. You'll also need gravel or crushed stone for the base, reinforcement materials (like rebar or wire mesh), form boards (typically 2x4 or 2x6 lumber), stakes, and a sealant to protect the finished product.

   • Tools: Gather all necessary tools: shovels, a wheelbarrow, measuring tape, level, trowels, concrete mixer (if mixing on-site), screed board, edger, jointer, and finishing tools. Having the right tools ready will make the process smoother and more efficient.

3. Site Preparation:

   • Mark the Area: Use stakes and string to outline the project area. This visual guide helps ensure accuracy during excavation and forming.

   • Excavation: Excavate the marked area to a depth of about 6-8 inches, depending on the project requirements. Remove all vegetation, roots, and debris to create a stable base. For a patio or walkway, ensure the excavation is level. For a staircase, create a stepped excavation to support each step.

4. Base Preparation:

   • Gravel Base: Spread a 4-inch layer of gravel or crushed stone across the excavated area. This base provides stability and drainage for the concrete. Use a plate compactor or hand tamper to compact the gravel firmly, ensuring a solid foundation.

   • Forming: Construct wooden forms to hold the concrete in place. Secure the forms with stakes, ensuring they are level and straight. Check for square corners using a carpenter’s square. Forms should be sturdy enough to withstand the pressure of the wet concrete

In Calgary, Alberta, specific permits and approvals are required for residential concrete projects. Here’s an overview of the process:

When Permits Are Required

1. Patios:

   • Permits are generally required if the patio is higher than 0.6 meters (2 feet) above grade.

   • Ground-level patios usually do not require a permit unless they are attached to the house or affect drainage.

2. Walkways:

   • Permits are not typically required for private walkways on residential properties unless they alter the property’s drainage significantly.

3. Staircases:

   • Permits are required if the staircase is part of an entrance structure or involves changes to the exterior of the house.

Types of Permits

1. Development Permit:

   • Required for significant changes to the property or if the project doesn’t comply with zoning regulations.

2. Building Permit:

   • Required for structural elements such as elevated patios or staircases to ensure safety and compliance with the Alberta Building Code.

3. Grading and Drainage Approval:

   • Required if the concrete project affects the drainage pattern of the property.

How to Apply

1. Prepare Documents:

   • Include detailed plans and drawings (discussed further below).

   • Provide site plans showing the location of the project in relation to property boundaries, existing structures, and elevations.

2. Submit Application:

   • Applications can be submitted online via the City of Calgary’s website or in person at the Calgary Building Services.

   • Include all necessary documents and pay the applicable fees.

3. Review and Approval:

   • The application will be reviewed for compliance with zoning laws, building codes, and other regulations.

   • Additional information or revisions may be requested.

4. Inspections:

   • After approval, inspections are typically required at various stages of the project to ensure compliance with the permit conditions and building codes.

Good Drawings for Reviewing Concrete Job Plans

High-quality drawings are crucial for the permit application and for guiding the construction process. Here’s what constitutes good drawings for a concrete project like a patio:

1. Site Plan:

   • Scale: Use an appropriate scale (e.g., 1:100) to show the entire property and the location of the proposed concrete project.

   • Details: Include property boundaries, existing structures, trees, and significant landscape features.

   • Dimensions: Clearly mark dimensions of the proposed project and distances to property lines and existing structures.

2. Elevation Plan:

   • Levels: Show the elevation of the proposed concrete surface in relation to the existing grade.

   • Slope: Indicate the slope for drainage purposes, ensuring water will run away from structures.

3. Cross-Section Drawings:

   • Layers: Show a cross-section of the concrete project, including the sub-base (gravel), reinforcement (rebar or mesh), and concrete layers.

   • Depths: Indicate the depth of each layer and total excavation depth.

4. Structural Details:

   • Reinforcement: Detail the type, size, and placement of reinforcement materials.

   • Footings and Supports: For elevated patios or staircases, include details of footings, supports, and connections.

5. Materials and Specifications:

   • Concrete Mix: Specify the type and strength of the concrete mix.

   • Finishes: Describe the finish (e.g., broom finish, smooth trowel) and any sealants to be used.

6. Drainage Plan:

   • Flow Direction: Show how water will be directed away from the concrete surface and surrounding structures.

   • Drainage Features: Include details of any drainage channels, pipes, or other features to manage runoff.

Example of a Good Drawing

1. Site Plan Example:

   • Title Block: Project name, address, date, scale, and drawing number.

   • North Arrow: Orientation of the plan.

   • Boundaries: Clear lines showing property limits.

   • Dimensions: Mark distances and sizes of existing and proposed structures.

   • Notes: Any relevant notes or references to other drawings.

2. Elevation Plan Example:

   • Title Block: Same details as the site plan.

   • Elevation Markers: Indicate ground level, top of the concrete surface, and any intermediate levels.

   • Slope Indicators: Show slope percentage or degree.

3. Cross-Section Example:

   • Title Block: Consistent with other drawings.

   • Layer Details: Clear indication of each layer, with notes on materials and depths.

   • Reinforcement: Detailed placement and type of rebar or mesh.

4. Structural Details Example:

   • Title Block: As above.

   • Footings: Dimensions and depth.

   • Connections: Type and placement of bolts, brackets, or other connections.

Pouring and Finishing

1. Reinforcement:

   • Install Rebar or Wire Mesh: Place reinforcement materials within the forms to strengthen the concrete and prevent cracking. Elevate the rebar or wire mesh slightly above the gravel base using chairs or blocks, ensuring it sits within the middle of the concrete slab for optimal reinforcement.

2. Mixing Concrete:

   • Mixing: Use a concrete mixer or wheelbarrow to mix the concrete. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct water-to-mix ratio. The mixture should be consistent but workable. Avoid adding too much water, as this can weaken the concrete.

3. Pouring Concrete:

   • Pouring: Begin pouring the concrete at the farthest point from the mixing area, working towards you. Use shovels or rakes to spread the concrete evenly within the forms. Fill all corners and edges completely to avoid voids and weak spots.

4. Leveling and Smoothing:

   • Screeding: Use a screed board (a long, straight piece of lumber) to level the concrete surface by dragging it across the top of the forms. This process removes excess concrete and fills in low spots.

   • Floating: After screeding, use a bull float to smooth the surface and bring the cream (fine particles and water) to the top. This step helps achieve a flat, even finish.

5. Edging and Jointing:

   • Edging: Use an edger to round the edges of the concrete. Rounded edges are less prone to chipping and provide a finished look.

   • Control Joints: Use a jointer to create control joints, which help prevent cracking due to temperature changes and shrinkage. Joints should be about 1/4 the depth of the concrete slab and spaced according to the slab size (typically every 5-8 feet).

6. Finishing:

   • Troweling: Once the concrete has set slightly (when it can support a person's weight without leaving deep impressions), use a trowel to smooth the surface further. For a non-slip finish, drag a broom across the surface to create a textured pattern.

   • Curing: Proper curing is crucial for concrete strength. Cover the concrete with plastic sheeting or damp burlap to retain moisture, or apply a curing compound. Keep the concrete moist for at least 7 days, avoiding foot traffic during this period to allow the concrete to achieve its full strength.

Special Considerations for Different Projects

1. Patio:

   • Slope: Ensure the patio has a slight slope (about 1/8 inch per foot) away from the house to direct water runoff away from the foundation.

   • Expansion Joints: For large patios, include expansion joints every 10-12 feet to accommodate expansion and contraction due to temperature changes.

2. Walkway:

   • Width: Standard walkways are typically 3-4 feet wide, but adjust based on usage. Wider paths may be needed for high-traffic areas.

   • Curves: For curved walkways, use flexible forms (such as plastic or bendable wood) to create the desired shape. Secure them with additional stakes to maintain the curve during pouring.

3. Staircase:

   • Forming Steps: Create forms for each step, ensuring consistent height (rise) and depth (run). Typical rise is 7-8 inches, and run is 10-12 inches.

   • Reinforcement: Use additional rebar for stairs, especially for wider steps, to provide extra strength and support.

   • Finishing: Pay extra attention to finishing each step to ensure a smooth, level surface. Use a hand trowel for precise work and a broom for a non-slip finish.

Post-Completion

1. Removing Forms:

   • Timing: Remove the forms after 24-48 hours once the concrete has set but not fully cured. Removing forms too early can damage the edges, while waiting too long can make removal difficult.

   • Care: Carefully remove the stakes and forms, prying them away from the concrete gently to avoid chipping the edges.

2. Sealing:

   • Application: Once the concrete has fully cured (typically after 28 days), apply a concrete sealer to protect the surface from stains, moisture, and weather damage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application, ensuring the surface is clean and dry before sealing.

3. Maintenance:

   • Cleaning: Regularly clean the concrete surface with a mild detergent and water to remove dirt, stains, and debris. Avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage the sealant.

   • Repair: Address any cracks or damage promptly. For small cracks, use a concrete patching compound. For larger issues, consult a professional to prevent further deterioration.

By following these detailed steps, you can successfully complete a backyard concrete project that is durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. Proper planning, execution, and maintenance will ensure your concrete patio, walkway, or staircase serves you well for years to come.