Concrete Path - How can i fix this ?

Hi Guys,

My house is on a slope, and a section of the concrete path at the front of the house is moving and separating from the house itself.
Please see the pics attached.

Any suggestions, how can i fix this ? Any DIY ideas ?
I cannot afford to replace these path completely as of now.

 

The concrete path probably should have been kept off the house slab anyway but with a bitumenised felt (you know the black stuff you see in concrete joins). Now it is too late for that. If it were me, I'd just fill the cracks with washed river sand. (Buy a bag or 2 from Bunnings)

 

Thanks for replying Alan.

Please excuse my ignorance. But shall i just fill the cracks directly with washed sand, or mix sand and cement with water and fill it ?

Thanks,
Ram

 

@Ram - Just sand will do.

SNM would put a styrofoam backing rod down the gap then fill with expanding mastic.





I'd be more concerned about whether the movement was going to cause this water pipe to fracture at some stage.

 

Do not use cement as you need to allow for expansion and contraction.
An expansion joint (ableflex) should have been used to separate the different slabs.

If you are concerned, you can either use ableflex or a flexible backing rod and then fill over with a coloured external waterproof sikaflex.

 

Yes, agreed. I have one like this too but copper stretches without breaking, so it should be OK. Mines been like this for 10+ years.

Yes exactly! There is every likelihood that with rainfall and drought cycles, the movement will continue, expanding and contracting, which is fine.

 

Thanks SNM. I will try what you suggested with the backing rod. Hopefully i can do it myself .

Will check the water pipe again.

 

Thanks for replying. I will try the backing rod and hopefully can do it myself, and do not have to hire anyone.