Craving more outdoor living space but don’t want to ditch your beloved screened porch? You’re not alone! Expanding your oasis by adding a patio around your existing porch is a brilliant way to double your outdoor enjoyment. As with all outdoor projects, adding a patio to an existing screened porch is not void of unique challenges. In the last blog post of our three-part series, we dive into the nitty-gritty of this transformation, using the three tiered patio we recently built in Holly Springs as our guide.
Drainage Dilemmas:
Imagine a symphony of downspouts – one on each side of the porch, another by the patio entrance, and an AC drain joining the chorus, turning your side yard into a soggy mess. That’s where our story begins. The solution? Rerouting! Clever pipes became the conductors, guiding all that water flow away from the trouble zone, ensuring your new patio wouldn’t become a puddle paradise.
Foundation Fundamentals:
Now, let’s address the tricky wall connecting the porch and future patio. It might seem simple, but that flat surface presented a hidden hurdle. Enter the heroes: helical piers! These super-sized screws, drilled deep beneath the concrete slab, act as anchors, stabilizing the wall and preventing any unwanted leaning tendencies. Geogrid, a trusty reinforcing mesh, joined the team, adding extra muscle to keep the wall standing strong.
Preserving Your Porch Paradise:
Breathe easy, porch lovers! This transformation didn’t involve dismantling your beloved haven. The new patio floor seamlessly integrates with the existing slab, leaving your screened retreat untouched. No need to say goodbye to those breezy afternoons basking in the shade!
Double Drainage Delight:
This project wasn’t just about adding space; it was about building smart. A two-tiered drainage system ensures your new patio stays dry. The lower level combats sneaky “hydrostatic pressure,” while the upper level whisks away rainwater, turning your outdoor haven into a worry-free zone.
From Vision to Reality:
In the end, this project transformed a simple screened porch into a multi-dimensional outdoor oasis. So, if you’re dreaming of expanding your outdoor haven with a new patio, remember – drainage solutions, foundation finesse, and a little ingenuity can turn your vision into a reality you can live, breathe, and barbecue in! Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
