Lay new on top of old Patio Surface?

[Craig Farrall]

Hi all,

Apologies if this is in the correct area, but I am looking for some advice on a patio.

Basically I have concrete outside of my patio doors and I was wondering whether I would need to smash it up in order to add slabs, or whether I could just build on top of it?

I have attached an image of it to try and help.

Any suggestions and help on this as this is all new to me would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[footprints]

I had a similar situation at my last house I laid slabs on dabs of cement worked OK just check you have enough clearance for your DPC.

 

[Halitosis]

I've done it too - no problem. Ripping it up just to have to put down a "stable" base would be a waste of money (its about as stable as you could ask for!). Unless you're planning on using it as a driveway, then all bets are off

 

[lonner]

From the pic it looks like 9inch brickwork .
where does the rain drain away? As it looks very level in the photo.

If it was my house and i wanted to do this I'd probably remove the strip of concrete at the wall and fit an Acco drain .

 

[Craig Farrall]

Thanks for the advice everyone!

I have uploaded two images of the brickwork to help decipher the clearance for the DPC.

In terms of drainage, I assume this is done via the gap in the concrete. If you look at the picture where the outside mat is, there is a line that goes the entire length and I assume this is where is gets drained?

As I am wanting to extend this area into the grass, what's the best idea - would it be to concrete to the same level as the rest as the base, then build on top of this?

Appreciate everyones help!