Do I need to fill this gap between the foundation and the the patio?
by
Hristo
+15
Should it be filled with flexible material, such as backing rod and cement caulk?
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Hello Hristo, I would say yes you should fill it to reduce the risk of seepage into your home, the caulk should be flexible to allow expanding and contraction, hope this video helps you out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-mSRtAXNLY
here is more info for you
flex seal liquid you can pour it in the gap, brush it on, etc for seal you can find at Home Depot type stores
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7SY3E7V2ps
I would fill it, especially if you have a basement underneath, etc. We didn't have a gap filled where our patio door was and it caused some leaking down into our basement. Not a lot, but enough that it needed to be fixed.
It's quite deep, should I fill it in with something first (sand?) before I even put in a backing rod?
Fill it with a backer rod first then use cement caulk. Needs to be flexible.
Yes you can use a self leveling sealant. But it needs to be flexible or it will crack. The patio and foundation move differently.
I would fill it with sand or top soil first. then put backer rods on top and then seal it with a self leveling sealer.
No not if you don’t want to .you could cork it or put some mulch in it
Mortar or caulk should fix the issue and look good.
Pea gravel would allow for some shifting and drainage at the same time.
You could put sand behind it, filling the space that way. Then seal with caulking, but be sure the caulk you choose is flexible. Ask at the store, they will sell you the right one. You need flexible because the weather will make things contract and expand. You don't want to end up with cracks!
Just make sure whatever you use is flexible so it can with stand the contraction and expansion.
You need something flexible in there to fill the gap before you seal it. The weather hitting it will make an impact where it contracts and expands. I would suggest pea gravel or paver sand.
Way too deep for caulk. Sand will flush out easily, pea gravel will hold better and shift with the weather changes. Depending on the bottom concrete may just seep under the deck as you are putting it in and so you made need a thicker mix or two batches. So a batch half way with stone and sand and a filler at the top with no stone in it.