Sidewalk options

Lisa cochran
by Lisa cochran
Making a sidewalk that runs by back of house leading to porch. Can the sidewalk go all the way to foundation of house or should there be a divisio that would have to be landscaped
  3 answers
  • There is no reason why you cannot have the walk right up to the foundation of the house. There are a few things however you need to know. The soils next to the foundation are not as compacted as the soils just a few feet away. Even if the house is fairly old this soil is simply not as hard. This can result in the sidewalk settlement issues that many on this site talk about from time to time. In order to prevent this its critical that you 1. Pitch the sidewalk slightly away from the foundation. 2. keep a small gap between the walkway and the foundation where you will place after the cement dries a backer rod, ( foam tube) and a good quality caulk. This will prevent water from getting behind the walkway causing additional settlement. Of course the other option is to provide a small planting bed where you can plant flowers or very low growing plantings. Nothing to large as these are areas where bugs can hide and eventually end up in the house.
  • Jeanette S Jeanette S on Sep 18, 2014
    I know it can be done with the sidewalk close, but I would not do it. I am leery of putting things too close because of water problems...and unless the sidewalk is slightly slanted for runoff, the water will flow into the foundation! And putting them close to the house, it causes the look of commercial instead of homey! That's just me. I don't even like putting mulch too close to the house. And if it is out in the sun, it will dry and be a better walking path.
  • The Chirping Frog The Chirping Frog on Sep 30, 2014
    From a design aspect I always try to incorporate curves into my landscape and concrete pathways..... just like how it flows.... so I'd keep it away....