Self levelling concrete suitable for external use?

[ChickenLittle]

So I've got this dip in the old footpath between the house and shed and water is pooling up here when it rains.

Is there a self levelling concrete that is suitable for external use that I could use to level this corner out so the water flow away?

[JacobZ]

Hi @ChickenLittle,

Thank you for your question about self-levelling concrete for your concrete path.

The concrete appears to have sunk, meaning the soil beneath the concrete has eroded. Do you see any cracking in this slab elsewhere? 

My concern is that if the slab continues to subside, then applying a levelling compound over the top would be an expensive band-aid that is likely to crack if there is any further movement.

There are products like Sikafloor® Level Ultra which are suitable and can be ordered through your local stores' Special Orders or Trade Desk, but I'm not confident that it would last long enough to justify the expense.

Some companies specialise in concrete re-levelling and are likely able to offer a more long-term solution.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1 and @Nailbag to see if they have any thoughts.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @ChickenLittle 

I would like to change your  approach to the problem here  as the water is deepest near the outer white concrete slab I would use an angle grinder with a masonary or a diamond blade and  cut a  3 mm (a blade width) slot along the white slab edge  and drain the water that way.

You may want to cut the slot out to 5 -10 mm for a bigger channel.

Cut the slot what ever way the water wants to flow if it siuts you too off the photo is unknown.

If the slab moves again water  will still drain.   Just need to hose the slot clean occationally.

[Dave-1]

Good Evening @ChickenLittle 

I havnt used any self leveling concrete but as usual it would be interesting project to see if it holds up to outside use that constantly gets wet. As @JacobZ mentions it could be an expensive bandaid batch. Id maybe do a test pour to see how it holds up and also how it looks. 

With the water issue I would actually put something in place to drain the water away to elsewhere. Tho it does seem that you have new concrete next to the dip. Any chance of a further back photo to show more of the area?

As a tempory fix while you have that test spot age I have used some safty matting to be able to walk dryly across a similar situation. Bayliss 90 x 150cm Ring O Slope Commercial Mat 

Dave

[ChickenLittle]

Thanks @JacobZ this area is older concrete that hasn't sunk, it appears to have been intentionally poured this way to promote water running off in this direction.  After purchasing the property we laid the new slab to the right which now blocks that run off and it pools in that spot.  I'll reach out to my local store for pricing on the sikafloor

@Jewelleryrescue great idea about cutting a channel, and gives me an excuse to buy another power tool

[JacobZ]

Hi @ChickenLittle,

While reviewing the product PDS, it has become clear that the Sikafloor Level Ultra is not intended for use as a trafficable surface, but rather as a substrate for a flooring product such as tiles.

Unfortunately, I'm unaware of a self-levelling compound that can be used as a finished floor surface.

You might have to go with @Jewelleryrescue's plan on this one unless you were to tile or pave over the top of the levelled surface.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

[ThatFIFOGuy]

Hey ChickenLittle,

maybe another route you could take is have an outside company come in and level the concrete by resin injection. This method consists of injecting resin underneath the slab to raise it to its original level and stabilising the ground underneath. I haven’t had experience with this though, but have briefly looked into it for a few areas for my driveway. It’s more of a permanent fix than self leveling concrete and heaps cheaper than removing and pouring a new slab. I’ve included a couple of companies that do this sort of thing, but definitely shop around for decent price. 

https://resinject.com.au

https://mainmark.com

[JacobZ]

Hi @ThatFIFOGuy,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

I've also seen it done and it looks like a good solution to this issue.

Thank you for the info.

Jacob

[Nailbag]

Hi @ChickenLittle 

Self-levelling compounds are not suitable for this application. The suggestion by @Jewelleryrescue to run drainage slots will work as long and they end up at a point lower than the pooling area. But then that may just move the issue from one spot to another. A long term solution would be to replace that section of pathway.

Nailbag